What Is A Common Arterial Trunk And What Are Its Causes
A common arterial trunk (CAT) is a rare congenital heart defect that occurs in infants when the aorta and the pulmonary artery are connected to the same vessel. This means that both the oxygenated and deoxygenated blood flow through this single vessel. CAT is usually diagnosed during pregnancy due to its association with other birth defects. It is estimated that one in every 10,000 babies born have this condition, making it one of the rarest congenital heart defects. The exact cause of CAT is unknown but it has been linked to genetic mutations as well as environmental factors such as maternal diabetes or alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Treatment for CAT varies depending on its severity and can include medication, surgery, or even a combination of both.
Understanding the Symptoms of Common Arterial Trunk in Infants
Arterial trunk is a major branch of the carotid artery in the neck. This artery supplies oxygenated blood to the brain and body. It is also called a vertebral artery. The symptoms of arterial trunk include:
● Cyanosis – Blueness in skin due to decreased oxygenation in blood, caused by obstruction of the arterial trunk or its branches. The baby’s lips and nails may turn blue as well.
Blue babies are a sign of a serious condition called cyanosis. They are often referred to as “blue babies” because they have a bluish complexion and lips. This condition can be caused by an underlying health problem, but it can also be the result of a reaction to certain medications or toxins. The symptoms of blue baby syndrome vary depending on the age of the infant and how long they have been suffering from this condition. Some of these symptoms include:
● Cyanosis is when the skin’s color changes from pink or red to blue or gray
● Shortness of breath
● Rapid breathing
● Rapid heartbeat
● Low blood pressure
● Weak pulse
● As the baby ages, they will experience more symptoms such as: Difficulty sleeping and a lack of appetite, High fever, Rapid weight loss, Tachycardia or rapid heart rate.
Arterial trunk is a major branch of the carotid artery in the neck. This artery supplies oxygenated blood to the brain and body. The symptoms of arterial trunk include:
● Soreness and tingling in fingers or hands.
● Difficulty moving a portion of your body such as your hand or foot, especially when you try to do so against resistance. This may be because an area has been damaged by a blockage in your arteries.
● A feeling that something (the heart) is “missing” from your chest
Diagnosing & Treating Common Arterial Trunk in Newborn Babies
Common arterial trunk is a congenital heart defect in the major arteries of the body. The defect is characterized by a “common” connection between the left atrium and pulmonary artery, which makes it difficult for blood to enter into one and then flow through the other. It can be diagnosed through a series of echocardiogram tests that specifically look for connections between structures of particular relevance in this condition, or during cardiac catheterization. Treatment is surgical repair or placement of an arterial switch operation. This disease can be treated with surgical repair of the defect. The prognosis for infants with a common arterial trunk is good if they are diagnosed early in their life.
● The echocardiogram test is a screening test for newborn babies that is used to diagnose congenital heart disease. The test is used to determine the function of the heart using sound waves and a microphone. It can also be used to detect other problems in the heart, such as congenital defects.
How Can Pregnant Women Prepare for a Baby with a Common Arterial Trunk?
In the current scenario, pregnant women are diagnosed with a variety of complications. The most common one is the arterial trunk. One can prepare for this complication by following certain steps.Many women are unaware of the life-altering changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth. A woman’s body goes through many changes in order to accommodate a baby, such as increased blood volume, hormonal changes, and an increase in body temperature. In order to prepare for these changes, pregnant women should talk with their doctors about the risks associated with certain conditions or diseases they may have had before they became pregnant.
In addition to talking with their doctors about any pre-existing conditions or diseases, pregnant women should also prepare for a common arterial trunk by taking prenatal vitamins and folic acid supplements.
● Prenatal vitamin and folic acid supplements can help limit the chances of certain problems that may occur during delivery. Vitamin K, for example, is an important nutrient for preventing hemorrhaging in the event of a C-section.
● Low birth weight is common during childbirth, with rates as high as 10%. Recommendations include eating a well-balanced diet that includes calcium and folic acid supplements to help prevent low birth weight.
● Women should also see their doctors before they have labor to discuss healthy options for labor such as bed rest or use of oxytocin instead of vaginal delivery which is associated with a higher risk for low birth weight.
● Women with diabetes should be aware of the risks associated with having chronic blood pressure or cholesterol.
● High blood pressure in pregnant women is a major cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.
Pregnant women should be aware of their risk factors and seek medical advice if they have any of these risk factors:
● Age over 35 years
● Chronic hypertension
● Diabetes mellitus
● Chronic kidney disease
● Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
● Cardiovascular disease
● Obesity
● Recent miscarriage
● Previous pregnancy with problems like Gestational diabetes
● Placenta previa or accreta
● History of preterm labor or placental abruption
