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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Predictive value of C-reactive protein and the Pediatric Risk of Mortality Ⅲ Score for occurrence of postoperative ventilator-associated pneumonia in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease

Importance:Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is one of the most common complications after cardiac surgery in children with congenital heart disease (CHD).Early prediction of the incidence of VAP is important for clinical prevention and treatment.Objective:To determine the value of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and the Pediatric Risk of Mortality Ⅲ (PRISM Ⅲ) score in predicting the risk of postoperative VAP in pediatric patients with CHD.Methods:We performed a retrospective review of clinical data of 481 pediatric patients with CHD who were admitted to our pediatric intensive care unit.These patients received mechanical ventilation for 48 hours or longer after corrective Surgery.On the basis of their clinical manifestations and laboratory results,patients were separated into two groups of those with VAP and those without VAP.CRP levels were measured and PRISM Ⅲ scores were collected within 12 hours of admission to the pediatric intensive care unit.The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the association of CRP levels and the PRISM score with the occurrence of postoperative VAP.A linear regression model was constructed to obtain a joint function and receiver operating curves were used to assess the predictive value.Results:CRP levels and the PRISM Ⅲ score in the VAP group were significantly higher than those in the non-VAP group (P < 0.05).Receiver operating curves suggested that using CRP + the PRISM Ⅲ score to predict the incidence of VAP after congenial heart surgery was more accurate than using either of them alone (CRP + the PRISM Ⅲ score:sensitivity:53.2%,specificity:85.7%).When CRP + the PRISM Ⅲ score was greater than 45.460,patients were more likely to have VAP.Interpretation:Although using CRP levels plus the PRISM Ⅲ score to predict the incidence of VAP after congenial heart surgery is more accurate than using either of them alone,its predictive value is still limited.

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.

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.

Evaluation of Post-Operative Atrial Fibrillation after Cardiac Surgery for Adult Congenital Heart Disease

Background:Post-operative atrial fibrillation(POAF)frequently occurs after cardiac surgery.Although adult congenital heart disease(ACHD)patients have higher rates of arrhythmia than the general population,there is scant literature on POAF in ACHD patients.Objectives:Identify key risk factors associated with post-operative atrial fibrillation and evaluate the short-and mid-term significance of developing POAF.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted of ACHD patients from 2013–2021 at the University of Colorado Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Colorado.The institutional Society of Thoracic Surgeons(STS)surgical registry was used to identify patients≥18-year-old with congenital heart disease who underwent cardiac surgery during the study period.Results:A total of 168 patients(48%female)were included.The median age was 36 years(IQR 28–48).Onehundred and fifty patients(90%)had moderate ACHD anatomical complexity,and 10 patients(6%)had severe ACHD anatomical complexity based on initial ACHD diagnosis.POAF occurred in 40(24%)patients.Older age,history of supraventricular tachycardia,intra-operative arrhythmia,and post-operative hypokalemia independently predicted POAF.POAF was associated with an increased length of stay(8 vs.5 days,p<0.001)and recurrence of atrial fibrillation(46%vs.21%,OR 3.35,p=0.002)but did not predict mortality,stroke,or bleeding event.Conclusion:Atrial fibrillation is a common complication after cardiac surgery in the ACHD population.Older age,history of supraventricular tachycardia,intra-operative arrhythmia,and post-operative hypokalemia independently predicted POAF.Further investigation is needed to understand the long-term impacts of POAF.

Cheatham-Platinum支架置入治疗儿童主动脉缩窄的疗效评价

目的：评价Cheatham-Platinum （CP）支架治疗儿童主动脉缩窄的早中期疗效.方法：对14例主动脉缩窄（coarctation of the aorta,CoA）儿童行CP支架置入术,其中男性8例,女性6例;年龄4～14岁（中位年龄11岁）;体质量19.9～60kg（中位体质量38.2kg）.6例（43％）为未经治疗CoA;8例（57％）为再狭窄CoA.收集和分析CP支架置入前后的数据和随访资料.结果：14例患儿均成功置入CP支架,其中6例裸支架,8例覆膜支架.术后即刻CoA最窄处直径由（6.45±1.39）mm增加至（11.79±1.59）mm,P＜0.001;CoA/Dao比由0.41±0.12增加至0.74 ±0.10,P＜0.001;导管测得跨狭窄压差由[（34.86±17.48） mmHg（1 mmHg=0.133kPa）,下降至（1.64±1.64） mmHg,P＜0.001];心脏超声测得跨狭窄压差由[（59.76±15.92） mmHg,下降至（23.89±7.30） mmHg,P＜0.001];上肢收缩压由[（142.07±28.95） mmHg降为（124.79±25.92） mmHg,P＜0.001];下肢收缩压由[（105.21±21.35）mmHg升为（122.29±25.29）mmHg,P＜0.05].未见主动脉瘤和主动脉夹层的发生.1例患儿术中发生髂动脉内膜撕脱导致术后死亡.随访结果未见再狭窄,未见支架的移位断裂.结论：CP支架治疗儿童CoA早中期疗效好,但远期效果尚需进一步的随访和更多病例的研究.

先天性心脏病儿童156例营养不良发生现状及影响因素分析

目的探讨先天性心脏病儿童营养不良发生现状及影响因素。方法选取陕西省森林工业职工医院2019年6月至2022年7月收治的156例先天性心脏病病人,采用Z评分法评估病人的营养状况。根据病人营养状况将其分为营养不良组和正常组,比较两组病人一般资料,采用多因素回归分析先天性心脏病病人营养不良的影响因素。结果156例先天性心脏病病人中营养不良发生率为58.97%,其中急性营养不良发生率为26.92%,慢性营养不良发生率为32.05%;营养不良组病情复杂占比(57.61%比34.37%)、家庭经济收入低占比(45.65%比21.88%)、母亲对疾病感知度不准确占比(57.61%比35.94%)、低出生体质量儿占比(38.04%比23.44%)、心脏增大占比(21.74%比9.37%)、治疗前有症状占比(73.91%比34.38%)、确诊时间≥1年占比(68.48%比29.69%)、住院次数>4次占比(33.70%比12.50%)、感染占比(70.65%比29.69%)及来自农村占比(63.04%比40.62%)均高于营养正常组(均P<0.05);logistic回归分析发现,病情复杂程度、家庭经济收入、出生体质量、确诊时间、住院次数及感染均是先天性心脏病病人发生营养不良的独立危险因素(P<0.05)。结论病情复杂程度、出生体质量、住院次数以及家庭来源均是先天性心脏病病人营养不良的独立危险因素。

Potential biomarkers predicting risk of pulmonary hypertension in congenital heart disease： the role of homocysteine and hydrogen sulfide

Background Pulmonary hypertension （PH） is a common complication of congenital heart disease （CHD）.Although risk stratification is vital for prognosis and therapeutic guidance,the need for understanding the role of novel biomarkers cannot be overlooked.The aim of the present study was to investigate the changes of homocysteine and hydrogen sulfide levels and find potential biomarkers for early detection and treatment.Methods Between September 2012 and April 2013,we prospectively collected data on 158 pediatric patients with left to right shunt CHD at our institution.Standard right heart catheterizations were performed in all cases.Seventy-seven cases were associated with PH.The levels of homocysteine and hydrogen sulfide were detected with fluorescence polarization immunoassay and a sensitive silver-sulphur electrode,respectively.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the expression of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase （MTHFR）,cystathionine β-synthase （CBS）,and cystathionine gamma-lyase （CSE）.Radioimmunoassays were used to obtain folic acid and vitamin B12 levels.Results The difference in the levels of homocysteine,folic acid,vitamin B12,hydrogen sulfide,as well as the MTHFR and CSE expression between patients with PH and without PH were statistically significant （all P ＜0.05）.Homocysteine had the best sensitivity and specificity to predict PH （P ＜0.001）.Subgroup analysis showed that the levels of homocysteine and hydrogen sulfide,and the expression of CSE and MTHFR between patients with dynamic and obstructive PH were significantly different （all P ＜0.05）.Based on the ROC curve,homocysteine had the best sensitivity and specificity to predict obstructive PH （P=0.032）,while CSE had the most significant sensitivity and specificity to predict the dynamic PH （P=0.008）.Conclusions Increased levels of homocysteine and decreased levels of hydrogen sulfide were significantly negatively correlated in PH associated with CHD.The underlying mechanism involved the decreased expression of MTHFR and CSE along with vitamin B12 deficiency.Homocysteine and hydrogen sulfide are potential biomarkers to predict PH.

Cardiac changes in infants of diabetic mothers

Diabetes mellitus(DM)is a systemic chronic metabolic disorder characterized by increased insulin resistance and/orβ-cell defects.It affects all ages from the foetal life,neonates,childhood to late adulthood.Gestational diabetes is a critical risk factor for congenital heart diseases(CHDs).Moreover,the risk increases with low maternal education,high body mass index at conception,undiagnosed pregestational diabetes,inadequate antenatal care,improper diabetes control,and maternal smoking during pregnancy.Maternal DM significantly affects the foetal heart and foetal-placental circulation in both structure and function.Cardiac defects,myocardial hypertrophy are three times more prevalent in infants of diabetic mothers(IDMs).Antenatal evaluation of the cardiac function and structures can be performed with foetal electrocardiography and echocardiography.Postnatal cardiac evaluation can be performed with natal and postnatal electrocardiography and echocardiography,detection of early atherosclerotic changes by measuring aortic intima-media thickness,and retinal vascular changes by retinal photography.Ameliorating the effects of diabetes during pregnancy on the offspring depends mainly on pregestational and gestational diabetes prevention.However,other measures to reduce the risk,such as using medications,nutritional supplements,or probiotics,still need more research.This review discusses the mechanism of foetal sequels and the risk factors that increase the prevalence of CHDs in gestational DM,the various cardiac outcomes of gestational DM on the foetus and offspring,cardiac evaluation of foetuses and IDMs,and how to alleviate the consequences of gestational DM on the offspring.

Application of stent implantation in congenital heart disease

Vascular stenoses and hypoplasia in children are associated with congenital heart disease or occur as residual lesions or complications after surgical repair. These obstructions can occur in arteries or veins of both the pulmonary and systemic circulations. Untreated vascular stenoses cause significant mortality and morbidity and will severely affect surgical outcome.

中国儿童先天性心脏病流行病学特征研究进展

从2004年开始先天性心脏病发病率上升至我国出生缺陷第一位,虽然随着医疗技术在不断发展,先天性心脏病的检出率越来越高,但先天性心脏病仍然是新生儿死亡的重要原因,会给社会及家庭带来极大的经济负担。本文对目前中国儿童先天性心脏病流行病学特征进行总结,提升群众对先天性心脏的认知率,为预防和降低先天性心脏病发病率提供参考依据。

Interventional treatment for congenital heart disease and its severe complications

Background To approach the incidence, cause and possible treatment of severe complications induced during or after congenital heart disease interventions. Methods Interventional procedures of congenital heart disease were performed in 654 patients from January 2003 to October 2009, which were divided into four groups, i.e. patent ductus arteriosus （PDA）, atrial septum defect （ASD）, pulmonary stenosis（PS）, ventricular septum defect（VSD）, among them 32 patients with severe complications were retrospectively analyzed. Results A total of 654 cases accepted the treatment of intrusion. There was one death in all the patients, ten patients failed in the operation. The overall severe complication rate was 4.89% （32/654）, in which 2.29%（4/175） in PDA group, 5.26%（10/190） in ASD group, 5.77% （3/52） in PS group, 6.33%（15/237） in VSD group, respectively. Conclusions The severe complication rates of interventional therapy for congenital heart disease are low, it is a relatively safe interventional method, and careful supervision is necessary during or after procedure.