A timely diagnosis during pregnancy allowed a medical team to plan in advance the care that Fernando would need, a baby who was born with a complex heart condition and who required specialized care a few hours after his arrival into the world.
María Isabel, a resident of the Dominican Republic, was expecting the birth of her second child when, during a prenatal check-up, she received the news that the baby had a congenital heart defect. From that moment on, together with her family, she began coordinating for the delivery to take place in South Florida, near a center capable of handling pediatric cardiac emergencies.
After his birth, Fernando was transferred to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Heart Institute, where specialists confirmed that he suffered from tetralogy of Fallot, a rare condition that affects the structure and function of the heart.
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This condition is characterized by the presence of several cardiac alterations that hinder the normal flow of blood to the lungs and the rest of the body. Among them are the narrowing of the outflow tract to the pulmonary artery and a ventricular septal defect, that is, an opening between the lower chambers of the heart.
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Thanks to early detection and the medical team’s preparation before birth, Fernando was able to receive immediate care and be evaluated by specialists in pediatric cardiology and cardiovascular surgery.
Health professionals highlight that prenatal check-ups and specialized studies during pregnancy are fundamental tools for identifying congenital conditions in time, allowing for the organization of treatment strategies that increase the chances of recovery and well-being for newborns.
Fernando’s story reflects the importance of early diagnosis, medical planning, and access to specialized units to face heart diseases that can present themselves from the very first moments of life.
