Pediatric cardiology
-
Pediatric cardiology · Jun 2017
ReviewThe Lymphatic Circulation in Adaptations to the Fontan Circulation.
Failing Fontan continues to be major problem for patients on the univentricular pathway. Failing Fontan is often complicated by chylothorax, plastic bronchitis and protein loosing enteropathy. ⋯ Interventional strategies targeting abnormal lymphatic channels, provides an alternative management strategy for patients with failing Fontan. This review focuses on the role of lymphatic system in adaptations to Fontan circulation.
-
Pediatric cardiology · Jun 2017
Peripheral Endothelial Function After Arterial Switch Operation for D-looped Transposition of the Great Arteries.
Coronary artery re-implantation during arterial switch operation in patients with D-looped transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA) can alter coronary arterial flow and increase shear stress, leading to local endothelial dysfunction, although prior studies have conflicting results. Endothelial pulse amplitude testing can predict coronary endothelial dysfunction by peripheral arterial testing. This study tested if, compared to healthy controls, patients with D-TGA after arterial switch operation had peripheral endothelial dysfunction. ⋯ Endothelial pulse amplitude testing indices were similar between patients with D-TGA and controls (1.78 ± 0.61 vs. 1.73 ± 0.54, p = 0.73). In our study population of children and young adults, there was no evidence of peripheral endothelial dysfunction in patients with D-TGA who have undergone arterial switch operation. Our results support the theory that coronary arterial wall thickening and abnormal vasodilation reported in these patients is a localized phenomenon and not reflective of overall atherosclerotic burden.
-
Pediatric cardiology · Apr 2017
Comparative StudyForgotten Right Ventricle in Pediatric Dilated Cardiomyopathy.
To evaluate the right ventricular (RV) function in relation to that of the left ventricle (LV) in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Echocardiographic examination was done using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) for 32 pediatric patients with DCM comparing them to another 32 normal matched controls. The global longitudinal strain (GLS) derived from 2D-STE was used to reflect the LV systolic function. ⋯ For identifying severe LV dysfunction; RV MPI > 0.29 had 100% sensitivity and 93.7% specificity, while the RV IVA ≤ 3 had 84.4% sensitivity and 90.6% specificity. In pediatric patients with DCM the RV systolic and diastolic functions are affected beside the LV dysfunction. Non-conventional echocardiographic evaluation of RV function is recommended in among this cohort.
-
Pediatric cardiology · Mar 2017
Transposition of Great Arteries with Complex Coronary Artery Variants: Time-Related Events Following Arterial Switch Operation.
Coronary artery anatomy represents a challenging and, often, determining predictor of outcome in an arterial switch operation (ASO). Impact of specific coronary artery variants, such as single, intramural and inverted, on time-related events following ASO, is, yet, to be determined. We sought to compare early and late outcomes within the group of nonstandard coronary artery variants. ⋯ ASO with single, intramural or inverted coronary artery course carries no added longitudinal risk for structural or flow impairment within the group of nonstandard coronary artery variants. There is an early hazard period with no late survival attrition. Aortic arch repair as part of staged strategy prior to ASO might influence early and late outcome.
-
Pediatric cardiology · Mar 2017
Multicenter StudyPrevalence and Risk Factors for Pericardial Effusions Requiring Readmission After Pediatric Cardiac Surgery.
Pericardial effusion (PE) may require readmission after cardiac surgery and has been associated with postoperative morbidity and mortality. We sought to identify the prevalence and risk factors for postoperative PE requiring readmission in children. A retrospective analysis of the Pediatric Health Information System database was performed between January 1, 2003, and September 30, 2014. ⋯ Factors associated with interventions included shorter length of stay (LOS) for the initial surgical admission (OR 0.85, p = 0.008), longer LOS for the readmission (OR 1.37, p < 0.001), and atrial septal defect surgery (OR 1.40, p = 0.005). In this administrative database of children undergoing cardiac surgery, readmissions for PE occurred after 1.1% of cardiac surgery admissions. The risk factors identified for readmissions and interventions may allow for improved risk stratification, family counseling, and earlier recognition of PE for children undergoing cardiac surgery.