Cardiology in the young
-
Chronic pain is common after sternotomy in adults with reported prevalence rates of 20-50%. So far, no studies have examined whether children develop chronic pain after sternotomy. ⋯ Chronic pain after cardiac surgery via sternotomy in children is a problem that should not be neglected. The pain is likely to have a neuropathic component as suggested by the sensory abnormalities demonstrated by quantitative sensory testing.
-
Cardiology in the young · Oct 2014
Behavioural and emotional outcomes in school-aged children after surgery or transcatheter closure treatment for ventricular septal defect.
We aimed to assess and compare the behavioural and emotional outcomes of school-aged children after surgery or transcatheter closure for ventricular septal defect and investigate the risk factors for developing abnormal behavioural problems with the condition. ⋯ School-aged children who underwent repair of ventricular septal defect regardless of the type of treatment (surgery or transcatheter closure) exhibit internalising behavioural problems. Risk factors for developing problems are young age, scarring, post-operative atrioventricular block, and maternal anxiety. In particular, maternal anxiety is the most important risk factor.
-
Cardiology in the young · Oct 2014
Pre-operative renal volume predicts peak creatinine after congenital heart surgery in neonates.
Acute kidney injury is common in neonates following surgery for congenital heart disease. We conducted a retrospective analysis to determine whether neonates with smaller pre-operative renal volume were more likely to develop post-operative acute kidney injury. ⋯ Pre-operative renal volume ≤17 cm³ is associated with a higher peak post-operative creatinine and potentially greater risk for post-operative acute kidney injury for neonates undergoing congenital heart surgery. Neonates with a single right ventricle may be at higher risk.
-
Cardiology in the young · Aug 2014
Observational StudyGlial fibrillary acidic protein in children with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass.
To determine whether blood levels of the brain-specific biomarker glial fibrillary acidic protein rise during cardiopulmonary bypass for repair of congenital heart disease. ⋯ There are significant increases in glial fibrillary acidic protein levels in children undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass for repair of congenital heart disease. The highest values were seen during the re-warming phase. Elevations are significantly associated with younger age, bypass and cross-clamp times, and temperature nadir. Owing to the fact that glial fibrillary acidic protein is the most brain-specific biomarker identified to date, it may act as a rapid diagnostic marker of brain injury during cardiac surgery.
-
Cardiology in the young · Aug 2014
ReviewTakotsubo cardiomyopathy: how much do we know of this syndrome in children and young adults?
Since Takotsubo cardiomyopathy was first described by Sato in 1990, multiple cases have been reported, but only few in children, among whom this type of cardiomyopathy is to some extent underappreciated. A series of children with this syndrome were therefore reviewed, drawing comparison with cases reported by others. The review addresses the current challenges in diagnosis, presentation, triggers, clinical course, management, and possible pathogenic mechanisms of the entity.