The document provides guidelines for determining the optimal timing of intervention for common congenital heart diseases in India. It summarizes recommendations from expert deliberations on appropriate timing for various defects, including:
- Closing atrial septal defects between ages 2-4 if asymptomatic, earlier if symptomatic
- Closing ventricular septal defects between ages 1-4 depending on size and pulmonary pressures
- Closing patent ductus arteriosus within 6 months if large or if symptoms develop
The guidelines aim to account for late presentations and undernutrition common in Indian children with congenital heart diseases.