Congenital Heart Disease Referred for Surgery: Analysis and Epidemiological Description in the Cardiology Department of CHU Ignace Deen

Introduction: Congenital heart disease includes all cardiac and vascular malformations. It accounts for approximately one third of all congenital malformations and is a public health problem, particularly in developing countries. The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiological, clinical and paraclinical aspects of congenital heart disease. Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive and analytical study based on the records of 135 patients referred for surgery and followed up in the cardiology department of the Ignace Deen University Hospital, collected in November 2022. Results: Hospital prevalence was 5%. The mean age was 71 months, ranging from 1 month to 19 years. The age group over 24 months was the most represented (62%). The M/F sex ratio was 1.36. Urban origin was predominant (58%). The rate of children not attending school or dropping out was high (16%). Siblings with fewer than 4 children were the most common (88%). A heart murmur was the most frequent sign (78%), followed by cyanosis (36%) and heart failure (29%). The association between heart murmurs and CHD was proven with a p-value Conclusion: CHDs represent the main indication for paediatric cardiac surgery and follow-up (95%). We stress the importance of implementing a screening and management strategy for congenital heart disease.

Having a Partner and Having Children:Comparisons of Adults with Congenital Heart Disease and the General Population:A 15-Year Case-Control Study

Objectives:To examine whether patients with congenital heart disease(CHD)are less likely to have a partner or children than individuals from the general population.Methods:Longitudinal study with two assessments of the same patients(n=244)from a hospital population and controls(n=238)from the German Socio-Economic Panel(GSOEP)using parental education,patients age,and sex as matching criteria.The first patient study was conducted between 5/2003 and 6/2004,the second one between 5/2017 and 4/2019.Controls were drawn from GSOEP-surveys 2004 and 2018.CHD-severity was classified according to type of surgery:curative,reparative,or palliative.Living single was used as outcome measure,for offspring the outcome was having children or not.Results:Among women with CHD the rate of those living single was higher than among controls with the differences depending on disease complexity(curative:OR=5.5;reparative:OR=1.9;palliative:OR=2.7).No statistically significant differences between patients and controls emerged in the male study population.With respect to children a marked difference emerged between women with CHD and controls.Among patients the odds of having children were lower than among controls(curative:OR=0.3;reparative:OR=0.3;palliative:OR=0.2).The rate of patients with children with CHD(women:5.6%;men:4.9%)was higher than expected(1%)if compared with the general population.Conclusions:Using partnership and children as outcome criteria,patients with CHD are disadvantaged if compared to subjects from the general population.In female patients the social consequences of the disease turned out as more pervasive than in women.

Early Cardiac Catheterizations within 30 Days Post Congenital Heart Surgery in Children

Background:This study set out to assess the indications,feasibility,safety,and outcome of early cardiac catheterizations(CC)within 30 days after congenital heart surgery(CHS)in children.Methods and Results:This is a retrospective,single-center case review study of all CC within 30 days after CHS between 1/2010-12/2020.A total of 317(138 diagnostic,179 interventional)CC were performed in 245 patients at a median of 4 days(IQR 13)after CHS.The median age was 3 months(IQR 6),and body weight was 5 kg(IQR 4).A total of 194(61.2%)CC were performed in patients with univentricular hearts.CC revealed significant pathologies leading to early redo-surgery in 37 patients(12%).The transcatheter interventions primarily were needed in patients after cavo-pulmonary connection(n=69%,21.8%),right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit(n=39%,12.3%),and Norwood-I surgery(n=34%,10.7%)presenting with hypoxemia,prolonged postoperative course,and suspected arterial stenosis on echocardiography.The clinical impact of an early postoperative transcatheter intervention for the following clinical course was high in most cases.There were nine(2.8%)major and 20(6.3%)minor intra-procedural complications.Risk factor analysis revealed no difference for the occurrence of complications for patients’age,weight,and time from initial CHS,underlying uni-vs.biventricular heart disease,or ECMO.Conclusion:Early CC within 30 days after CHS in children can be performed safely with a high diagnostic and therapeutic value.The rate of complications is low,while the therapeutic consequence is relevant.

A New Three-Dimensional(3D)Printing Prepress Algorithm for Simulation of Planned Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease

Background:Three-dimensional printing technology may become a key factor in transforming clinical practice and in significant improvement of treatment outcomes.The introduction of this technique into pediatric cardiac surgery will allow us to study features of the anatomy and spatial relations of a defect and to simulate the optimal surgical repair on a printed model in every individual case.Methods:We performed the prospective cohort study which included 29 children with congenital heart defects.The hearts and the great vessels were modeled and printed out.Measurements of the same cardiac areas were taken in the same planes and points at multislice computed tomography images(group 1)and on printed 3D models of the hearts(group 2).Pre-printing treatment of the multislice computed tomography data and 3D model preparation were performed according to a newly developed algorithm.Results:The measurements taken on the 3D-printed cardiac models and the tomographic images did not differ significantly,which allowed us to conclude that the models were highly accurate and informative.The new algorithm greatly simplifies and speeds up the preparation of a 3D model for printing,while maintaining high accuracy and level of detail.Conclusions:The 3D-printed models provide an accurate preoperative assessment of the anatomy of a defect in each case.The new algorithm has several important advantages over other available programs.They enable the development of customized preliminary plans for surgical repair of each specific complex congenital heart disease,predict possible issues,determine the optimal surgical tactics,and significantly improve surgical outcomes.

The Prevalence of Congenital Heart Disease among School-Age Children in China:A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Objectives:To estimate the prevalence of Congenital Heart Disease(CHD)in school-age children,to identify the extent to which altitude affects the prevalence of the disease,and to examine trends in prevalence over time in China.Methods:Seven databases were systematically searched and last retrieved on September 10,2021 for all studies reporting the prevalence of CHD in children after 1970 in China,which were then divided into high and low altitude regions based on 2500 meters above sea level.The random-effected model was used to combine prevalence data and subgroups analysis.The baseline data of all cases and individuals were used for comparison to calculate the odds ratio(OR)for overall and different altitude prevalence.Results:A total of 12,926,083 individuals(aged 3-18 years),with 31,835 cases from 86 studies,were included in the analysis.The pooled CHD prevalence of total children was 4.69[95%confidence interval(CI):4.10 to 5.29]per 1000 children.Overall,temporal trends analysis indicated that the prevalence of CHD in children continuously decreased with time,from 6.19(95%CI:4.50 to 7.88)per 1000 children in 1976-1985 to 3.30(95%CI:2.49;4.38)per 1000 children in 2016-2021.The OR for the prevalence of CHD in children from high and low altitudes with baseline data was 2.84(95%CI:2.48 to 3.27)and 1.31(95%CI:1.13 to 1.53)(χ^(2)=53.89,p<0.01),respectively.The OR of the prevalence of CHD in male children compared to females was 0.60(95%CI:0.53 to 0.68)at high altitudes and 0.79(95%CI:0.71 to 0.89)at low altitudes.Among the seven most common subtypes,patent ductus arteriosus was the most common at high altitudes,while atrial septal defects were the most common at low altitudes.Conclusion:This study provides valuable insights for further disease prevention and etiological exploration.The overall decreasing trend in the prevalence of CHD in children over time may indicate a positive effect of perinatal management and treatment during infancy.

Effect of dobutamine combined with meropenem on serum BNP, IGF-1, IGFBP-3, TNF-a, IL-6 and hs-CRP in children with congenital heart disease and pneumonia

Objective:To study the effect of dobutamine combined with meropenem on serum BNP, IGF-1, IGFBP-3, TNF-a, IL-6 and hs-CRP in children with congenital heart disease and pneumonia.Methods:A total of 70 children with congenital heart disease and pneumonia in our hospital from June 2014 to Octomber 2016 were enrolled in this study. The subjects were divided into the control group (n=35) and the treatment group (n=35) randomly. The control group was treated with dobutamine, the treatment group were treated with dobutamine combined with meropenem. The two groups were treated for 10 days. The serum BNP, IGF-1, IGFBP-3, TNF-a, IL-6 and hs-CRP levels of the two groups before and after treatment were compared.Results: There were no significantly differences of the serum BNP, IGF-1, IGFBP-3, TNF-a, IL-6 and hs-CRP levels of the two groups before treatment. The serum BNP, TNF-a, IL-6 and hs-CRP levels of the two groups after treatment were significantly lower than before treatment, the serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels of the two groups after treatment were significantly higher than before treatment, and that of the treatment group were significantly better than the control group.Conclusion:Dobutamine combined with meropenem can significantly reduce the serum BNP, TNF-a, IL-6 and hs-CRP levels, improve serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels of children with congenital heart disease and pneumonia, and it was worthy clinical application.

Effect of Hemodilution on Fluctuation of Cerebral Oxygen Saturation during Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Children with Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease

Background:In patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease(CHD),cerebral oxygenation may be maintained by elevations in hematocrit(Hct).Hemodilution accompanying cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB),however,can disrupt cerebral oxygen balance,leading to fluctuations in cerebral oxygen saturation(ScO_(2)).The present study investigated the effects of Hct changes on the fluctuation of ScO_(2)during CPB in cyanotic CHD using performance measurement(PM).Methods:Children with CHD(51 acyanotic and 46 cyanotic)who had undergone cardiac surgery using CPB were enrolled.Median performance error(MDPE),median absolute performance error(MDAPE),and wobble parameters of ScO_(2)were calculated before(reference value),during,and after CPB.Correlations of PM parameters with Hct and reductions in Hct(ΔHct)were also evaluated.Results:Before CPB,patients with cyanotic CHD had lower MDPE and larger wobble than those with acyanotic CHD,although mean ScO_(2)did not differ significantly between the two groups.During CPB,ScO_(2)of acyanotic CHD increased asΔHct increased,but PM variables were not associated withΔHct.In cyanotic CHD,MDPE(r=−0.324,p=0.032)and MDAPE(r=0.339,p=0.024)correlated significantly withΔHct during CPB.After CPB,MDPE(r=0.574,p=0.025)and MDAPE(r=−0.543,p=0.036)were significantly correlated with Hct in children with cyanotic CHD who underwent palliative surgery.Conclusion:Therefore,ScO_(2)fluctuation during CPB in children with cyanotic CHD may be affected by the decrease in Hct,suggesting that excessive hemodilution can negatively influence the maintenance of cerebral oxygenation in these patients.

Application of voxel-based morphometric method to detect brain changes in children with non-cyanotic congenital heart disease

BACKGROUND Congenital heart disease(CHD)is a cardiovascular malformation caused by abnormal heart and/or vascular development in the fetus.In children with CHD,abnormalities in the development and function of the nervous system are common.At present,there is a lack of research on the preoperative neurological development and injury in young children with non-cyanotic CHD.AIM To determine the changes in white matter,gray matter,and cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)by magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)in children with non-cyanotic CHD as compared with healthy controls.METHODS Children diagnosed with non-cyanotic CHD on ultrasonography(n=54)and healthy control subjects(n=35)were included in the study.All the subjects were aged 1-3 years.Brain MRI was performed prior to surgery for CHD.The SPM v12 software was used to calculate the volumes of the gray matter,white matter,CSF,and the whole brain(sum of the gray matter,white matter,and CSF volumes).Volume differences between the two groups were analyzed.Voxel-based morphometry was used to compare specific brain regions with statistically significant atrophy.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the study group had significantly reduced whole-brain white matter volume(P<0.05),but similar whole-brain gray matter,CSF,and whole-brain volumes(P>0.05).As compared with the healthy controls,children with non-cyanotic CHD had mild underdevelopment in the white matter of the anterior central gyrus,the posterior central gyrus,and the pulvinar.CONCLUSION Children with non-cyanotic CHD show decreased white matter volume before surgery,and this volume reduction is mainly concentrated in the somatosensory and somatic motor nerve regions.

Intraoperative Blood Glucose Levels and Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury in Pediatric Patients Having Congenital Heart Surgery under Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Purpose:This study sought to explore the effect of intraoperative mean blood glucose levels and variability on postoperative acute kidney injury(AKI)in children undergoing congenital cardiac surgery.Methods:We conducted a prospective nested case-control study in children(age<18 years)undergoing congenital heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB)at the Fuwai Hospital between April 01,2022 and July 30,2022.Cases were individuals who developed AKI within the first postoperative 7 days(AKI group)and controls were those without AKI(Non-AKI group)according to KDIGO criteria.AKI and Non-AKI groups unmatched and 1:1 matched by age,sex,and baseline serum creatinine were separately analyzed.Multivariate logistic and conditional logistic regressions were used to assess the associations between blood glucose variables and AKI.Results:688 consecutively approached patients were included in the final analysis.On multivariate analysis,intra-CPB(adjusted odds ratio[OR]0.802;95%confidence interval[CI],0.706 to 0.912;p=0.001)and post-CPB(adjusted OR 0.830;95%CI,0.744 to 0.925;p=0.001)blood glucose levels were associated with postoperative AKI.There were no significant differences in pre-CPB blood glucose(adjusted OR 0.926;95%CI,0.759 to 1.129;p=0.446)or intraoperative glycemic fluctuations(adjusted OR 0.905;95%CI,0.723 to 1.132;p=0.382)between AKI and Non-AKI groups.Results based on matched cases and controls were consistent with those from the unmatched analyses.Conclusion:Higher intraoperative blood glucose levels during and after CPB were protective factors against postoperative AKI in pediatric patients after congenital heart surgery.

Congenital Heart Disease in Rural Senegal: A Retrospective Study of 79 Patients

Introduction: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a malformation of the heart present at birth and resulting from a developmental defect during embryonic life. The aim was to assess CHD in rural areas. Methodology: This is a retrospective study conducted over a period of 2 years in rural Senegal. Results: During the study period, we collected 79 patients with CHD, representing a hospital prevalence of 2.6%. The mean age at diagnosis was 17.05 months and the sex ratio was 1.19. The mean birth weight was 2826 g. The main comorbidities were anaemia (54.43%) and respiratory infections 38 cases (48.10%). Respiratory distress was the most common sign with 98.73%. Radiological cardiomegaly was noted in 86.7%. The most frequent CHD were interventricular septal defect (IVD) 21.51% and atrial septal defect (ASD) 8.86%. No patient was able to receive surgical treatment. Seven children died (8.86%) and 21 children were lost to follow-up (26.58%). On Doppler echocardiography, 16.45% of the patients had pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Conclusion: In light of this work, emphasis should be placed on the quality of antenatal consultations, the quality of management and the regular availability of echocardiography and a cardio-paediatrician in order to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Effects of Palivizumab Guideline Changes on RSV Admissions in Patients with Congenital Heart Disease and Prematurity

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes significant morbidity and mortality in patients with a history of prematurity and congenital heart disease (CHD). In 2014, the guidelines for Palivizumab became more restrictive for this population. We hypothesized the percentage of RSV+ admissions would increase overall and in this target group (TG) specifically. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients under age 2 years admitted with bronchiolitis two seasons prior to the change (Pre) and two seasons after (Post). Our TG included patients who were eligible prior to the 2014 changes but currently no longer eligible. We used chi-square analysis to answer the two main hypotheses: 1) Percent RSV+/total bronchiolitis Pre vs Post and 2) Percent of TG/RSV+ Pre vs Post. Results: 1283 patients (546 pre, 737 post) were admitted with the diagnosis of RSV between 2012-2016, 866 actually tested positive for RSV (367 Pre, 499 Post). There was no significant difference in the number of total patients admitted with RSV (Pre = 67.2%, Post = 67.7%) or in our TG (Pre 7.1% vs Post 8.2%). TG overall had a more complicated course: longer length of stay, median 5 days, IQR 2 - 12 vs 3 days, IQR 1 - 5, (p < 0.001), intensive care unit admissions (36% vs 22.8%, p = 0.02), positive pressure ventilation (25.4% vs 15.4%, p = 0.03) and intubation (16.4% vs 6.8%, p = 0.004), but there was no difference Pre vs Post. Conclusion: The TG had an overall higher acuity, but there was no increase in the number of patients hospitalized with RSV or severity as a result of the Palivizumab guideline changes.

Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Diseases in Children at the Teaching Hospital of Brazzaville, Congo

Context: Several studies were conducted throughout the world on heart diseases in children;no data is available in Congolese child. Objective: To evaluate epidemiological profile of Congolese children and teenager carrying cardiovascular diseases. Methods: A descriptive and prospective study was carried out during 4 years in the pediatric department of teaching hospital of Brazzaville, near the children received in consultation of pediatric cardiology. Results: On 41,472 patients admitted in pediatric service, 526 patients were received in consultation for suspicion of heart diseases. Among them, 444 had cardiopathy (incidence of 10.7‰). It was about a congenital heart disease to 316 (60%) incidence of 7.6‰;Acquired heart disease to 128 (24.4%) incidence of 3.1‰. Among congenital heart defects observed frequency of patients with ASD was 20.3%, isolated in 10.1% of cases, and associated with ECD (11.8%). The VSD was observed in 30.1% of cases, and the Tetralogy of Fallot in 10.1% of cases. Among the acquired heart diseases, severe hypo kinetic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) was noted in 24.4% of cases. The rheumatic heart diseases accounted for 41.4% of cases. It was mitral regurgitation (33.6%), a mitral stenosis (1.6%). Pericarditis was objectified at 10.1% of the patients. The evolution was favorable for 43.3% of patients. An aggravation of symptoms was observed to 2.7% of patients. Mortality was 11.9% and 71.9% of deaths were observed to not operate carriers of congenital heart disease. 69.9% of dead patients were carrying a cyanogen heart disease. Left to right shunt represented 21.7% of the deaths. Conclusion: Heart diseases are real problem of public health for Congolese children.

SURGICAL EXPERIENCE OF COMPLEX CONGENITAIL HEART DEFECTS IN CHILDREN AND INFANTS

From January 1982 to June 1990, 2730 patients with congenital heart defects (CHDS) were treated at Xinhua Hospital there were 537 cases of complex lesions. Fifty of 537 patients died, the hospital mortality rate was 9.31%. On the basis of our clinical experience, it is important that the accurate diagnosis was made promptly in neonate with complex CHDs. The surgical results can be improved by the use of PGEI and balloon atrial septostomy in the cyanotic neonate. For the congestive CHDs, the operation must be per formed in the early life to prevent pulmonary hypertension. Improved methods of preoperative and postoperative care have contributed to these results.

Heart Failure in Children: Epidemiological, Etiological and Diagnostic Aspects in Diamniadio Children’s Hospital (Senegal)

Introduction: Heart failure is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children. The authors aimed to report the epidemiological and etiological characteristics of heart failure (HF) in children in Senegal. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted at the Children’s Hospital of Diamniadio (CHD) from 01-01-2016 to 31-12-2017. Children aged 0 to 15 years with heart failure confirmed by echocardiography were included. Results: Sixty-six children were admitted for heart failure. The prevalence of HF was 5.3‰. The mean age of the children was 41.59 months ± 53.35 months (range: 0 to 168 months). The 0 - 5 age group was the most represented (n = 48;72.72%). The HF concerned 38 boys and 28 girls, a sex ratio (M/F) of 1.36. The majority of our patients came from the semi-urban area (42.4%). The etiology of HF was represented in order of frequency by congenital heart disease, rheumatic heart disease and cardiomyopathy with 59.09% of cases, 22.73% of cases and 7.58% of cases respectively. It was unknown in 4.54% of the cases. At echocardiography, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was impaired (less than 50%) in 19 patients, in 29.2% of cases with an average of 64% +/- 15.16% (extremes: 24% and 86%). Anemia was the comorbidity most commonly associated with their condition (n = 33%;50%). Conclusion: Heart failure in children is uncommon. The main etiology is represented by congenital heart disease.

Management of Specific Complications after Congenital Heart Surgery(I)

In addition to the general consequences of surgery and cardiopulmonary by-pass, lesion-specific complications can occur after surgery for congenital heart disease. It is important for the pediatric intensive care specialist to fully understand the preoperative anatomy and the intraoperative details of these patients. This allows a timely and appropriate treatment of general and lesion-specific complications. In this article we provide a list of commonly-performed surgical procedures and possible associated problems to be anticipated in the early postoperative period. Then it follows a discussion about the diagnosis and management of these complications, based on their pathophysiological features.

Comparison of clinical outcomes and postoperative recovery between two open heart surgeries:minimally invasive right subaxillary vertical thoracomy and traditional median sternotomy

Objective:To compare the clinical outcomes of minimally invasive right subaxillary vertical thoracotomy and traditional median sternotomy through right atrium in treatment of common congenital heart diseases.Methods:Clinical data of 59 cases of common congenital heart diseases treated with minimally invasive right axillary vertical thoracotomv from May,2011 to February,2013 and 77 cases of same diseases with traditional median sternotomy in the past three years were retrospectively analyzed,including atrial septal defect,membranous ventricular septal defect and partial endocardial cushion defect.The results were compared from the two groups,including the time for operation and cardiopulmonary bypass,amount of blood transfusion,postoperative drainage,ventilation time,hospital stay,and prognosis.Results:No severe complications happened in both groups,like deaths or secondery surgery caused by bleeding.No significant differences were in CPB time and postoperative ventilator time between groups(P>0.05),while for all of the operative time,the length of incision,postoperative drainage and hospital stay,minimally invasive right axillary vertical thoracotomy was superior to median sternotomy,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).In six-month lollowup after operation,no complications of residual deformity and pericardial effusion were found in both groups bv doing echocardiography,but mild pectus carinatum was found in X patients in the traditional median sternotomy group(traditional groupi.whereas patients in another group were well recovered.Conclusions:Minimally invasive right subaxillary vertical thoracotomv for common congenital heart diseases is as safe as traditional median sternotomy,without the increasing incidence of postoperative complications.Additionally,compared with traditional median sternotomy,minimally invasive right subaxillary vertical thoracotomv is better in the aspects of hidden incision,appearance,and postoperative recovery.

Late intervention in an asymptomatic pediatric patient with anomalous left coronary artery

Anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery(ALCAPA) is most commonly diagnosed within the first year of life with congestive heart failure symptomatology reflecting left ventricle(LV) dysfunction. The late diagnosis of ALCAPA is presented in a 5-yearold without significant LV dysfunction, mild LV dilatation and only mild mitral regurgitation that did not change significantly after surgery. The timing of surgical intervention in the late diagnosis of ALCAPA remains unclear despite risks of significant ongoing myocardial injury secondary to coronary artery hypoperfusion and progressive mitral valve dysfunction. Intervention in this case allows for revascularization which may reverse ventricular and valvular dysfunction.

Optical coherence tomography of the pulmonary arteries in children with congenital heart diseases:A systematic review

Importance:Optical coherence tomography(OCT)is a high-resolution intravascular imaging tool and has shown promise for providing real-time quantitative and qualitative descriptions of pulmonary vascular structures in vivo in adult pulmonary hypertension(PH),while not popular in pediatric patients with congenital heart diseases(CHD).Objective:The aim of this review is to summarize all the available evidence on the use of OCT for imaging pulmonary vascular remodeling in pediatric patients.Methods:We conducted the systematic literature resources(Cochran Library database,Medline via PubMed,EMBASE,and Web of Knowledge)from January 2010 to December 2021 and the search terms were“PH”,“child”,“children”,“pediatric”,“OCT”,“CHD”,“pulmonary vessels”,“pulmonary artery wall”.Studies in which OCT was used to image the pulmonary vessels in pediatric patients with CHD were considered for inclusion.Results:Five studies met the inclusion criteria.These five papers discussed the study of OCT in the pulmonary vasculature of different types of CHD,including common simple CHD,complex cyanotic CHD,and Williams-Beuren syndrome.In biventricular anatomy,pulmonary vascular remodeling was primarily reflected by pulmonary intima thickening from two-dimensional OCT.In single-ventricle anatomy,due to the state of hypoxia,the morphology of pulmonary vessels was indirectly reflected by the number and shape of nourishing vessels from three-dimensional OCT.Interpretation:OCT may be an adequate imaging procedure for the demonstration of pulmonary vascular structures and provide additional information in pediatric patients.

Surgical Treatment of 144 Children with Ventricular Septal Defect and Severe Pulmonary Hypertension

Objective To report the result of surgical treatment for 144 children with ventricular septal defect and severe pulmonary hypertension. Method The diagnosis had been confirmed by cardiac catheter before the operation, Pp/Ps (0. 81±0.09) and Rp (9.41 ±5.37 ) wood. Ventricular septal prothesis was performed under cardiopulmonary bypass. Transthoracic intracardiac monitoring line inserted into pulmonary artery in 117 cases. Results Fourteen cases died of the 144 postoperatively, with mortality of 9.12% . Preoperative Pp/Ps≥0. 8 and Rp≥10 wood made the mortality higher than that of others ( P 【 0. 05 ) . 32 persons had post - operative SpPA 】 50 mmHg among the survivors and among the children with preoperative Pp/Ps ≥0. 8 and Rp≥10 wood the mortality was 28. 6 % being higher than that among those with Pp/Ps≥0. 8 and Rp 【 10 wood. Conclusion The higher the preoperative Pp/Ps and Rp are, the higher the surgical mortality is. The prevention and treatment of postoperative pulmonary hypertension crisis

Clinical cardiac regenerative studies in children

Although the incidence of pediatric heart failure is low, the mortality is relatively high, with severe clinical symptoms requiring repeated hospitalization or intensive care treatment in the surviving patients. Cardiac biopsy specimens have revealed a higher number of resident human cardiac progenitor cells, with greater proliferation and differentiation capacity, in the neonatal period as compared with adults, demonstrating the regeneration potential of the young heart, with rising interest in cardiac regeneration therapy in critically ill pediatric patients. We review here the available literature data, searching the MEDLINE, Google Scholar and EMBASE database for completed, and www.clinicaltrials.gov homepage for ongoing studies involving pediatric cardiac regeneration reports. Because of difficulties conducting randomized blinded clinical trials in pediatric patients, mostly case reports or cohort studies with a limited number of individuals have been published in the field of pediatric regenerative cardiology. The majority of pediatric autologous cell transplantations into the cardiac tissue have been performed in critically ill children with severe or terminal heart failure. Congenital heart disease, myocarditis, and idiopathic hypertrophic or dilated cardiomyopathy leading to congestive heart failure are some possible areas of interest for pediatric cardiac regeneration therapy. Autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells, progenitor cells, or cardiospheres have been applied either intracoronary or percutaneously intramyocardially in severely ill children, leading to a reported clinical benefit of cell-based cardiac therapies. In conclusion, compassionate use of autologous stem cell administration has led to at least short-term improvement in heart function and clinical stability in the majority of the critically ill pediatric patients.