Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is one of the last forms of congenital heart disease to yield to effective treatment. Over the past 20 years major advances in diagnostics, surgical intervention, and our understanding of the pathophysiology of HLHS - much of it developed at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia - has led to marked improvement in overall outcome for children born with this complex form of congenital heart disease. The extensive experience with over 1,000 consecutive cases of HLHS treated at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia forms the basis of knowledge for this book. Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome is a complete compendium of the "state-of-the-art" on the subject of HLHS and related conditions. The spectrum of topics covered include: genetics and prenatal evaluation, diagnostic assessment, pre- and post-operative management, latest developments in surgical strategies, as well as short and intermediate term outcomes. Sections on quality of life issues such as neurological status, feeding, and late complications are also included. Unique chapters on the impact of congenital heart disease on health care economics, concerns of the pediatrician caring for these patients, and a poignant chapter offering thoughts from a patient and families with HLHS round out the book. Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome is a single source, complete text for cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, nurses, pediatricians, parents and others who care for, or have an interest in, this complex congenital heart anomaly.