University of Southampton researchers have received funding from the British Heart Foundation to conduct genetic research into hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLH).

In babies born with HLH, the left side of their hearts do not develop properly and there are also major problems with their heart valves. Survival without treatment is almost unknown and the outcome for many children is still uncertain even with surgery.

The underlying cause of this congenital heart defect is not fully understood, although the Southampton team led by Professor David Wilson believes a missing gene may be an important factor.

During the 18-month project, researchers will meet children with HLH and their families at hospital centers in Southampton and Birmingham. By DNA analysis and taking detailed family histories, they hope to "home in" on all the genes responsible for the severe heart malformation.

Professor Wilson said, "Hypoplastic left heart syndrome may have a genetic cause in some children. The parents of affected children are at higher risk of having another child with the same condition, but because we don't fully understand the causes we are unable to tell each family what their own risk is.

"We hope our research will be of great benefit to parents in terms of explaining why their child developed HLH, the risk of it happening again, and in identifying the genes responsible."

The British Heart Foundation is a major national charity which plays a leading role in the fight against heart and circulatory disease, the UK's biggest killer. It is the largest independent funder of heart research in the UK.

The Foundation also plays an important role in funding education, both of the public and of health professionals, and in providing life-saving cardiac equipment and support for rehabilitation and patient care. It receives no government funding.

[Contact: Kim d'Arcy]

31-Jul-2001