Summary about Disease
Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD), also known as atrioventricular canal defect (AV canal defect) or endocardial cushion defect, is a congenital heart defect characterized by holes between the heart's chambers (atria and ventricles) and abnormalities of the tricuspid and mitral valves (which may be fused into a single common valve). This allows blood to flow abnormally between all four chambers of the heart. It can be partial (incomplete) or complete, depending on the extent of the defect.
Symptoms
Symptoms of AVSD can vary depending on the severity of the defect. Common symptoms include:
Fatigue
Poor feeding and weight gain
Rapid breathing
Shortness of breath
Cyanosis (bluish tint to the skin, lips, and nails)
Frequent respiratory infections
Heart murmur
Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet (in severe cases).
Causes
AVSD is a congenital heart defect, meaning it is present at birth. The exact cause is often unknown, but it is believed to be multifactorial, involving genetic and environmental factors during fetal development. It is more common in children with Down syndrome.
Medicine Used
Medications are often used to manage symptoms before surgery. Common medications include:
Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide): To reduce fluid buildup in the lungs and body.
Digoxin: To improve the heart's pumping ability.
ACE inhibitors: To help lower blood pressure and ease the heart's workload. Antibiotics are used to prevent endocarditis before or after surgery when indicated.
Is Communicable
No, Atrioventricular Septal Defect is not a communicable disease. It is a congenital heart defect and cannot be transmitted from person to person.
Precautions
Since AVSD is a congenital condition, there are no specific precautions to prevent it after birth. Genetic counseling may be considered for families with a history of congenital heart defects. Before surgical correction, it is important to:
Follow the cardiologist's instructions regarding medication and care.
Maintain good hygiene to prevent infections.
How long does an outbreak last?
AVSD is not an infectious disease and does not involve outbreaks. It is a structural heart defect present from birth.
How is it diagnosed?
AVSD is usually diagnosed during infancy or early childhood. Diagnostic methods include:
Physical examination: Listening for heart murmurs and observing for signs of heart failure.
Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart to visualize the structure and function of the heart chambers and valves.
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): To measure the electrical activity of the heart.
Chest X-ray: To evaluate the size and shape of the heart and lungs.
Cardiac catheterization: In some cases, to measure pressures in the heart and lungs and assess blood flow.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms varies based on the severity of the AVSD:
Severe AVSD: Symptoms like rapid breathing, poor feeding, and cyanosis may be apparent within the first few weeks or months of life.
Partial AVSD: Symptoms may be milder and may not be noticed until later in infancy or childhood, such as fatigue or frequent respiratory infections. The symptoms can gradually worsen over time if the defect is not corrected.
Important Considerations
Surgical repair is usually necessary to correct AVSD, ideally in infancy.
Lifelong follow-up with a cardiologist is essential to monitor heart function and manage any potential complications.
Children with AVSD may require prophylactic antibiotics before certain dental or surgical procedures to prevent endocarditis.
The long-term prognosis after surgical repair is generally good, but some individuals may develop complications such as heart valve problems, arrhythmias, or pulmonary hypertension.