Q: Which specialist do I consult for treatment of heart disease in my child?
A: You have to consult your pediatrician who will then refer you to a pediatric cardiologist/cardiothoracic surgeon for further management as appropriate.
Q: When is the ideal time to have surgery for truncus arteriosus?
A: It is best to have surgery before your baby is two months old when results are optimal with good outcomes.
Q: Will more surgeries be necessary at a later date?
A: Yes. The conduit that was used to construct the pulmonary artery will not grow with your child requiring a second surgery at a later date.
Q: What happens if surgery is not done for truncus?
A: Untreated truncus leads to complications and death, usually in the first year of life.
Q: What are the chances of another child being affected from a future pregnancy?
A: It depends on the cause of the defect in the first instance. If there is family history of heart disease, the risk could be higher. Talk to your general practitioner or family physician who may refer you to a genetic counselor for further advice and investigations.
Q: Can developmental heart defects be diagnosed before birth?
A: Yes. If there are known risk factors, undergo a fetal echocardiogram between 18 and 24 weeks during pregnancy, which will provide detailed information about the heart. This test usually takes about 45 minutes. Depending on the results, suitable precautions and preparations can be made appropriately to ensure the best prognosis.
