Cost of HLHS in India

This is complex and rare congenital (present at birth) heart defect. The left side of the heart is critically underdeveloped in hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The left side of the heart can’t effectively pump blood to the body. Instead, the right side of the heart must pump blood to the lungs and to the rest of the body.

May include:

• Grayish-blue skin color (cyanosis)
• Rapid, difficult breathing
• Poor feeding
• Cold hands and feet
• Weak pulse
• Being unusually drowsy or inactive

May be asked for:

• Ultrasound
• Echo

Medication

Breathing assistance

Intravenous fluids

Feeding tube

Atrial septostomy Surgery Several surgical procedures will likely be needed to treat hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

These are:

Norwood procedure: Performed within the first two weeks of the child’s life.

Bi-directional Glenn procedure: Performed between 3 and 6 months of age.

Fontan procedure: Performed between 18 and 4 years of age. Another surgical option is a heart transplant.

May include:

Tiring easily with participating in sports or other exercise

Heart rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmias)

Fluid buildup in the lungs, abdomen, legs and feet (edema)

Growth restriction