Feeding and Swallowing Issues in Infants With Congenital Heart Defects
Presented by Hema Desai
Nonfinancial: Hema Desai has no competing nonfinancial interests or relationships with regard to the content presented in this course.
Infants with congenital heart defects (CHD) are at high risk for feeding and swallowing difficulties secondary to prenatal, perioperative, and postoperative sequelae, which are not always considered when working with this population. This course will benefit clinicians working with this population by providing an overview of common congenital heart defects, including anatomy and pathophysiology. Prenatal and postnatal consequences of congenital heart defects as well as postoperative complications can affect the timing and safety of initiation of oral feeding, resulting in disruptions to typical development. The impact of congenital heart defects on various body systems and how they affect feeding and swallowing development will also be discussed.
Meet your instructor
Hema Desai
Hema Desai is an inpatient speech pathologist who has worked with infants and children with feeding and swallowing disorders since 2000. She has her board-certification specialties in swallowing and swallowing disorders (BCS-S) and neonatal touch and massage (NTMTC) and is a clinical lactation education counselor (CLEC). Hema…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Overview of Congenital Heart Defects (CHD)
Congenital heart defects are the most common type of birth anomaly, affecting up to one in 100 children. Survival rate for these infants has increased due to improvements in medical technology and surgery techniques. Evidence from research in this population points to need for more therapeutic intervention to mitigate high risk for developmental concerns.
2. Pathophysiology of CHD
Congenital heart defects are classified based on anatomic variations and amount of blood flow to the lungs and rest of the body. Understanding the general pathophysiology of common heart defects is important when assessing and managing feeding challenges in these infants to set appropriate expectations for optimal skill building without compromising growth.
3. Perioperative and Postoperative Considerations in CHD
There are various perioperative and postoperative risk factors for feeding and swallowing difficulties in infants with congenital heart defects. Lifesaving procedures during and after surgery can result in high risk for neurological and nerve injury, which can impact the ability for the infant to feed orally.
4. Neurodevelopmental Considerations Affecting Oral Feeding and Swallowing
Infants with congenital heart defects are at high risk for neurological immaturity and injury resulting in challenges with developmental activities, including acquisition of safe and efficient oral feeding and swallowing skills.
5. Consequences of Cardiac Surgery Affecting Oral Feeding and Swallowing
Timing of initiation of oral feeding is often delayed secondary to cardiac surgery, ranging from side effects of sedation medications to nerve injury and poor gastrointestinal tolerance. This disruption in acquisition of typical oral feeding skills can result in nutritional deficits impacting growth and development.
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