Nationally, the incidence of Heart Defects is 1 out of every 125 newborns. But in the state of Wisconsin, the rate is 1 out of every 74 newborns. Why? That’s what everyone wants to know, that’s why the Wisconsin Pediatric Cardiac Registry has been created. Click here to go to their website, and here to see some preliminary results. Maddy is a part of this registry. While she was still in the hospital I filled out the huge packet of paper work. They asked everything ranging from what type of cleaning products you use to the type of industry you work in or live near. They took blood samples from Maddy (before any transfusions), samples of her meconium, and DNA. Also DNA & blood from, Tony, Tristyn & I. I hope that in some small way the information we gave them will help answer some questions.
The national incidence for her particular defect (TGA) is about 2-3 in every 10,000 live births. The most common heart defect is ventricular septal defect (VSD), a hole in the wall dividing the left and right ventricles of the heart. I wonder what the statistics are for these in Wisconsin?
On a side note, Maddy and Tristyn both got their MedicAlert bracelets about 2 weeks ago. I don’t anticipate anything happening with Madilyn’s heart, but once you’re a heart mom you’re always a heart mom. She does have scar tissue where her aorta and pulmonary arteries were reattached, which could create a weak spot, and in an accident you just never know what could happen. As for Tristyn, she doesn’t have any medical conditions, but in an emergency she may have difficulty communicating.
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