Treatment:

Some children may need to stay in the hospital so they can receive oxygen or be put on a breathing machine.

Medication, such as digoxin, diuretics, antiarrhythmics, and prostaglandins, may be prescribed.

The treatment of choice for many congenital heart diseases is surgery to repair the defect. There are many types of surgery, depending on the type of birth defect.

Some patients may need a permanent pacemaker.

Expectations (prognosis):

See the specific disorder. Some of these conditions may unfortunately cause sudden death.

Complications:

Complications of cyanotic heart disease include:

• Heart failure
• Polycythemia
• Arrhythmias
• Stroke
• Infectious endocarditis
• Brain abscess
• Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
• Impaired growth
• Pulmonary hypertension

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if your baby develops cyanosis (bluish skin) or if breathing seems difficult.