Transposition of the Great Arteries Heart Defect Risk

The pulmonary artery and aorta carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the other tissues of the body. In those with a heart defect known as transposition of the great arteries, these blood vessels switch locations with each other. This transposition results in serious complications.

Transposition of the Great Arteries Risk Factors

Transposition of the great arteries has several risk factors. They include the following:

• Alcoholism in the mother
• Poor prenatal nutrition
• Diabetes
• Mother over 40
• Rubella during pregnancy
• Viruses during pregnancy

Cyanotic Heart Defect

Physicians refer to transposition of the great arteries as a cyanotic heart defect. This means the heart defect decreases the amount of oxygen the heart pumps to body tissues. Low oxygen levels caused by transposition of the great arteries cause shortness of breath. This heart defect also causes the skin to acquire a bluish-purple color when oxygen levels drop below normal.

Abnormal Oxygen Delivery

In healthy people without this heart defect, veins deliver blood to the heart. The heart sends the blood to the lungs for oxygen. Oxygenated blood returns to the heart for transport to the rest of the body. In people with a heart defect like transposition of the great arteries, oxygenated blood goes back to the lungs instead of the heart. The veins deliver deoxygenated blood to the heart and the heart returns it to the body without sending the blood to the lungs for oxygen.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Children with transposition of the great arteries tend to have bluish skin, poor feeding habits, clubbed fingers, shortness of breath and clubbed toes. Physicians use diagnostic tests such as the ECG, cardiac catheterization, echocardiogram and chest X-ray to diagnose transposition of the great arteries. They also use a pulse oximeter to check the oxygen levels of children known to have this heart defect.

Treatment Options for Transposition of the Great Arteries

A baby born with transposition of the arteries needs immediate administration of prostaglandin via IV. This medication allows the two circulations in the cardiac system to mix together, sending oxygen to the body tissues. Surgeons use the atrial switch procedure to permanently correct transposition of the great arteries.

Heart Defect Complications

Although many infants who undergo the atrial switch procedure for transposition of the great arteries live normal lives, others develop complications. Possible complications of transposition of the great arteries include heart valve problems and abnormal heart rhythms. Children with this heart defect require regular monitoring.

If your child developed transposition of the great arteries during your pregnancy, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Contact one of our experienced Chaffin Luhana lawyers at 1-888-480-1223 for a free consultation. One of our lawyers will conduct an immediate review of your case.