What causes ventricular septal defect in newborns?

Treatments for ventricular septal defect in newborns include surgical repair, drug therapy and regular monitoring. The causes of ventricular septal defect are mainly related to genetics, environmental factors, physiological developmental abnormalities, etc.

1. Genetic factors play an important role in neonatal ventricular septal defect. Fetuses with a history of congenital heart disease in their parents or family are at higher risk. Gene mutations or chromosomal abnormalities may lead to defects in heart development. Pregnant women with a family history are recommended to undergo prenatal genetic counseling and fetal cardiac ultrasound examinations for early detection and intervention.

2. Environmental factors such as exposure to harmful substances, infection with viruses or taking certain drugs during pregnancy may interfere with the normal development of the fetal heart. Pregnant women should avoid exposure to tobacco, alcohol, radiation, etc., pay attention to preventing infections such as rubella and cytomegalovirus, and use medications reasonably under the guidance of a doctor.

3. Physiological developmental abnormalities are the direct cause of ventricular septal defect. During the development of the fetal heart, the ventricular septum fails to close completely, resulting in an abnormal channel between the left and right ventricles. This situation may be related to the interference of the critical period of fetal heart development, and requires a clear diagnosis in combination with echocardiography and other examinations.

4. Surgical treatment is the main treatment for ventricular septal defect, including thoracotomy, minimally invasive interventional closure and hybrid surgery. Thoracotomy is suitable for cases with large or complex defects, minimally invasive interventional closure has less trauma and faster recovery, and hybrid surgery combines the advantages of thoracotomy and interventional techniques.

5. Drug treatment is mainly used to relieve symptoms or create conditions for surgery, such as using diuretics to reduce the burden on the heart, cardiotonic drugs to improve heart function, antibiotics to prevent infection, etc. For children with mild defects and no symptoms, regular monitoring can be used to observe changes in the condition, and some cases may close on their own.

Prevention and early intervention of ventricular septal defect in newborns are crucial. Pregnant women should pay attention to prenatal care, avoid exposure to harmful factors, undergo regular prenatal examinations and fetal heart screening, and choose appropriate treatment plans based on the condition after diagnosis. Timely surgery can significantly improve the prognosis and quality of life of the child.