my 3.5yr old baby has a bicuspid aortic valve fr birth. will he grow properly ph!
Question:
Answers:
Talk to your DR.
What are the effects of this defect on my child's health?
Bicuspid aortic valve alone does not cause symptoms unless significant obstruction or leakage develop. Since the narrowing tends to increase over time and can progress during childhood, follow-up by a specialist is needed.
Children with bicuspid valve are at increased risk for subacute bacterial endocarditis (SBE). This is an infection of the heart caused by bacteria in the blood stream. Children with heart defects are more prone to this problem because of the altered flow of blood through the heart. It can occur after dental work or medical procedures on the GI or respiratory tract because these procedures almost always result in some bacteria entering the blood. SBE can usually be prevented by taking an antibiotic before these procedures.
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How is this problem diagnosed?
Symptoms: Bicuspid aortic valve without aortic stenosis does not cause any symptoms.
Physical findings: The presence of an extra heart sound called a "click" and a heart murmur alert the doctor to the possible diagnosis. Since the findings can be quite subtle, the diagnosis may not be made until later childhood or even adulthood.
Medical tests: The suspected diagnosis is confirmed by an echocardiogram. Other tests include an electrocardiogram and chest x-ray.
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How is the defect treated?
Treatment is needed only if the valve becomes obstructed or leaky. See section on treatment of aortic stenosis for more information.
What are the long-term health issues for these children?
SBE prophylaxis: SBE prophylaxis is needed as outlined above.
Exercise guidelines: An individual exercise program is best planned with the doctor so that all factors can be included. Generally, there are no restrictions needed for children with bicuspid aortic valve as long as there is there is no or only slight valve obstruction or leakage.
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References
Beppu S, Suzuki S, Matsuda H et al. Rapidity of progression of aortic stenosis in patients with congenital bicuspid aortic valves. Amer J Cardiol 1993;71:322-327.
Written by: S. LeRoy RN, MSN
Reviewed by D. Crowley, MD
April, 2003
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Other Answers:
Shouldn't you be checking with doctors rather than asking for opinions? What did the doctors tell you? If narrowing or leakage of the valve becomes severe enough to require operation, your doctor will explain this to you in more detail. In many cases, bicuspid aortic valves do not require any intervention in childhood. A pediatric cardiologist will make specific recommendations for activity restrictions for each patient based on the severity of the valve narrowing or leakage. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=991
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I have MVP-mytral valve prolapse-similar apparently.
Best way is to ask your paediatrician, they can give much better advice than anyone on here as they know the full medical history of the child.
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