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Congenital heart defects
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University of Bristol
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£149,440
Professor Robert Tulloh and colleagues at the University of Bristol hope to help some of the 1 in 100 babies born with a congenital heart defect. His team will examine the heart muscle of infants who undergo surgery to improve treatment and long term outcomes.
Current situation
Many babies born with congenital heart defects will undergo heart surgery soon after birth to correct the problem. Often they have problems specifically in the right chamber of their heart. Thanks to surgical intervention, a growing number of these infants now survive into early adulthood. However, they may grow up with high-pressure in the right chamber of their heart, affecting their ability to take part in daily activities, sports and games. Sadly, when some of these children reach their teens or adulthood, they can suffer heart failure and early death.
Heart problems are one of the most common birth defects in the UK, affecting one in every 100 babies. Further research is needed to ensure children affected can look forward to a brighter future.
How this project will help
There has been little research into problems in the right heart chamber – the area affected in these babies – and there are currently no medicines specifically for children with this condition. Sparks-funded researchers led by Professor Tulloh at Bristol University aim to improve the length and quality of life of children with this condition. They will investigate the changes that are occurring in the heart muscle and determine the cause of the failure in the right heart chamber. They aim to be able to develop better treatments for many children affected by heart problems at birth and beyond.
You can make a difference
Anyone can support Sparks and our vital research. By donating to us monthly, attending one of our events or taking up a challenge, your money will help our researchers find more cures and treatments for children. Get involved today.