What causes ventricular septal defect in newborns?

Ventricular septal defect in newborns is a congenital heart disease, which is mainly caused by genetic factors, maternal environmental factors (external factors) and physiological abnormalities during fetal development. The occurrence of this disease requires scientific diagnosis and professional medical intervention.

1) Genetic factors

Genetics is one of the important causes of ventricular septal defect in newborns. If there is a congenital heart disease patient in the family, the probability of the newborn being born with this disease will increase. Certain gene mutations (such as GATA4 gene and NKX2.5 gene mutations) have also been shown to be related to this disease. In this case, eugenics guidance and genetic screening are particularly important.

2) Environmental factors (maternal factors)

The mother's exposure to adverse environmental factors during pregnancy may increase the risk of disease in the fetus. For example, infection with viral diseases such as rubella and syphilis in early pregnancy; exposure to toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde, mercury, lead, etc.; long-term exposure to high-radiation environments; drinking, smoking or drug abuse can interfere with the normal development of the fetal heart. Expectant mothers should have regular prenatal checkups during pregnancy and avoid exposure to high-risk environments.

3) Physiological factors (nutrition and own diseases)

Malnutrition during pregnancy, such as folic acid deficiency, can affect the normal development of the fetal heart. Metabolic diseases such as diabetes and thyroid dysfunction in mothers are also considered to be one of the important causes of ventricular septal defect. The risk of disease can be reduced through a reasonable diet, folic acid supplementation, and active management of chronic diseases.

4) Trauma and improper medication

Severe abdominal trauma during pregnancy may cause abnormal fetal development, and taking medications during pregnancy, including hormone drugs, certain antibiotics and sedatives, may increase the risk of congenital defects in the fetus. Expectant mothers need to take medication under the guidance of a doctor and avoid blindly trying self-treatment.

5) Pathological abnormalities during embryonic development

During early embryogenesis (6-8 weeks of gestation), the fetal heart begins to develop. If there is an abnormality during this developmental stage, the ventricular septum may not develop completely. Heart abnormalities are often related to the superposition of multiple factors, so the stability of the maternal internal and external environment is crucial.

How is a ventricular septal defect usually treated?

Depending on the severity of the defect and the newborn's physical signs, treatment of ventricular septal defect may include:

-Drug treatment: If the defect is small and heart function is good, digoxin-type cardiotonic drugs, diuretics, etc. can be used to relieve symptoms and strengthen heart function.

-Surgery: Larger defects usually require surgical repair. Common methods include patch repair surgery under extracorporeal circulation or transcatheter closure.

-Daily care: Regular check-ups, scientific feeding and avoiding infection are important guarantees for stable condition.

The occurrence of ventricular septal defect in newborns is mostly due to the combined effects of genetics, maternal environment, nutrition and other factors. In order to prevent such congenital diseases, we should start with guidance on eugenics during pregnancy, strengthen relevant examinations, and avoid high-risk risks. When the disease is diagnosed, parents should actively cooperate with doctors to develop scientific treatment plans to ensure the healthy growth of their children.