RMHC CO Parent Feb 10 print_RMHC Colorado Parent 1/11/10 4:26 PM Page 1
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According to the American Heart Association, one out of every 100 infants born in the United States has a congenital heart defect. “Parents are quite surprised when they learn how common congenital heart defects are,” says Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon Steven Leonard, MD.
Although congenital heart defects are the most common birth defect, many are relatively minor and can be resolved on their own. But others can be severe, even threatening the life of a newborn.
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Congenital Heart Defects Possible Signs are structural problems with the heart that are present at birth. They form when a mishap occurs during heart development soon after conception. Defects can range in severity from simple problems such as “holes” between chambers of the heart to very severe malformations such as the absence of one or more chambers or valves.
Causes of Congenital Heart Defects Most congenital heart defects have no known cause. Mothers often wonder if something they did during pregnancy caused the heart problem. But in most cases, nothing can be attributed to the heart defect. Some heart diseases seen in children are also present in other family members, which may point to genetics. Other heart problems can occur if the mother had a disease while pregnant and was taking medications, such as anti-seizure medications. However, in 85 to
90 percent of the cases, there is no identifiable reason to explain why the heart defect occurred.
HealthONE’s new investment in children’s health care is the $120 million expansion facility at RMHC on the P/SL campus. The expansion project, adding 150,000 square feet, is scheduled to open late summer.
Severe heart disease generally becomes evident during the first few months after birth. Some
babies are blue or have very low blood pressure shortly after birth. Other defects cause breathing difficulties, feeding problems or poor weight gain. Minor defects, which rarely cause symptoms, are most often diagnosed during a routine medical checkup. And while most heart murmurs in children are normal, some may be caused by defects.
Comprehensive Treatment Drs. Steve Leonard and Damon Kennedy lead RMHC’s highly trained team in delivering comprehensive cardiothoracic surgical care for all children – from neonates to young adults – throughout the Rocky Mountain region, including Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and Nebraska. Dr. Kennedy, also a cardiothoracic surgeon at RMHC, understands how traumatic it can be for parents when they learn that their child may need heart surgery. “At RMHC, we work as a collaborative team so we can continue to provide the very best treatment possible for virtually every form of congenital heart defect. We understand the needs of family members and provide them with the level of respect and compassion they deserve,” he says.
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For more information on this subject, health tips and more, please visit www.RockyMountainHospitalForChildren.com
According to David Miller, MD, a pediatric cardiologist at RMHC, “Technology has significantly improved and revolutionized pediatric cardiology. Most people remember the days of open-heart surgery resulting in a large chest scar and many weeks of recovery. Now, thanks to technology, catheter-based procedures are used, resulting in the same level of success with tiny incisions and much less recovery time. In fact, many patients go home the same day.” “Diagnostic imaging has played a major role in the advancement of pediatric care,” says Miller.
“Because of the advances in imaging, many times we can find the source of the problem before the baby is born. The sophisticated three-dimensional imaging helps us make real-time decisions, which can lead to improved outcomes.” However, some patients — even newborns — may need more invasive care. In these cases, Dr. Miller, or one of his associates from Rocky Mountain Pediatric Cardiology, works with Drs. Kennedy and Leonard to collaborate on the diagnosis and plan for procedures and treatments to achieve the best possible result.
“In addition to the diagnostic imaging, it is critical for a pediatric heart program to have the resources available for those patients who may need additional lung and heart help. Our ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) systems provide this temporary cardiac and pulmonary support,” adds Leonard.
FamilyCentered Care at RMHC RMHC understands that when a child is ill, the entire family is affected. Our responsibility in providing care is not only to the child but also to the parents, siblings, grandparents and anyone closely involved in the patient’s care. “Keeping all lines of communication open between the family and physicians is the foundation for success,” says Leonard.
RMHC at Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center is the ideal environment for expecting parents to deliver their baby. Expert-level perinatologists, neonatologists, pediatric cardiologists and pediatric cardiovascular surgeons, along with a pediatric ICU, are located in one facility – ready to provide you and your family with the comprehensive, quality care you need and deserve.
To learn more about pediatric heart care at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children or to schedule a consultation, please call Rocky Mountain Pediatric Cardiology at 303-860-9933 or Rocky Mountain Pediatric Heart Surgery at 720-457-8790.
RMHC CO Parent Feb 10 print_RMHC Colorado Parent 1/11/10 4:26 PM Page 4
Physician Resources Guide Physician Referral Line: 1-877-752-2737 pslmc.com Reginald L. MD Reginald L.Washington, Washington, MD
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