(Brain and spinal cord malformations, metabolic disorders, cardiac and respiratory malformations, cerebral palsy)
Congenital Anomalies/Birth Defects & Multisystem Diseases
Congenital anomalies (also called birth defects, congenital malformations, or congenital disorders) are conditions that develop prenatally and present themselves in a wide range of body structure or function. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 6 percent of babies worldwide are born with congenital anomalies.
Many of them result in associated deaths. Congenital anomalies may be diagnosed before birth, at birth, or later in life. Multisystem disease occurs when a patient has disorders affecting multiple body systems, resulting in complex symptoms that are difficult to diagnose and treat.
Both of these diseases require a significant level of care. Risk factors for congenital anomalies include: genetic factors, maternal conditions, and environmental exposures.
Nursing Care Plan for Congenital Anomalies & Multisystem Disease
For patients in need of a nursing care plan for congenital anomalies or multi system disease, our experienced, board-certified medical staff will work together with the patient and their family to carefully create a care plan to address the patient’s unique needs. Our interdisciplinary treatment team regularly provides care for these patients with a combination of medical protocols, surgery and intense rehabilitation with state-of-the-art equipment in a healing, comfortable environment. At HealthBridge, we specialize in treating a broad range of conditions, including:
Brain and Spinal Cord Malformations. Conditions affecting the form and function of the nervous system are called congenital abnormalities or malformations. These malformations impact the bone and soft tissue of the head and spine and could include neural tube defects such as Spina Bifida, Encephaloceles, Chiari malformations (protrusions of the brain) and arachnoid cysts. With proper treatment, children can still live a fulfilling life.
Metabolic Disorders. Pediatric metabolic disorders occur when an infant is missing a digestive enzyme properly needed to break down food. As a result, a baby is unable to process nutrients such as fats, proteins and sugars and may be weak and lethargic. These disorders are usually identified quickly because an infant is screened for these conditions within the first two days of birth. However, symptoms could take years to present themselves. Treatment can include pediatric genetic nutritional counseling, a specialized diet, and nutritional supplements and medication.
Cardiac and Respiratory Malformations. Pediatric cardiac and respiratory malformations are a group of rare abnormalities that present themselves at birth. Heart malformations impact the structure of a baby’s heart and how it works, including how the blood flows through the heart. Respiratory malformations are a group of rare lung abnormalities affecting the airways, parenchyma, and vasculature. Our team of specialists is trained to identify, diagnose and treat these conditions.
Cerebral Palsy. The Centers for Disease Control defines Cerebral Palsy as a condition that affects movement, muscle tone, posture and the ability to maintain balance. Other symptoms could include developmental delays, speech impediments, difficulty swallowing, eye imbalance, exaggerated reflexes and spasticity. Typically, signs and symptoms of Cerebral Palsy appear as an infant or in early childhood. Treatment can include medication, surgery and therapy. A variety of therapies could be very helpful, including: physical, speech, occupational and recreational remedies.
At HealthBridge Children’s, you can be confident your loved one is receiving top-of-the-line care in an environment that promotes healing and provides a comfortable, and hopefully temporary, space to live. Our approach is to provide the care your child deserves with compassion in a way that helps patients and their families feel comfortable and supported throughout their journey.