Pediatric cardiology
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Pediatric cardiology · Mar 2003
Comparative StudyRegional racial and ethnic differences in mortality for congenital heart surgery in children may reflect unequal access to care.
The objective of this study was to explore racial differences in mortality for congenital heart surgery. We performed a population-based retrospective cohort study using hospital discharge abstract data from four states in 1996. The outcome measure was risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality. ⋯ Adding insurance type to models did not eliminate racial differences. In risk-adjusted analyses, non-white groups had a higher risk of dying after congenital heart surgery than whites. Inconsistent effects among regions suggest that differential mortality is due to unequal access to care rather than biology.
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Pediatric cardiology · Mar 2003
Comparative StudyRisk of death for Medicaid recipients undergoing congenital heart surgery.
The objective of this study was to explore the effect of insurance type on mortality for congenital heart surgery. We performed a population-based retrospective cohort study using hospital discharge abstract data from five states in 1992 and 1996. The outcome measure was risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality. ⋯ Differences were present within and between low, average, and high-mortality hospitals, suggesting that the adverse effect of Medicaid may be due to both differential referral and other differences in care among patients treated at similar institutions. Children with Medicaid insurance have a higher risk of dying after congenital heart surgery than those with commercial and some managed care insurance. Barriers to access go beyond differences in referral patterns.
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Pediatric cardiology · Mar 2003
Case ReportsNoninvasive imaging of isolated persistent fifth aortic arch.
Persistent fifth aortic arch was suspected by echocardiography and confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in an infant with a heart murmur. Selected images including three dimensional reconstruction from MRI demonstrating this very rare congenital anomaly are presented.
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Pediatric cardiology · Mar 2003
Use of intravenous amiodarone for postoperative junctional ectopic tachycardia in children.
To assess the efficacy and safety of intravenous (IV) amiodarone for the treatment of postoperative junctional ectopic tachycardia (JET) in children, we retrospectively reviewed 11 patients treated with IV amiodarone for JET between 1/92 and 2/00. Data included heart rate and hemodynamics pre- and post-amiodarone, drug dosage, duration of therapy, and effect. Success was defined as reversion to sinus rhythm or slowing to a hemodynamically stable rate. ⋯ One patient was discharged on oral amiodarone. Intravenous amiodarone given in doses of 10 mg/kg in two 5 mg/kg increments, followed by an infusion of 10-15 mg/kg/day for 48-72 hours, appears to be safe and effective for postoperative JET in patients who fail conventional therapy or who are hemodynamically unstable. Long-term oral therapy is usually not necessary.
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We received 50 claims of medical negligence in pediatric cardiology. From the analysis, patterns were identified and recommendations for improvement were found that apply generally to healthcare. Less than half (38%) of the claims were found to be medically meritorious. ⋯ The current tort system neither deters nor compensates as it was intended. The assignment of blame to a single individual is usually not in concert with the reality of modern medicine. Good health care is not a passive behavior; active participation by the public is required.