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.

Clinical, sonographic characteristics and long-term prognosis of valvular heart disease in elderly patients

Background Valvular heart disease(VHD)is expected to become more prevail as the population ages and disproportionately affects older adults.However,direct comparison of clinical characteristics,sonographic diagnosis,and outcomes in VHD patients aged over 65 years is scarce.The objective of this study was to evaluate the differences in clinical characteristics and prognosis in two age-groups of geriatric patients with VHD.Methods We retrospectively enrolled consecutive individuals aged>65 years from Guangdong Provincial Peopled Hospital and screened for VHD using transthoracic echocardiography(TTE)or transesophageal echocardiography(TEE).Finally,260(48.9%)patients were in the 65-74 years group,and 272(51.1%)were in the>75-year group.Factors that affected long-term survival was explored.A multivariable Cox hazards regression was performed to identify the predictors of major adverse cardiac events(MACEs)in each group.Results In our population,the older group were more likely to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD),degenerative VHD,but with less rheumatic VHD,aortic stenosis(AS)and mitral stenosis(MS).Compared with those aged 65-74 years,the older group had a higher incidence of all-cause death(10.0%vs.16.5%,P=0.027),ischemic stroke(13.5%vs.20.2%,P=0.038)and MACEs(37.3%vs.48.2%,P=0.011)at long-term follow-up.In multivariable Cox regression analysis,mitral regurgitation,a history of COPD,chronic kidney disease,diabetes,hypertension,atrial fibrillation and New York Heart Association(NYHA)functional class were identified as independent predictors of MACEs in the older group.Conclusion Advanced age profoundly affect prognosis and different predictors were associated with MACEs in geriatric patients with VHD.

Effect of nursing intervention based on Maslow's hierarchy of needs in patients with coronary heart disease interventional surgery

BACKGROUND It is very important to provide effective nursing programs to regulate the physical and mental state of patients and to improve treatment compliance after interventional surgery for coronary heart disease(CHD).AIM To explore the effect of a nursing intervention based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory on patients with CHD undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.METHODS Ninety-four patients with CHD undergoing interventional surgery in our hospital from January 2020 to February 2021 were randomly divided into a research group(n=47)and a control group(n=47).The control group received routine nursing,and the research group received a nursing intervention based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory.The scores of self-efficacy,negative emotion[depression(SDS),anxiety(SAS)],intervention compliance(standardized medication,moderate exercise,healthy diet,and regular review),and nursing satisfaction were calculated before and after intervention for the two groups.RESULTS Before intervention,there was no significant difference in the scores of disease general management self-efficacy,disease management self-efficacy,and total self-efficacy between the two groups(P=0.795,0.479,and 0.659,respectively).After intervention,these three scores in the research group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.001).Before intervention,there was no significant difference in the scores of SAS and SDS between the two groups(P=0.149 and 0.347,respectively).After intervention,the scores of SAS and SDS in the research group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.001).The standardized drug use rate(97.87%),moderate exercise rate(97.87%),healthy diet rate(95.74%),and regular reexamination rate(97.87%)in the research group were higher than those in the control group(85.11%,82.98%,80.85%,and 87.23%,respectively)(P=0.027,0.014,0.025,and 0.049,respectively).Nursing job satisfaction in the research group(93.62%)was higher than that in the control group(78.72%)(P=0.036).CONCLUSION A nursing program based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory can effectively alleviate negative emotion,enhance self-efficacy and intervention compliance,and ensure that the patients are highly satisfied with the nursing work.

Bioinformatics Analysis on lncRNA and mRNA Expression Profiles for Novel Biological Features of Valvular Heart Disease with Atrial Fibrillation

The biological features of the valvular heart disease with atrial fibrillation(AF-VHD)remain unknown when involving long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs).This study performed system analysis on lncRNA and messenger RNA(mRNA)expression profiles constructed by using bioinformatics methods and tools for biological features of AF-VHD.Fold change and t-test were used to identify differentially expressed(DE)lncRNAs and mRNAs.The enrichment analysis of DE mRNAs was performed.The subgroups formed by lncRNAs and nearby mRNAs were screened,and a transcriptional regulation network among lncRNAs,mRNAs,and transcription factors(TFs)was constructed.The interactions between mRNAs related to lncRNAs and drugs were predicted.The 620 AF-VHDrelated DE lncRNAs and 452 DE mRNAs were identified.The 3 lncRNA subgroups were screened.The 665 regulations mediated by lncRNAs and TFs were identified.The 9 mRNAs related to lncRNAs had 1 or more potential drug interactions,totaling 37 drugs.Of these,9 drugs targeting 3 genes are already known to be able to control or trigger atrial fibrillation(AF)or other cardiac arrhythmias.The found biological features of AF-VHD provide foundations for further biological experiments to better understand the roles of lncRNAs in development from the valvular heart disease(VHD)to AF-VHD.

Valvular Heart Disease and Aortic Dilatation

The case presented here offers us an opportunity to discuss an increasingly commonly confronted clinical challenge.Two issues are raised:how best to manage the patient’s valvular heart disease,including both the indications for surgical intervention and the prosthetic options,and how best to manage his aortic dilatation.Let us take them one at a time.The patient has severe aortic regurgitation but a normal ejection fraction.Although we do not have his ventricular dimensions,he has a class I indication for intervention given his symptoms.

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.

Rheumatic valvular heart disease treated with traditional Chinese medicine:A case report

BACKGROUND Rheumatic heart disease(RHD)is an autoimmune disease that leads to irreversible valve damage and heart failure.Surgery is an effective treatment;however,it is invasive and carries risks,restricting its broad application.Therefore,it is essential to find alternative nonsurgical treatments for RHD.CASE SUMMARY A 57-year-old woman was assessed with cardiac color Doppler ultrasound,left heart function tests,and tissue Doppler imaging evaluation at Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University.The results showed mild mitral valve stenosis with mild to moderate mitral and aortic regurgitation,confirming a diagnosis of rheumatic valve disease.After her symptoms became severe,with frequent ventricular tachycardia and supraventricular tachycardia>200 beats per minute,her physicians recommended surgery.During a 10-day preoperative waiting period,the patient asked to be treated with traditional Chinese medicine.After 1 week of this treatment,her symptoms improved significantly,including resolution of the ventricular tachycardia,and the surgery was postponed pending further follow-up.At 3-month follow-up,color Doppler ultrasound showed mild mitral valve stenosis with mild mitral and aortic regurgitation.Therefore,it was determined that no surgical treatment was required.CONCLUSION Traditional Chinese medicine treatment effectively relieves symptoms of RHD,particularly mitral valve stenosis and mitral and aortic regurgitation.

Noninvasive Surrogates for Left Ventricular Filling Pressure in Patients with Valvular Heart Disease

Background: Invasive measurement of left ventricular filling pressure is the gold standard for determining diastolic dysfunction and predicting subsequent outcomes. For repetitive assessment of diastolic function during long-term management, noninvasive surrogates are used. Their reliability and reproducibility should be validated separately for different cardiovascular diseases and conditions. The aim of this study was to identify noninvasive surrogates of invasively derived left ventricular filling pressure and to relate these surrogates to outcomes (death or valve replacement) in patients with stable, asymptomatic valvular heart disease and preserved ejection fraction. Materials and Methods: In a first cohort, we investigated 54 patients who had spiroergometry, echocardiography, and left heart catheterization within a range of 100 days. In a second cohort (n = 64), noninvasive measures were related to outcomes after follow-up of 694 ± 576 days. Transmitral doppler E/tissue doppler E’ (E/E’), E/flow propagation velocity (E/Vp), isovolumetric relaxation time/time to E’-time to E (IVRT/TE’-TE), ventilatory efficiency (VE/VCO2slope), O2 consumption at anaerobic threshold and at peak exercise (VO2AT, VO2peak) as well as NT-pro brain natriuretic peptide (NTpro-BNP) were assessed in relation to left ventricular filling pressure and outcome. Results: NT-proBNP, VO2AT, VE/VCO2slope as well as echocardiographic surrogates E/E’ and E/flow propagation velocity were indicators of elevated end diastolic filling pressure. In multivariable analysis, VO2AT was the only independent predictor. NT-proBNP was the only surrogate of left ventricular filling pressure which predicted outcome. Conclusion: In patients with asymptomatic valvular heart disease and preserved systolic function, spiroergometric parameters and NT-proBNP performed best to assess filling pressure. Only NT-proBNP showed prognostic value in this cohort.

One Case of Diabetes Nephropathy Stage V, Combined Valvular Disease, Total Heart Failure with Diabetes Foot Gangrene

The patient was found to have 4+urine sugar by physical examination 14 years ago and was treated with oral hypoglycemic drugs. Insulin was injected intramuscularly nine years ago. Two and a half years ago, it was found that the color of the thumb, index and middle toe of the left foot became black. He went to a third-class hospital in Beijing and was diagnosed as “diabetes foot”. He was treated with “balloon dilation of lower limb blood vessels of diabetes foot”. Half a year ago, the third toe on the right side was broken and treated in the hospital again. “Popliteal artery stent implantation” was given for the diagnosis of “double kidney insufficiency, diabetes foot, left heart failure, combined heart valve disease”, “Hemofiltration therapy” and anti-inflammatory, amino acid supplementation, kidney function protection, anticoagulation, anemia correction and other treatments. Later, he went to our hospital and was diagnosed by the TCM diagnosis: category of consumptive disease, toe or finger gangrene (syndrome/pattern of qi and yin deficiency). Western medicine diagnosed: stage V of diabetes nephropathy, type II diabetes foot gangrene, combined with heart valve disease, hypoalbuminemia, double kidney cyst, moderate anemia, pleural effusion, hyperkalemia, pulmonary infection, and total heart failure. The patient was treated by the Qi-acupuncture therapy of TCM in combination with Chinese and Western medicine Medical treatment made the patient significantly better and discharged.

Advances in the pathogenesis and ultrasonic diagnosis of senile calcific valvular disease of the heart

Objective:Senile calcific valvular disease of the heart is an endemic valvular heart disease in the elderly patients. The disease is mainly characterized by degenerative change, thickening, fibrosis and calcification of the valvular connective tissue, which leads to the dysfunction of the valve and its stent. The pathogenesis of calcified valvular heart disease has not been fully elucidated, and it may be related to hemodynamics, atherosclerosis and sex. Echocardiography is the basic method and important basis for clinical diagnosis of calcified valvular heart disease, and it might detect the valvular thickening or calcification. This article aimed to analyze the pathogenesis of senile calcified valvular heart disease. At the same time, this research tried to review the progress on ultrasonic diagnosis of senile calcified valvular heart disease in order to provide references for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Differences in the predictive value of red cell distribution width for the mortality of patients with heart failure due to various heart diseases

Background Increased red blood cell distribution width （RDW） is associated with adverse outcomes in patients with heart failure （HF）. The objective of this study was to compare the differences in the predictive value of RDW in patients with HF due to different causes. Methods We retrospectively investigated 1,021 HF patients from October 2009 to December 2011 at Fuwai Hospital （Beijing, China）. HF in these patients was caused by three diseases; coronary heart disease （CHD）, dilated cardiomyopathy （DCM） and valvular heart disease （VHD）. Patients were followed-up for 21 ~ 9 months. Results The RDW, mortality and survival duration were significantly different among the three groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the cumulative survival decreased significantly with increased RDW in patients with HF caused by CHD and DCM, but not in those with HF patients caused by VHD. In a multivariable model, RDW was identified as an independent predictor for the mortality of HF patients with CHD （P 〈 0.001, HR 1.315, 95% CI 1.122-1.543）. The group with higher N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP） and higher RDW than median had the lowest cumulative survival in patients with HF due to CHD, but not in patients with HF due to DCM. Conclusions RDW is a prognostic indicator for patients with HF caused by CHD and DCM; thus, RDW adds important information to NT-proBNP in CHD caused HF patients.

Heart valve disease in elderly Chinese population： effect of advanced age and comorbidities on treatment decision-making and outcomes

Background A considerable proportion of elderly patients with symptomatic severe heart valve disease are treated conservatively de- spite clear indications for surgical intervention. However, little is known about how advanced age and comorbidities affect treatment deci-sion-making and therapeutic outcomes. Methods Patients （n = 234, mean age： 78.5 ± 3.7 years） with symptomatic severe heart valve dis- ease hospitalized in our center were included. One hundred and fifty-one patients （65%） were treated surgically （surgical group） and 83 （35%） were treated conservatively （conservative group）. Factors that affected therapeutic decision-making and treatment outcomes were investi- gated and long-term survival was explored. Results Isolated aortic valve disease, female sex, chronic renal insufficiency, aged _〉 80 years, pneumonia, and emergent status were independent factors associated with therapeutic decision-making. In-hospital mortality for the surgical group was 5.3% （8/151）. Three patients （3.6%） in the conservative group died during initial hospitalization. Low cardiac output syndrome and chronic renal insufficiency were identified as predictors of in-hospital mortality in the surgical group. Conservative treatment was identi- fied as the single risk factor for late death in the entire study population. The surgical group had better 5-year （77.2% vs. 45.4%, P 〈 0.0001） and 10-year （34.5% vs. 8.9%, P 〈 0.0001） survival rates than the conservative group, even when adjusted by propensity score-matched analysis. Conclusions Advanced age and geriatric comorbidities profoundly affect treatment decision-making for severe heart valve disease. Valve surgery in the elderly was not only safe but was also associated with good long-term survival while conservative treatment was unfavorable for patients with symptomatic severe valve disease.

Congenital Cyanogenic Heart Disease in Children: About 420 Cases in Africa

Congenital cyanogenic heart disease (CCHD) is a malformation of the heart and large vessels characterized by an oxygen desaturation in the arterial blood, responsible for cyanosis. The general objective was to study the profile of CCHD in Senegalese hospitals. This is a retrospective study carried out over a period of 8 years (January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2017) and including all children aged 0 to 16 years followed for a CCHD. The hospital prevalence was 0.87% for 420 cases collected. The sex ratio was 1.44 and the average age at diagnosis was 16 months. First degree parental consanguinity was noted in 36 cases (30.78%). The main reasons for consultation were breathing difficulty in 242 cases (57.62%) and fever in 136 patients (32.36%). Apart from cyanosis, the clinical signs were dominated by the heart murmur in 313 cases (74.7%), tachycardia in 283 cases (67.38%) and digital hippocratism in 162 cases (38.57%). Cardiomegaly was found in 239 patients (83.36%). The main types of CCHD were tetralogy of Fallot and transposition of the large vessels. In biology, 206 patients (49.05%) presented polyglobulia. A complete surgical cure was carried out in 22 patients (5.24%). Complications were anoxic crisis (52 cases) and hemorrhagic syndrome (17 cases). There were 97 deaths (28.28%) during hospitalization. The diagnosis of CCHD is late in our country and surgical management is poor explaining the high mortality.

Study of Coronary Artery Disease in Single Aortic Valvular Disease

Objectives To analyze the results of coronary angiographies (CAG) in patients with single aortic valvular heart disease; To study the relationship between aortic valve diseases and coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods 105 patients with single aortic valvular heart disease before surgery underwent angiography. The data of clinical characteristics and angiographies were analyzed. Results 51 patients had symptoms of angina pectoris among 105 patients with single aortic valvular heart disease. Seven of them were confirmed coronary artery disease by angiographies. Although the incidence of angina in aortic valve stenosis group was significantly higher than that in aortic valve regurgitation, the probability of combination of CAD in aortic valve stenosis group was similar to the later. However, the probability of combination of CAD in degenerative aortic valve group was significantly higher than the groups of rheumatic, congenitally bicuspid aortic valves, and other causes (p < 0.01 ). Conclusions Angina pectoris is not sensitive for diagnosis of CAD in single aortic valve heart disease. The probability of combination of CAD in degenerative aortic valve disease is higher than that in aortic valve disease with other causes. Coronary angiography is strongly suggested for these patients.

Risk of cardiovascular,cardiac and arrhythmic complications in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)has emerged as a public health problem of epidemic proportions worldwide.Accumulating clinical and epidemiological evidence indicates that NAFLD is not only associated with liver-related morbidity and mortality but also with an increased risk of coronary heart disease(CHD),abnormalities of cardiac function and structure(e.g.,left ventricular dysfunction and hypertrophy,and heart failure),valvular heart disease(e.g.,aortic valve sclerosis)and arrhythmias(e.g.,atrial fibrillation).Experimental evidence suggests that NAFLD itself,especially in its more severe forms,exacerbates systemic/hepatic insulin resistance,causes atherogenic dyslipidemia,and releases a variety of pro-inflammatory,pro-coagulant and pro-fibrogenic mediators that may play important roles in the pathophysiology of cardiac and arrhythmic complications.Collectively,these findings suggest that patients with NAFLD may benefit from more intensive surveillance and early treatment interventions to decrease the risk for CHD and other cardiac/arrhythmic complications.The purpose of this clinical review is to summarize the rapidly expanding body of evidence that supports a strong association between NAFLD and cardiovascular,cardiac and arrhythmic complications,to briefly examine the putative biological mechanisms underlying this association,and to discuss some of the current treatment options that may influence both NAFLD and its related cardiac and arrhythmic complications.

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 stemotomy 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 thoracotomy from May, 2011 to February, 2013 and 77 cases of same diseases with traditional median stemotomy 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 secondary 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 stemotomy, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). In six month followup after operation, no complications of residual deformity and pericardial effusion were found in both groups by doing echocardiography, but mild pectus carinatum was found in 8 patients in the traditional median sternotomy group (traditional group), whereas patients in another group were well recovered. Conclusions: Minimally invasive right subaxillary vertical thoracotomy for common congenital heart diseases is as safe as traditional median stemotomy, without the increasing incidence of postoperative complications. Additionally, compared with traditional median stemotomy, minimally - invasive right subaxillary vertical thoracotomy is better in the aspects of hidden incision, appearance, and postoperative recovery.

Speckle Tracking Echocardiography Identifies Impaired Longitudinal Strain as a Common Deficit in Various Cardiac Diseases

The use of speckle-tracking echocardiography(STE)is becoming an increasingly useful tool in the evaluation of myocardial disease.STE software can track the motion of the specular pattern created by the interference of ultrasound with the myofibers of the heart and provide a quantitative means to evaluate subtle changes in ventricular function that often occur before changes in ventricular ejection fraction are observed.STE is most often used to measure the change in shape(strain)of myocardial segments in the circumferential,radial,and longitudinal directions.In various diseases,including coronary artery disease,aortic stenosis,and mitral regurgitation,deficits in longitudinal strain appear to occur earlier than deficits in other measures of strain or in ejection fraction.Consideration of STE measures of left ventricular contraction has the potential to significantly affect clinical management and outcomes of ischemic and valvular heart disease given the ability to separate those with asymptomatic disease who may benefit from earlier interventions than current guidelines may suggest.

Pattern of Cardiovascular Diseases as Seen in an Out-Patient Cardiac Clinic in Ghana

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are increasingly emerging as a major health problem in sub-Saharan Africa, but information on the epidemiology, clinical characteristics and spectrum of the diseases are scanty. Epidemiological data regarding the incidence and prevalence of CVDs in different geographical regions are essential to our understanding of global distribution and evolution of CVDs. We conducted a retrospective observational study to determine the prevalence and spectrum of cardiovascular diseases in patients seen at the out-patient cardiac clinic of the Directorate of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi, Ghana. Medical records of 432 patients selected from the cardiac clinic using simple random sampling. The medical history, including the socio-demographic information, was examined. The results of the patients’ laboratory tests, chest X-ray, electrocardiography, M-mode and two-dimensional echocardiography with Doppler and colour flow imaging of the patients were also examined. The patients were aged between 13 - 97 years with the mean age (±standard deviation) of 55.35 (±19) years. There were more females (53%;n = 229) than males (47%;n = 203). The main cardiovascular diseases seen included: hypertensive heart disease (35.6%;n = 154), valvular heart disease (19.7%;n = 85), cardiomyopathies (18.5%;n = 80), arrhythmias (6.3%;n = 27) and coronary artery disease (4.2%;n = 18). The most common causes of valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias were rheumatic heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy and complete heart block respectively. In conclusion, our study has shown that hypertensive heart disease, rheumatic heart disease and cardiomyopathies were the main cardiovascular diseases,seen in 73.8% of the patients in this study.

Anesthetic management of a child with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome undergoing open heart surgery:A case report

BACKGROUND Cornelia de Lange syndrome(CdLS)is a congenital multisystemic genetic disorder.The expected lifespan of children with this disorder has been prolonged in parallel with the advances in medicine in recent years.However,they still more frequently undergo cardiac surgery.There are some challenges for clinicians when faced with CdLS patients.We present the perioperative management of a child with CdLS undergoing open-heart surgery.CASE SUMMARY Severe pulmonic and subpulmonic valvular stenosis,enlargement of the right side of the heart,mild tricuspid regurgitation,atrial septal defect,and patent ductus arteriosus were diagnosed in a 14-month-old boy with manifested cyanosis,developmental delay,and malnutrition.Attempted balloon valvuloplasty was unsuccessful due to a severe stenotic pulmonary valve,therefore it was decided to perform an open surgical repair.Following a successful and uncomplicated intraoperative course,the patient was extubated on postoperative day 5,and adrenalin and dopamine infusions were gradually decreased and stopped on postoperative days 6 and 10,respectively.Moderate laryngomalacia and suboptimal vocal cord movements were diagnosed,and tracheotomy and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy were performed under general anesthesia in the same session at postoperative day 32.The patient was discharged on postoperative day 85 after a challenging postoperative period with additional airway and nutritional problems.CONCLUSION This is the first report of the perioperative anesthetic and clinical management of a CdLS patient undergoing open-heart surgery.

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.