What causes the hypoplastic syndrome of the left heart?
The causes of the hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) remain elusive. There is no only gene dysfunction that could point to it or to maternal behavior that always predicts it. In general, doctors believe that HLHS is caused by numerous factors. These include inheritance, gender, the presence of other syndromes and occasionally the mother's behavior. Some doctors believe that this process can start in the eighth week of fetal life. One theory is that mitral valves and aorta develop incorrectly and block blood flow on the left atrium and chamber. Without nutrient -rich blood, these structures cannot grow.
The reason for initial abnormalities is not explained, which means that the basic cause of this condition is still mysterious. In recent years, ME has proposed a connection between smaller left -wing cardiac defects, especially aorta and greater risk of HLH. The condition may be more likely to occur in children with parents, aunts or uncles or grandparents who have left -wing defects. Scientists also knowthat parents with one child with HLHS are more likely to have another child with the condition.
Another factor that seems to be a partial cause of the hypoplastic left heart syndrome is gender. Boys have this condition more often than girls and can represent about 75% of all HLHS cases. This suggests that the sex itself can increase the risk.
Several genetic states are associated with HLHS. These include Holt-Oram, Turner and Noonan syndromes. However, such conditions are not under -dimensioned by the left side of the heart and can cause additional heart defects.
Although neingle maternal behavior is identified as the cause of the hypoplastic left heart syndrome, there are some things that can increase the risk of all heart defects. It has been shown that the use of some illegal or prescribed drugs increases the chances of abnormal heart fetal development. Non -compliance with folic acid before CzechIn the early pregnancy, it is now also reliably associated with more likely heart defects.
Despite these known potential causes, it is not so unusual that the child is born with HLHS without owning any risk factors for this condition. When this happens, it emphasizes the belief that the cause of the hypoplastic left heart syndrome is multifactorial. In other words, it arises for many reasons.
Scientists have not yet discovered the exact combination of factors responsible for HLHS and it is possible that it may not be. The condition is always fatal without surgical intervention, which is usually performed in the first few days of life. HLHS is not in -day treatable, but a number of presented operations or heart transplantation can prolong life for years.