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Dear DT,
I'm sorry you have had to go
through so much with your little ones already
About 1 in every 100
children born have some type of a heart defect. The causes of heart
defects are probably a result of the combination of the environment and
the child's predisposition to heart defects.
Changes or mutations in
genes or chromosomes (our genetic make up) are possible causes. Other
causes which are termed "environmental" can include viruses, and mothers
who drink alcohol heavily (as examples).
The risk is higher if heart
defects "run in the family", e.g. mom or dad have a history of one.
While I include all of these
possibilities, most of the defects are unexplained. This is important
because sometimes parents feel as if they have done something wrong to
have a child born with a heart defect, but, in fact, they have not done
anything wrong.
I would really recommend you
see a genetics counselor. The most important thing for you to do is to
discuss your question with a genetics counselor who can be more
scientific and specific. A genetics counselor is someone who is trained
in predicting illnesses in future children.
The counselor will need to
run some tests on you and the father of your children. If you call the
cardiac program (where your children were) they should be able to direct
you to one (if they can't help you, let me know and I will help you find
one near you).
It's difficult to answer
your question, because chances could run anywhere from 8 to 50%, all of
which are dependent on your previous 2 children's types of defects, your
family history, and you and your spouse's particular genetic make up.
That really doesn't narrow
it down for you. I know that you are very concerned, and do not want
another baby to have to go through what you and your other children did.
Set up an appointment, and get your answers.
Thank you for your question.
Dr. Mike
This
article was reviewed
04/23/2010 07:24 AM
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