I am not aware of all of the facts in this case, as I don't know why the doctor wants to consult a renal specialist. I am not, also, a pediatric cardiologist. But the major problem here is not the hypertrophy of the ventricles but the presence of the VSDs. The question is what kind of VSDs and what is the magnitude of the shunt; in adults we perform TEEs and RHCs to address these issues, and they may also be performed in infants, but since I am not a pediatric cardiologist I would't know exactly how these issues are addressed in infants.
Most infant VSDs do close spontaneously.
The reason the cardiologist said we may need to consult a renal specialist is that her BP was on the highest end of the normal range. Apparently, she's concerned about the possibility of her kidneys not functioning correctly, and causing an elevation in Ruby's blood pressure. The VSDs are very small, and have not changed since 11/27/06.
Melissa
I forgot to mention that at the time the VSDs were diagnosed, the cardiologist stated that blood from the lower right side was leaking slightly into the left side, which was not as much of a concern as if it was the other way around. I'm just going by memory, so this is pretty much all the info I have right now.
Thank you for posting. I do appreciate it.
Melissa
Hi my son was 3 months old when he had his VERY LARGE VSD closed. he also had a hole on the upper part of his heart (ASD and another issue) these didn't require surgery however they stitched them close since they were in there already. the holes may take a while to close. my son also had the issue of the blood going the wrong way and he still does however not all of the time.. his BP at times can get a little high.
You little one will probablly be okay. Your doctor may just want to be on the caution side of things, which trust me that is way a head of where I am at. your daughter's weight is good, which means she is thriving so I wouldn't worry about the heart. my 4 year old is only 33 pounds and he was born at 8 pounds even.
good luck and I hope things work out okay..
by the way if she does for whatever reason, need surgery, she will be okay. Now and days with the way technology is, they are way ahead. As Cree Cree's cardiac surgeon said (his real name is christopher) I DO THESE SURGERIES ALL OF THE TIME I COULD DO IT WITH MY EYES SHUT.
I know it is easier said then done when I say try not to worry, your daughter can sense your stress and it could put stress on her which isn't good for any little duffer.
Again good luck
Michelle
Thank you very much for the good thoughts and the info. Its just hard when your littlest one has something wrong with her heart, and you really don't know what to expect.
I have four other children, ages 10 (tomorrow!), 7, and 3. I am doing my best to keep things as "normal" as possible, and give them a great Christmas.
(((BIG HUG))) to you and Christopher.
Melissa