LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Researchers at Sunrise Hospital are preparing to launch the next phase of a clinical trial focused on babies born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare congenital condition in which a child is born with only half a functioning heart.
Dr. Sunjay Kaushal is leading the trial at Sunrise Hospital. He said roughly 40% of babies born with the condition do not survive to the 10-year mark.
What the research has found so far
Kaushal said most children with the condition go on to develop right heart failure, as the remaining portion of the heart weakens over time.
“That means the part of the heart that’s still remaining becomes tired,” Kaushal said.
The first phase of the trial tested injecting stem cells directly into the heart during surgeries that the affected babies already require. Kaushal said early results showed encouraging signs.
“The parents who had the babies that had the stem cells had a better quality of life,” he said. He added that the data also showed decreased hospitalizations, fewer complications, a lower risk of heart transplant, and lower mortality.
Phase two coming to Las Vegas
Kaushal said the next phase of the trial is expected to begin at Sunrise Hospital in approximately one year. The goal is to measure how much the treatment can improve patient outcomes.
“We’re very excited to hopefully start this trial here in Vegas at Sunrise Hospital, which will happen in about a year from now,” Kaushal said.
The trial is currently limited to newborns. Doctors said if the treatment proves successful, it could open the door to therapies for older children with the condition as well.
A Las Vegas student named Grayson, who was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, is currently traveling to schools across the valley to raise awareness about the condition. His parents said he is doing well.
Parents who want to find out if their baby qualifies for the trial can contact Dr. Kaushal’s office. Additional information is available at the Sunrise Health System website.
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