The preoperative management of severe neonatal left ventricular outflow obstruction

Newborn infants with severe left heart obstruction are extremely difficult to manage prior to mechanical correction of the lesion. This article describes the pathophysiology of the condition, its presentation, how to confirm the diagnosis and management of both the moribund, critically ill baby and the stable, relatively well infant. Also included are short sections on the problems associated with the use of prostaglandin E, inhaled oxygen and on the chronic management of low birthweight babies with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.