Children's Hearts... Diagnosis Begins Before Birth
Kuwait has three specialists in fetal cardiology
Services begin in the first minutes after birth and continue until age 15
In an interview with KUNA on Saturday, Al-Hudhud stated that heart diseases in children include congenital defects, myocardial and valve problems, chamber abnormalities, and cardiac electrical disorders, in addition to acquired diseases and the impact of certain treatments, such as chemotherapy, on myocardial efficiency.
She explained that the advancement of fetal cardiology as a specialty has enabled the diagnosis of heart diseases in the fetus starting from the 21st and 22nd weeks of pregnancy, and the monitoring of congenital defects, valve, muscle, and artery issues, heart chamber size, and arrhythmias until delivery. She noted that Kuwait has three specialists in fetal cardiology.
She added that early diagnosis helps in formulating a comprehensive plan for delivery and treatment, coordinated among obstetricians, neonatologists, and pediatric cardiologists, ensuring proper management of the condition from the first moments of life.
She mentioned that pediatric cardiology services begin in the first minutes after birth and continue until the age of 15, with the possibility of monitoring some cases into older ages depending on the nature of the disease. She pointed out that her oldest current patient is 32 years old.
Al-Hudhud clarified that the operational framework at the Chest Diseases Hospital includes specialties such as fetal cardiology, pediatric cardiology care, pediatric cardiac surgery, cardiac electrophysiology, and diagnostic and therapeutic cardiac catheterization, alongside non-invasive imaging using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). It also involves collaboration with the Ghunaima Al-Ghanim Center to conduct genetic tests related to heart diseases.
Regarding persons with disabilities, including children with Down syndrome, she explained that management depends on the nature of the cardiac problem, although some cases require early intervention and close monitoring due to accompanying health issues.
She noted that a child with Down syndrome and a ventricular septal defect may require early intervention due to the higher likelihood of rapid pulmonary hypertension. Subsequent monitoring involves other factors that may affect the heart, such as weight, blood pressure, thyroid function, cholesterol, and diabetes.
She indicated that the workload in the pediatric cardiology unit reflects the growing demand for its services. The unit employs six consultants and 14 physicians who perform cardiac ultrasounds, receiving approximately 1,400 patients monthly during morning sessions and between 500 to 700 patients during evening sessions.
She stated that the current waiting time for morning appointments is about two weeks, while evening appointments can often be scheduled on the same day or the following day in some cases. She emphasized that increasing the number of doctors, clinics, and equipment will help reduce waiting times and allow more time for each patient and their family.
