Al-Hudhud: Kuwait has three specialists in fetal and pediatric cardiology
Dr. Sandous Al-Hadhdhod, a pediatric and fetal cardiology consultant and head of the Pediatric Cardiac Sonar Unit in the outpatient clinics at the Chest Diseases Hospital, emphasized the importance of pediatric and fetal cardiology in the early diagnosis and therapeutic management of heart diseases from the earliest stages of a child’s life.
Speaking to KUNA, Al-Hadhdhod stated that heart diseases in children include congenital defects, myocardial and valvular issues, chamber abnormalities, and electrical conduction problems, as well as acquired diseases and the side effects of certain treatments. She noted that advances in fetal cardiology have enabled the detection of numerous cases before birth.
She added that fetal heart disease diagnosis can begin at weeks 21 and 22 of pregnancy, with ongoing monitoring of congenital defects, valvular and myocardial issues, arterial conditions, chamber sizes, and arrhythmias until delivery. She pointed out that there are currently three fetal cardiology specialists in Kuwait.
Al-Hadhdhod explained that early diagnosis allows for the preparation of a comprehensive plan for delivery and treatment, coordinated among obstetrics, neonatology, and pediatric cardiology teams, ensuring readiness to manage the condition from the first minutes after birth.
**Advancements in Therapeutic Catheterization**
Al-Hadhdhod noted that therapeutic catheterization has brought about a qualitative leap in treating pediatric heart diseases, contributing to the reduction of open-heart surgeries, particularly in addressing certain valvular problems and closing heart defects.
She added that advancements in the manufacturing of valves and medical devices have enabled therapeutic interventions for children weighing as little as 9 to 10 kilograms, whereas previously some procedures required the child to weigh around 20 to 25 kilograms.
She highlighted that a benefit of certain therapeutic catheterization procedures is the possibility of the child leaving the hospital on the same day, rather than staying for longer periods in the hospital or intensive care unit. She confirmed that the decision between catheterization and surgery depends on the nature of the case and the assessment of the specialized medical team.
**A Comprehensive System**
She clarified that the operational system at the Chest Diseases Hospital encompasses fetal cardiology, pediatric cardiac intensive 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). The hospital also collaborates with the Ghunaima Al-Ghanim Center for genetic testing related to heart diseases.
Al-Hadhdhod explained that pediatric cardiology services begin within the first minutes after birth and continue until the age of 15, with some cases followed up into older ages depending on the nature of the illness. She noted that her oldest current patient is 32 years old.
**1,400 Patients Monthly**
Al-Hadhdhod revealed that the pediatric cardiology unit includes six consultants, while 14 doctors perform cardiac sonar examinations. The unit receives approximately 1,400 patients monthly during morning sessions, in addition to 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 provided 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 patients and their families.
Regarding children with Down syndrome, she explained that management depends on the specific cardiac issue, but some cases require early intervention and close monitoring due to accompanying health problems. She noted that a child with a ventricular septal defect may need early intervention due to the higher risk of rapid pulmonary hypertension.
Al-Hadhdhod affirmed that the family is a fundamental partner in the treatment journey of a child with heart disease, through monitoring their condition, adhering to appointments, and addressing their health and social needs. She praised the Ministry of Health’s support for developing precise medical specialties and training personnel, and called on young doctors to pursue pediatric cardiology to meet the growing need for expertise in this field.
