What is VACTERL Association
Cardiac
Between 40% to 80% of babies with VACTERL Association have a cardiac defect.
The severity of the defect varies widely from child to child. [1]
The most common abnormality is a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD). This is a hole in the wall separating the two lower chambers of the heart.
Some children require surgery if the defect does not close on its own or if it significantly affects circulation.
Congenital heart defects (CHD) can have a lifetime impact on health, education, work and social outcomes. [2]
Other heart defects can occur either alone or alongside a VSD.
These may include:
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Atrial Septal Defects (ASD's)
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Patent Ductus Atreriosus (PDA)
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Tetralogy of Fallot
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Transposition of the great arteries
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Valvular abnormalities
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Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (this is rare)
N.B. descriptions of the Terms used here can be found in the Glossary section.
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