The intensive care of infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome
- Correspondence to:
Dr L Shekerdemian
Intensive Care Unit, Royal Children’s Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia; lara.shekerdemianrch.org.au
- Accepted 7 June 2004
Abstract
Until a little over two decades ago, hypoplastic left heart syndrome was considered an inoperable and fatal condition, with most deaths occurring in early infancy, and almost all of those affected dying before their first birthday. However, the advent of surgical palliation and advances in peri-operative care, have offered hope to these patients and their families.
- ASD, atrial septal defect
- ECLS, extracorporeal life support
- HLHS, hypoplastic left heart syndrome
- PVR, pulmonary vascular resistance
Footnotes
-
↵* Markers of systemic hypoperfusion with a high risk of end-organ dysfunction; persistent tachypnoea
-
↵† Perinatal asphyxia and metabolic acidosis in the “collapsed” neonate; coronary hypoperfusion in the infant with excessive pulmonary flow
-
↵‡ Ventilate initially using FiO2 0.21, PEEP 4–5 cm H2O
-
Competing interests: none declared
