How is Eisenmenger syndrome managed or treated?
Ideally, the structural defect in the heart is found early in life and surgically repaired and therefore Eisenmenger syndrome is prevented. When the heart defect is not detected and repaired before damage to the lung arteries occurs, Eisenmenger syndrome is the result. Treatment for Eisenmenger syndrome is aimed at managing its symptoms and complications.
Specialists use medications to treat pulmonary hypertension and antibiotics to prevent infections. Medications used to treat pulmonary hypertension include prostacyclin analogs (such as treprostinil [Remodulin®], epoprostenol [Flolan®]), endothelin antagonists (such as bosentan [Tracleer®]), and nitric oxide enhancers (such as sildenafil [Viagra®])
Some people receive oxygen therapy to feel more comfortable. In rare cases, if other efforts to reduce complications are not successful, doctors may treat Eisenmenger syndrome with a heart and lung transplant.
What complications are associated with Eisenmenger syndrome?
Pregnancy causes cardiovascular changes in the body that can make it life-threatening for women with Eisenmenger syndrome. Doctors advise women with the condition not to get pregnant.
In addition to its symptoms, a variety of complications can develop in people with Eisenmenger syndrome. They include:
- Increased bleeding such as easy bruising, heavy bleeding during menstruation (a woman’s period) and coughing up blood
- Heart failure
- Increased risk of infections in the heart, lungs, skin and brain
- Stroke
- Gout (swelling in the toes and other joints)
- Impaired kidney function
- Bone and joint issues including scoliosis (curved spine)
- Gallstones
Steps you can take to manage complications associated with Eisenmenger syndrome include:
- Maintain healthy teeth and gums to avoid infection
- Take antibiotics before dental work to prevent endocarditis (infection in the heart)
- Get an annual flu shot
To help keep complications from arising, avoid:
- Excess salt in your diet
- Smoking and alcohol
- Saunas and hot tubs
- High altitudes
- Non-steroidal pain relievers and aspirin
- Competitive sports and heavy exercise
- Pregnancy