Pediatric cardiology
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Pediatric cardiology · Jul 2006
Comparative StudyRadiofrequency catheter ablation of supraventricular tachycardia in children and adolescents : feasibility and cost-effectiveness in a low-income country.
The objective of this study is to provide results and costs of catheter ablation in children and adolescents in a low-income country. Reports from first-world countries have demonstrated the cost-effectiveness of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) compared to medical treatment of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). The study included 28 patients younger than 18 years of age with SVT in a pediatric cardiology unit in Guatemala. ⋯ However, the estimated cost of catheter ablation equal that of medical therapy after 5.1 years and is 3.4 times less after 20 years. Radiofrequency catheter ablation of SVT in children and adolescents is safe and cost-effective compared to medical therapy. Resources must be judiciously allocated, especially in low-income countries, to treat the largest number of pediatric patients.
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Pediatric cardiology · Jul 2006
Cytokine response in children undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease.
Pediatric cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) induces a complex inflammatory response that may cause multiorgan dysfunction. The objective of this study was to measure postoperative cytokine production and correlate the magnitude of this response with intraoperative variables and postoperative outcomes. Serum samples from 20 children (median age, 15 months) undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB were obtained preoperatively and on postoperative days (POD) 1-3. ⋯ A negative correlation (p < 0.01) between IL-6, IL-8, and mixed venous oxygen saturation suggested compromised cardiopulmonary function. Patients with single ventricle anatomy had the highest levels of IL-6 and IL-8 (629 +/- 131 and 70 +/- 17 pg/ml, respectively), with a mean CPB time of 106 +/- 23 minutes. Thus, the proinflammatory response after surgery with CPB was associated with postoperative morbidity with increased need for medical intervention.
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Pediatric cardiology · Jul 2006
Case ReportsRedirection of the hepatic venous flow for the treatment of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations after Fontan operation.
A 45-month-old boy who had complex cardiac anomalies with interrupted inferior vena cava and polysplenia underwent extracardiac Fontan operation. He redeveloped deep cyanosis postoperatively. ⋯ He underwent revision of the conduit to attain balanced hepatic venous drainage with subsequent regression of the PAVMs and disappearance of cyanosis. Our experience shows that deficiency of hepatic venous flow played a crucial role in the development of PAVMs and that redistribution of the flow retained potential to ameliorate the pathological condition.
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Pediatric cardiology · Jul 2006
A prospective evaluation of nesiritide in the treatment of pediatric heart failure.
This study sought to determine the potential of recombinant B-type natriuretic peptide (nesiritide) for the treatment of pediatric decompensated heart failure. Nesiritide is a widely used and effective treatment for decompensated heart failure (HF) in adults, but its safety and efficacy in pediatric patients is unclear. Outcomes of 55 separate nesiritide infusions of varying durations in 32 patients (13 males and 19 females; mean age, 8.01 years; range, 0.01-20.4) were evaluated prospectively. ⋯ Mean New York Heart Association functional class improved significantly (p < 0.001). Nesiritide infusion, alone or in combination, is a safe treatment for decompensated HF in pediatric patients. It is associated with decreased thirst and improved urine output and functional status, and it may be efficacious in the treatment of pediatric HF.
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Pediatric cardiology · Jul 2006
Case ReportsRedirection of hepatic drainage for treatment of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations following the Fontan procedure.
The development of unilateral pulmonary arteriovenous malformations in patients after total cavopulmonary connection with an extracardiac conduit has been reported. Unequal distribution of hepatic venous flow to the lung is theorized to be the causative factor. ⋯ In the subsequent operation, we redirected the extracardiac conduit to the innominate vein. This operation provided the affected lung with hepatic venous blood without exposing the patient to the morbidity associated with cardiopulmonary bypass.