tricuspid regurgitation in a baby - Never told before the birth

[Siobhans]

My baby was born 11 days past his due date at a healthy 9lb 9oz (4.25kg) I was induce and took a severe allergic reaction to the gel and the nurse was worried about the baby’s heart monitor . 4 hours later I was rushed into an emergency C section, as I was told my baby had fetal distress. I had 6 scans before the baby’s birth and NOTHING was once said about the tricuspid regurgitation until he got sick the next day after his birth and then it wasn’t until he went into ICU and it was 4 days later I was told about his tricuspid regurgitation. I am just wondering if the tricuspid regurgitation can be caused by fetal distress? I.e. from my reaction to the gel and not being rinsed out or the baby taking a reaction to the gel, or me being left to long in labour???? Many thanks for reading this.

[Siobhans]

Hi thanks very much for your quick response, there is no other symptoms at all other then the tricuspid valve regurgitation which the consultant says is torrential flooding, we spent 6 weeks in ICU and another 2 on a ward. He is on 3 medications for the heart and is on the medicine indefinitely as he is now 8 months old. I really just want peace of mind after I was treated badly at the hospital and the reaction to the gel in which I got hot and cold temperature and sickness and the lost the baby's heartbeat on the tracing machine. Again thank you for your information and any other information or advice would be grateful received as I am in limbo here! Siobhan.

[kenkeith]

Are there any other health issues such an enlarged right ventricle or right atrium?  Are there any congenital anomalies of the heart?  If there is mild leakage of the tricuspid valve that shouldn't present any serious health problems.

There is no evidence that fetal distress would be the underlying cause for valve leakage, etc.  It is more likely there may be a slight problem where the valve leaflets do not close the valve opening tightly enough to prevent some back flow of blood.  If it is serious there would be an enlarged right ventricle and the doctors would have known that.  To have minor leaking valve is not unusual, does it progress nor cause symptoms.

Sorry to hear of your son's medical issue, but I think because the MVR did not present any observable clinical signs while under the care of a doctor for a period of time indicates that the valve issue is not serious.  Many adults go through life with a mild regurg without any problems or limitations.

Hope this helps and thanks for sharing.  If you have any followup questions you are welcome to respond.  Take care.