Congenital heart disease
-
Congenital heart disease · May 2013
Transesophageal echocardiography probe insertion failure in infants undergoing cardiac surgery.
The use of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (iTEE) in neonates ≤4 kg has not been systematically described. We sought to describe the use of and determine risk factors for iTEE probe insertion failure in small infants. We also sought to develop an algorithm for predicting the likelihood of iTEE probe insertion failure. ⋯ iTEE can be successfully performed in the majority of neonates ≤4 kg undergoing cardiac surgery. However, there are identifiable risk factors for iTEE probe insertion failure. A weight-based algorithm may help determine neonates at risk for iTEE probe insertion failure. Smaller TEE probes may benefit this patient population.
-
Congenital heart disease · May 2013
Restrictive lung disease is an independent predictor of exercise intolerance in the adult with congenital heart disease.
Following repair of congenital heart disease (CHD), adult patients are at risk for reduced exercise capacity. Restrictive lung disease (RLD) may contribute to reduced exercise capacity in this population. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of RLD and its impact on exercise tolerance in the adult with CHD. ⋯ Abnormal spirometry suggestive of RLD is common in the adult with CHD and is a significant risk factor for decreased exercise tolerance in this population. Further studies are needed to evaluate the relationship between RLD and exercise intolerance and its relationship to mortality in the adult with CHD.
-
Congenital heart disease · May 2013
Comparative StudyDiastolic flow parameters are not sensitive in predicting necrotizing enterocolitis in patients undergoing hybrid procedure.
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates with complex single-ventricle anatomy undergoing stage I palliation. Hybrid approach is another option for initial single-ventricle palliation. The goal of this study was to determine if there were differences in echocardiographic indices between patients undergoing the hybrid procedure who developed NEC vs. those that did not develop NEC. ⋯ Echocardiographic indices were not sensitive in determining the development of NEC in patients undergoing the hybrid procedure. Larger studies with more sensitive imaging techniques are required to help risk stratify NEC in this complex patient population.