What is Therapy for Eisenmenger Syndrome, and Its Cost?

Eisenmenger Syndrome Treatment Guide - Therapy Costs in India

Do you know that 3% of pregnant females with congenital heart disease experience Eisenmenger syndrome? The more shocking report is that the mortality rate of this syndrome during pregnancy is 30 to 50%. Medication costs can vary widely depending on the type of therapy; PAH, targeted medicines are significantly more expensive and may cost several thousand rupees per month.

What are the Best Therapies for Eisenmenger Syndrome?

Eisenmenger syndrome treatment aims to improve quality of life by managing symptoms and preventing complications.

1. Medications

The main therapy for this syndrome is medication, but medicines cannot cure this disease.

• Antibiotics: These help to prevent further bacterial infections in the lungs and heart.
• Diuretics: Medicines recommended to reduce the development of fluid in the body.
• Anticoagulants: This medication works as a blood-thinning medicine that helps prevent irregular heartbeats or blood clots.
• Iron Supplements: Doctors suggest that patients take iron supplements to address anaemia or iron deficiency.
• Oxygen Supplements: Patients mainly experience skipped heartbeat, shortness of breathing and chest pain, so oxygen supplements improve breathing.

2. Surgeries

Healthcare professionals generally do not suggest a surgical option to repair a congenital heart defect if Eisenmenger syndrome develops. Surgeries mainly treat complications or symptoms.

• Phlebotomy : The primary aim of phlebotomy is to relieve hyper viscosity symptoms and replace lost fluids. If the count of red blood cells increases and causes trouble seeing or concentration issues, venesection can be performed with concomitant fluid replacement. However, frequent phlebotomy can trigger iron deficiency and limit oxygen delivery.
• Lung or Heart Transplant : People with organ damage and severe symptoms have an urgency to undergo a lung or heart transplantation. Heart-Lung transplant addresses underlying cardiac defects and pulmonary hypertension.

How Much Does the Therapy Cost for Eisenmenger Syndrome in India?

The primary therapy with medications can continue at a minimum cost of Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000 per month. In India, the costs of a lung transplant range from Rs. 15,50,000 to a maximum of Rs. 30 lakhs, with the average cost approximately around Rs. 23,50,000. A heart transplant in India may cost around 24 lakhs, a minimum of Rs. 18,50,000 to the maximum of Rs. 32 lakhs.

Is Eisenmenger Syndrome Hereditary?

No, Eisenmenger syndrome is not hereditary, but it is connected with congenital heart defects or heart disorders. However, it directly increases due to poorly treated or untreated heart conditions of a person.

What is the Survival Rate for Patients with Eisenmenger Syndrome?

Life expectancy depends on the underlying congenital heart defect and the severity of disease symptoms. People experiencing Eisenmenger syndrome have a shorter life span since this disease can accompany a wide range of health complications.

Some people survive till their middle age. However, with proper medications and management, including oxygen therapy, patients can survive until adulthood.

How Do People Living with Eisenmenger Syndrome Manage Complications?

The definitive option to prevent Eisenmenger syndrome is to repair congenital heart defects as early as possible. However, to manage health complications from this disease, individuals should follow the suggestions below.

• Maintain a sodium-controlled diet plan.
• Drink excessive water to stay hydrated.
• Receive vaccinations to avoid further infections.
• Individuals must avoid smoking and alcohol.
• Avoid high altitudes and strenuous physical activities.

Healthcare professionals recommend medications to relieve symptoms and complications from Eisenmenger syndrome. Medicines prevent irregular heartbeats and control heart rhythm. Oxygen supplementation helps patients breathe better. However, to manage severe symptoms, like organ harm, doctors prefer lung or heart transplantation.