Performance Evaluation of Geometrically Different Pediatric Arterial Cannulae in a Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Bypass Model

ABSTRACT Objective: To define a reference chart comparing pressure drop vs. flow generated by a set of arterial cannulae currently utilized in cardiopulmonary bypass conditions in pediatric surgery. Methods: Cannulae from two manufacturers were selected considering their design and outer and inner diameters. Cannula performance was evaluated in terms of pressure drop vs. flow during simulated cardiopulmonary bypass conditions. The experimental circuits consisted of a Jostra HL-20 roller pump, a Quadrox-i pediatric oxygenator (Maquet Cardiopulmonary AG, Rastatt, Germany), and a custom pediatric tubing set. The circuit was primed with lactated Ringer's solution only (first condition) and with human packed red blood cells added (second condition) to achieve a hematocrit of 30%. Cannula sizes 8 to 16 Fr were inserted into the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit with a "Y" connector. The flow was adjusted in 100 ml/min increments within typical flow ranges for each cannula. Pre-cannula and post-cannula pressures were measured to calculate the pressure drop. Results: Utilizing a pressure drop limit of 100 mmHg, our results suggest a recommended flow limit of 500, 900, 1400, 2600, and 3100 mL/min for Braile arterial cannulae sizes 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 Fr, respectively. For Medtronic DLP arterial cannulae sizes 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 Fr, the recommended flow limit is 600, 1100, 1700, 2700, and 3300 mL/min, respectively. Conclusion: This study reinforces discrepancies in pressure drop between cannulae of the same diameter supplied by different manufacturers and the importance of independent translational research to evaluate components' performance.

Primer registro de procedimientos de intervencionismo cardiovascular pediátrico realizados en un laboratorio estatal de hemodinamia pediátrica en El Salvador / First record of pediatric cardiovascular interventional procedures performed in a state pediatric catheterization laboratory in El Salvador

Resumen Objetivo: Describir los tipos de cateterismo cardiaco que se realizan en el único laboratorio de hemodinamia pediátrica dentro de la red de salud pública de El Salvador, en colaboración con organizaciones sin fines de lucro. Material y método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de corte transversal en el periodo entre mayo de 2022 a enero de 2023, revisando los expedientes de todos los pacientes que pasaron a cateterismo cardiaco. Resultados: Se realizaron 54 procedimientos dentro de la sala de hemodinamia, 37 pacientes de sexo femenino. El peso fue de 20.6 ± 14.5 kg, de los procedimientos, 47 (87%) fueron terapéuticos y 7 (13%) diagnósticos. La oclusión del conducto arterioso se realizó en el 46% de los pacientes. No se reportaron complicaciones, los pacientes fueron dados de alta luego de 12 horas, todos los insumos fueron donados por fundaciones sin fines de lucro. Conclusiones: Nuestro laboratorio de hemodinamia realiza procedimientos de complejidad variada sin reportar hasta el momento complicaciones mayores. Nos vemos limitados debido al costo alto de algunos dispositivos, a la baja frecuencia de la utilización de estos y a la imposibilidad para adquirirlos en el mercado nacional.

Abstract Objective: To describe the types of cardiac catheterization that are performed in the only pediatric catheterization laboratory within the public health network of El Salvador, in collaboration with non-profit organizations. Material and method: A descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in the period from May 2022 to January 2023, reviewing the records of all patients who underwent cardiac catheterization. Results: 54 procedures were performed in the catheterization room, 37 female patients. The weight was 20.6 ± 14.5 kg, of the procedures, 47 (87%) were therapeutic and 7 (13%) diagnostic. Occlusion of the ductus arteriosus was performed in 46% of the patients. No complications were reported, the patients were discharged after 12 hours, all supplies were donated by non-profit foundations. Conclusions: Our catheterization laboratory performs procedures of varied complexity without reporting any major complications to date. We are limited due to the high cost of some devices, the low frequency of their use and the impossibility of acquiring them in the national market.

Origen aórtico anómalo de las arterias coronarias / Abnormal aortic origin of coronary arteries

Resumen Introducción: El origen aórtico anómalo de las arterias coronarias tiene una prevalencia estimada del 0.02-5.7% y están potencialmente involucradas con complicaciones en su evolución natural o aquellos que requieran procedimientos intervencionistas hemodinámico y/o quirúrgicos. Puede asociarse a muerte súbita o dañarse durante intervenciones sobre el anillo mitral, aórtico, pulmonar o el cierre percutáneo de un defecto septal interauricular. Objetivo: identificar estos pacientes por diferentes técnicas de imágenes como el ecocardiograma Doppler color transtorácico (ETT), angiotomografía o angiografía coronaria. Métodos: Las técnicas de imágenes utilizadas para la detección de anomalías coronarias fueron el ETT, angiotomografía coronaria multicorte o angiografía coronaria convencional de acuerdo con lo universalmente aceptado. Resultados: Estudio prospectivo realizado desde enero del 2020 a junio del 2021. Se identificaron 15 pacientes y en 12/15 la sospecha fue por ETT y en los tres restantes por angiotomografía coronaria. La arteria circunfleja fue la más involucrada en forma aislada o asociada a otra anomalía coronaria (12/15 pacientes) y en los tres casos restantes la coronaria anómala tuvo un trayecto interarterial, siendo las arterias coronarias derecha y la descendente anterior las afectadas. Conclusiones: El subdiagnóstico por ETT de las anomalías de las arterias coronarias puede deberse a la dificultad para su visualización, sobre todo en la población adulta. Su detección es crucial, ya que puede generar muerte súbita asociada a isquemia miocárdica y arritmias graves o complicar procedimientos intervencionistas sobre el septum interauricular o sobre los anillos mitral, pulmonar y/o aórtico.

Abstract Introduction: The anomalous aortic origin of the coronary arteries has an estimated prevalence of 0.02-5.7%. It can be associated with sudden death when it has an interarterial or intramural pathway or be damaged during interventions on the mitral, pulmonary and/or aortic annulus or percutaneous closure of an interatrial septal defect. Objective: To identify these patients by imaging techniques such as transthoracic color Doppler echocardiography (TTE), computed tomography (CT) multislice angiography or coronary angiography. Methods: The imaging techniques used for the detection of coronary anomalies were TTE, multislice coronary angiography or coronary angiography according to what is generally accepted. Results: Fifteen patients were identified; in 12 of them the suspicion was due to TTE and in the remaining 3, CT multislice angiography was diagnostic. The circumflex artery was the coronary artery most involved, associated or not with another coronary anomaly (12/15 patients) and in the other three cases, the anomalous coronary artery had an interarterial course, with the right coronary arteries and the anterior descending coronary arteries being involved. Conclusions: The under diagnosis by TTE of coronary artery abnormalities may be due to the difficulty of visualization that is accentuated with age. Their detection is crucial because they can both, lead to sudden death associated with an intramural and/or interarterial pathway and complicate an interventional procedure on the interatrial septum or within the mitral, pulmonary and/or aortic rings.

Abordaje terapéutico de cardiopatías congénitas en el síndrome de Down / Congenital heart disease in Down's syndrome

Resumen Antecedentes: El síndrome de Down es la anomalía cromosómica más frecuente y se asocia con defectos cardiacos congénitos, elementos clínicos de una alta morbilidad y mortalidad infantil. Objetivo: Describir los desenlaces clínicos de los pacientes con síndrome de Down sometidos a cirugía e intervencionismo como tratamiento de las cardiopatías congénitas en esta institución. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo que incluyó pacientes menores de 18 años con síndrome de Down y patología cardiaca asociada durante los últimos 10 años. Las variables estudiadas fueron: peso, talla, sexo, edad, tipo de cardiopatía, procedimiento correctivo, tiempo de estancia intrahospitalaria y en unidad de terapia intensiva, morbilidad y mortalidad. Resultados: 368 pacientes pediátricos fueron llevados a corrección quirúrgica o intervencionista, de los cuales 197 (54%) pertenecían al sexo femenino, la mediana de edad fue de 24 meses (rango intercuartílico [RIQ]: 14-48) en el grupo quirúrgico y de 36 meses (RIQ: 17-85) en el intervencionista. Las cardiopatías congénitas más frecuentes fueron: persistencia del conducto arterioso (31%), comunicación interventricular (28%), canal atrioventricular (CAV) (20%), comunicación interauricular (16%) y tetralogía de Fallot con el 4% respectivamente. La estancia hospitalaria fue de 9 días (RIQ: 7-15) en el grupo quirúrgico y de 3 días (RIQ: 2-5) en el hemodinámico. Las morbilidades fueron infección postoperatoria en 30 pacientes (14%) y en 19 pacientes (9%) bloqueo atrioventricular completo. La mortalidad global incluyendo tanto el quirúrgico como el intervencionista fue del 2%. Conclusiones: Los resultados terapéuticos, quirúrgicos e intervencionistas, en los niños con síndrome de Down y cardiopatías congénitas han mejorado en forma muy satisfactoria. Es de destacar la menor prevalencia del CAV en la población mexicana. Es indispensable realizar evaluación cardiológica a los niños con síndrome de Down y aquellos con cardiopatías congénitas llevarlos a corrección de manera oportuna para favorecer la sobrevida y calidad de vida.

Abstract Background: Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal abnormality, it is associated with a wide variety of congenital heart defects, being considered as clinical elements of high infant morbidity and mortality. Objective: To describe the clinical outcomes of patients with Down syndrome undergoing surgery and interventionism as treatment for congenital heart disease at this Institution. Material and methods: 368 patients with Down syndrome and associated congenital heart disease were diagnosed. The variables studied were weight, stature, sex, age, type of heart disease, corrective procedure, length of stay in the hospital and intensive care unit, morbidity and mortality. Results: 368 pediatric patients underwent surgical or interventional correction. Of which 197 (54%) were female, the median age was 24 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 14-48) in the surgical group and 36 months (IQR: 17-85) in the interventional group. The most frequent congenital heart diseases were: PCA (31%), IVC (28%), CAV (20%), ASD (16%) and tetralogy of Fallot with 4% respectively. Hospital stay was 9 days (IQR: 7-15) in the surgical group and 3 days (IQR: 2-5) in the hemodynamic group. Morbidities were postoperative infection in 30 patients (14%) and complete atrioventricular block in 19 patients (9%). Overall mortality including both surgical and interventional was 2%. Conclusions: The therapeutic, surgical and interventional results in children with Down syndrome and congenital heart disease have improved very satisfactorily. The lower prevalence of the atrioventricular canal in the Mexican population is noteworthy. It is essential to carry out a cardiological evaluation of children with Down syndrome and those with congenital heart disease to correct them in a timely manner to promote survival and quality of life.

El desarrollo psicomotor en niños menores de 5 años con cardiopatía congénita, Madre de Dios-Perú

A nivel mundial, la cardiopatía congénita en los niños es la malformación más común que puede tener un bebé al nacer. Objetivo. Analizar el comportamiento del desarrollo psicomotor de los niños menores a 5 años con cardiopatía congénita en la región de Madre de Dios, Perú. Materiales y métodos. Se consideró un enfoque cuantitativo, de tipo observacional analítica con diseño de cohorte prospectivo, con muestreo no probabilístico y una muestra de 6 infantes a quienes se aplicó el instrumento de recolección de información "observación del desarrollo psicomotor en niños con cardiopatía congénita". Resultados. El género del paciente varón en promedio es de 33.33%, la edad en promedio de los pacientes con cardiopatía congénita es de 2 años; el tipo de cardiopatía congénita de los pacientes es atresia pulmonar y estenosis aortica, mostrando un desarrollo psicomotor promedio de nivel medio; el tipo de cirugía desarrollado en el paciente en promedio es de tipo definitivo; alcanzando de esta manera una estancia hospitalaria de 16 a 30 días en promedio y alcanzando un estado nutricional promedio de desnutrición severa. Además, la relación entre el tipo de cardiopatía congénita con el desarrollo psicomotor es positiva, toda vez que, ante un incremento del desarrollo psicomotor de los pacientes, entonces los casos de cardiopatía congénita incrementan (ρ de Pearson =0.6919). Conclusiones. Se determinó que, en los pacientes estudiados el desarrollo psicomotor es de nivel medio; la misma que está relacionado por el tipo de cardiopatía congénita que tiene, donde el 33.33% de los pacientes presentan atresia pulmonar y el 16.67% tiene estenosis aortica; lo que demuestra que la relación entre el tipo de cardiopatía congénita con el desarrollo psicomotor es positiva o directa.

Worldwide, congenital heart disease in children is the most common malformation that an infant may have at birth. Objective. To analyze the behavior of psychomotor development in children under 5 years of age with congenital heart disease in the region of Madre de Dios, Peru. Materials and methods. A quantitative, analytical observational approach with prospective cohort design was considered, with non-probabilistic sampling and a sample of 6 infants to whom the data collection instrument "observation of psychomotor development in children with congenital heart disease" was applied. Results. The average gender of the male patient is 33.33%; the average age of the patients with congenital heart disease is 2 years; the type of congenital heart disease of the patients is pulmonary atresia and aortic stenosis, showing an average psychomotor development of medium level; the type of surgery developed in the patient on average is of definitive type; thus reaching a hospital stay of 16 to 30 days on average and reaching an average nutritional status of severe malnutrition. In addition, the relationship between the type of congenital heart disease and psychomotor development is positive, since, with an increase in the psychomotor development of the patients, the cases of congenital heart disease increase (Pearson's ρ =0.6919). Conclusions. It was determined that, in the patients studied, psychomotor development is of medium level; the same is related to the type of congenital heart disease they have, where 33.33% of the patients present pulmonary atresia and 16.67% have aortic stenosis; which shows that the relationship between the type of congenital heart disease and psychomotor development is positive or direct.

Em todo o mundo, a doença cardíaca congênita em crianças é a malformação mais comum que um bebê pode ter ao nascer. Objetivo. Analisar o comportamento do desenvolvimento psicomotor em crianças com menos de 5 anos de idade com cardiopatia congênita na região de Madre de Dios, no Peru. Materiais e métodos. Foi considerada uma abordagem observacional quantitativa e analítica, com um projeto de coorte prospectivo, amostragem não probabilística e uma amostra de 6 bebês aos quais foi aplicado o instrumento de coleta de dados "observação do desenvolvimento psicomotor em crianças com cardiopatia congênita". Resultados. O sexo médio do paciente masculino é de 33,33%, a idade média dos pacientes com cardiopatia congênita é de 2 anos; o tipo de cardiopatia congênita dos pacientes é atresia pulmonar e estenose aórtica, apresentando um desenvolvimento psicomotor médio de nível médio; o tipo de cirurgia desenvolvida no paciente é, em média, do tipo definitiva; atingindo, assim, uma permanência hospitalar de 16 a 30 dias, em média, e atingindo um estado nutricional médio de desnutrição grave. Além disso, a relação entre o tipo de cardiopatia congênita e o desenvolvimento psicomotor é positiva, pois, com o aumento do desenvolvimento psicomotor dos pacientes, aumentam os casos de cardiopatia congênita (ρ de Pearson = 0,6919). Conclusões. Foi determinado que, nos pacientes estudados, o desenvolvimento psicomotor é de nível médio; isso está relacionado com o tipo de cardiopatia congênita que eles têm, onde 33,33% dos pacientes têm atresia pulmonar e 16,67% têm estenose aórtica; o que mostra que a relação entre o tipo de cardiopatia congênita e o desenvolvimento psicomotor é positiva ou direta.

Prevalencia de cardiopatías congénitas en un hospital de segundo nivel que ameritaron tratamiento quirúrgico / Prevalence of surgical treatment in congenital heart disease

Resumen Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de cardiopatías congénitas (CC) en un hospital de segundo nivel que ameritaron tratamiento quirúrgico. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, realizado en pacientes con diagnóstico de CC en una unidad de segundo nivel de atención del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) en Puebla, México durante el periodo de 2016-2017, se incluyeron expedientes de recién nacidos (RN) a término hasta los 14 años, analizando variables sociodemográficas, tipo de CC y corto circuito, presencia de anomalías asociadas y envío a un tercer nivel de atención para tratamiento quirúrgico. La información fue recolectada y analizada mediante el programa SPSS Statistics v25. Resultados: La prevalencia hospitalaria de CC que requirieron envío a tercer nivel de atención para tratamiento quirúrgico fue 6.8% en 2016 y 6.6% en 2017, la mediana de edad fue 1 año. El 77.2% de las CC fueron acianógenas, la persistencia del conducto arterioso (PCA) fue el corto circuito más frecuente y 19.2% presentó síndrome de Down como anomalía congénita asociada. Conclusión: Obtuvimos una prevalencia similar a otras regiones de México, siendo las CC acianógenas la causa más frecuente de los tratamientos quirúrgicos. La detección y referencia oportuna mejorara la atención y calidad de vida en estos pacientes.

Abstract Objective: To determine the prevalence of congenital heart disease (CHD) in a second level hospital that required surgical treatment. Material and methods: Descriptive study carried out in patients diagnosed with CHD in a second level hospital of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) in Puebla, Mexico during the period 2016-2017. Records of full-term newborns (NB) up to 14 years of age analyzing sociodemographic variables, type of CHD and short-circuit, presence of associated anomalies, and referral to a third level hospital for surgical treatment were included. Data were collected and analyzed using the SPSS Statistics v25 program. Results: The hospital prevalence of CHD that required referral to the third level hospital for surgical treatment was 6.8% in 2016 and 6.6% in 2017; the median age was 1 year. The 77.2% of CHDs were non-cyanotic, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) was the most common shunt, and 19.2% had Down syndrome as an associated congenital anomaly. Conclusion: We obtained a similar prevalence to other regions of Mexico, with acyanotic CHD being the most frequent cause of surgical treatments. Timely detection and referral will improve care and quality of life in these patients.

Central venous-to-arterial CO2 difference as a biomarker of outcome in children who underwent surgery for congenital heart disease / Diferencia arteriovenosa de CO2 como biomarcador de desenlace en niños operados de cardiopatías congénitas

Abstract Background: In congenital heart surgery, low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) is a major cause of morbidity in the immediate post-operative period. A decrease in cardiac output leads to an increase in tissue oxygen consumption. Several biomarkers such as venous oxygen saturation (SvO2), arteriovenous oxygen difference (DavO2), and lactate can assess tissue perfusion in the presence of LCOS. Recently, central venous to arterial CO2 difference (ΔCO2) has been proposed as a biomarker of tissue ischemia that could be used as a predictor of death in neonatal patients. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between ΔCO2 and immediate post-operative outcomes in pediatric patients undergoing congenital heart surgery and its correlation with DavO2, SvO2, and lactate. Methods: We conducted a longitudinal study of patients aged 0-18 years who underwent congenital heart surgery with or without cardiopulmonary bypass at the Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, from March 2019 to March 2021. Results: Eighty-two patients were included; the median age was 17 months. About 59% had a ΔCO2 ≥ 6 mmHg. Patients with ΔCO2 ≥ 6 mmHg had a vasoactive-inotropic score > 5 (p < 0.001), DavO2 > 5 mL/dL (p = 0.048), and lactate > 2 mmol/L (p = 0.027), as well as a longer hospital stay (p = 0.043). Patients with ΔCO2 > 6 mmHg and vasoactive-inotropic score ≥ 10 were 12.6 times more likely to die. Conclusion: ΔCO2 is a good marker of tissue hypoperfusion and outcome in the post-operative period of congenital heart surgery.

Resumen Introducción: En la cirugía cardiaca de malformaciones congénitas, el síndrome de bajo gasto cardiaco (SBGC) es una de las principales causas de morbilidad en el postoperatorio inmediato. La caída del gasto cardiaco aumenta el consumo de oxígeno en los tejidos. Varios biomarcadores, como la saturación venosa de oxígeno (SvO2), la diferencia arteriovenosa de oxígeno (DavO2) y el lactato han sido utilizados como indicadores hipoperfusión tisular en presencia de SBGC. Recientemente, la diferencia arteriovenosa de CO2 (ΔCO2) se ha propuesto como otro biomarcador de isquemia tisular que podría utilizarse como predictor de muerte en pacientes en edad neonatal. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la relación entre la ΔCO2 y la evolución postoperatoria de pacientes pediátricos operados de cardiopatías congénitas y correlacionarlo con la DavO2, SvO2 y lactato. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio longitudinal en pacientes de 0 a 18 años operados de corazón con empleo de bomba de circulación extracorpórea en el Instituto Nacional de Pediatría. Resultados: Se incluyeron 82 pacientes; la mediana de edad fue de 17 meses. El 59% presentó un ΔCO2 > 6 mmHg. Los pacientes con un ΔCO2 > 6 mmHg mostraron un puntaje de inotrópicos > 5 (p < 0.001), DavO2 > 5 mL/dL (p = 0.048) y lactato > 2 mmol/L (p = 0.027), así como mayor estancia hospitalaria (p = 0.043). Los pacientes con ΔCO2 > 6 mmHg y un puntaje de inotrópicos ≥ 10 presentaron una probabilidad de muerte 12.6 veces mayor. Conclusiones: El ΔCO2 en el periodo postoperatorio de una cirugía cardiaca congénita es un buen marcador de hipoperfusión tisular y de desenlace.

Salud y discapacidad en niñas y niños argentinos con cardiopatías congénitas complejas operadas. Resultados a los dos años de vida / Health and disability in Argentine children with complex congenital heart disease undergoing surgery. Outcomes at 2 years of life

Introducción. Las cardiopatías congénitas complejas son las malformaciones más frecuentes con una importante carga de morbimortalidad. Se busca conocer el estado de salud y discapacidad de niños operados en un hospital de tercer nivel. Población y métodos. Fueron evaluados en las áreas de crecimiento, neurodesarrollo y discapacidad 84 pacientes entre 21 y 39 meses de edad operados con circulación extracorpórea durante el primer año de vida. Resultados. La mayoría de los niños crece por debajo del percentil 50 en los tres parámetros, con mayor compromiso en aquellos con síndrome genético asociado. La frecuencia de discapacidad fue del 55 %. En el grupo con CC aislada, la gravedad de la cardiopatía y el examen neurológico patológico al alta se asociaron con discapacidad (p = 0,047 y p = 0,03). Contar solo con cobertura de salud pública se asocia a un menor acceso a intervenciones oportunas (p = 0,02). Conclusiones. Cerca de la mitad de los pacientes evoluciona con discapacidad moderada-grave. Es competencia del equipo de salud conocer las morbilidades más allá del aspecto cardiovascular y los factores de riesgo. Las barreras en el acceso a las intervenciones adecuadas advierten a los profesionales sobre la relevancia de buscar estrategias para vencerlas y lograr el máximo potencial de desarrollo de los pacientes.

Introduction. Complex congenital heart defects are the most frequent malformations and entail a significant burden of disease. The objective of this study was to determine the health status and disability of children who underwent surgery at a tertiary care hospital. Population and methods. A total of 84 patients aged 21 to 39 months who had a surgery with extracorporeal circulation during their first year of life were assessed in terms of growth, neurodevelopment, and disability. Results. In most children, growth was below the 50th percentile in all 3 parameters, and greater involvement was observed in those with an associated genetic disorder. The frequency of disability was 55%. In the group with isolated congenital heart disease, the severity of disease and a pathological neurological examination at discharge were associated with disability (p = 0.047 and p = 0.03). Having only public health coverage was associated with less access to timely interventions (p = 0.02). Conclusions. Nearly half of the patients develop moderate-severe disability. Being aware of morbidities beyond the cardiovascular aspect and risk factors is part of the health care team's scope. Barriers in access to appropriate interventions caution health care providers of the relevance of seeking strategies to overcome them and achieve the maximum development potential of patients.

Arrhythmia in Adult Congenital Heart Disease

This case report highlights the significance of a multidisciplinary approach in the management of patients with repaired membranous ventricular septal defect (VSD) who develop postoperative arrhythmias. We present the case of a young female who experienced symptomatic episodes of supraventricular tachycardia following VSD repair. Through electrophysiological study and radiofrequency ablation, multiple tachycardia substrates were identified and successfully ablated. This report underscores the importance of combining surgical repair, electrophysiological evaluation and intervention to achieve optimal outcomes in this specific patient population.

Complicaciones del cateterismo cardiaco en cardiopatías congénitas, 30 años de experiencia. Un nuevo score ajustado al riesgo / Complications of cardiac catheterisation in congenital heart disease, 30 years of experience. A new risk-adjusted score

Resumen Objetivo: Presentar un score ajustado al riesgo de complicaciones durante el cateterismo cardiaco en cardiopatías congénitas. Diseño: Observacional, analítico y ambispectivo de 3,504 casos. Se incluyeron edad, cardiopatía, procedimiento, complicaciones mayores y menores. Métodos: 3,504 procedimientos realizados entre octubre de 1987 y mayo de 2019. Variables independientes: edad, cardiopatía, procedimiento y estadio clínico. Se categorizó como bajo riesgo 5 a 7 puntos, moderado riesgo 8 a 11 puntos y alto riesgo 12 a 22 puntos. El score fue validado mediante la prueba de Hosmer-Lemeshow y la curva ROC (receiver operating characteristic). Resultados: Las complicaciones fueron 177 (5%), 66 mayores (1.9%) y 111 menores (3.1%). Mortalidad de 0.4% (15 pacientes). El grupo de bajo riesgo (n = 825) tuvo 1.5% de complicaciones, el de moderado riesgo (n = 2.221) 4.9% y el de alto riesgo (n = 458) 12% (p < 0.001). El análisis de los datos retrospectivos (n = 2,953) fue validado con los prospectivos (n = 551) mediante la prueba de Hosmer-Lemeshow; dejó en evidencia que los valores predichos son similares a los observados. Conclusiones: Las complicaciones siguen presentándose a pesar de la evolución de la técnica. El score resultó útil para estratificar a los pacientes y conocer la probabilidad de complicaciones antes del procedimiento.

Abstract Objetive: to present a risk-ajusted score of complications during cardias catheterization in congenital heart disease. Design: observational, analitic, ambispective of 3.504 cases. The data analyzed included age, heart disease, type of procedure, major and minor complications. Methods: 3.504 procedures performed between october 1987 and may 2019. The variables were age, heart disease, procedere and clinical stege. Each patients was categorized as low risk 5 to 7 points, moderate risk 8 to 11 points and higt risk 12 to 22 points. The score was validated using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test and the ROC curve (Receiver Operating Characteristic). Results: complications 177 (5%) 66 major (1.9%) and 111 minor (3.1%). Mortality was 0.4% (15 patients). The low-risk group (n = 825) had 1.5% complications; moderate risk (n = 2,221) 4.9%; high risk (n: 458) 12% (p < 0.001). The analysis of the retrospective data (n = 2953) was validated with prospective (n = 551) using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test, showed that the predicted values are similar to those observed. Conclusions: Complications continue to occur despite the evolution of the technique. The score was useful for stratifying patients and knowing the probability of complication before the procedere.

Morfología de las paredes ventriculares en fetos humanos con defectos septales

Introducción: las cardiopatías congénitas constituyen defectos estructurales y/o funcionales del corazón y los grandes vasos, como consecuencia de un error en la embriogénesis de estas estructuras. Los defectos septales suelen ser las cardiopatías congénitas más frecuentes. Objetivo: identificar la asociación entre la morfología de las paredes ventriculares y los defectos septales en fetos humanos. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal en la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de Pinar del Río Dr. Ernesto Guevara de la Serna y el Departamento de Anatomía Patológica del Hospital General Docente Abel Santamaría Cuadrado, en el período de enero de 2019 a diciembre de 2020, con 54 fetos producto de interrupciones de embarazo indicadas por genética. Resultados: predominaron los defectos de septación en el sexo masculino. La comunicación interventricular fue el defecto de septación más frecuente. El grosor del ventrículo derecho mostró diferencias lineales y estadísticas significativas en relación con la edad gestacional en los tres defectos estudiados. Similares características presentó el grosor del tabique interventricular en los defectos troncoconales. Conclusiones: ante la presencia de defectos septales se observan modificaciones del grosor de los tabiques cardiacos.

Introduction: congenital heart diseases are structural and/or functional defects of the heart and large vessels, as a consequence of an error in the embryogenesis of these structures. Septal defects are usually the most common congenital heart diseases. Objective: to identify the association between ventricular walls morphology and septal defects in human fetuses. Materials and methods: an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in the Medical Sciences Faculty of Pinar del Rio Dr. Ernesto Guevara de la Serna and the Department of Pathological Anatomy of the General Teaching Hospital Abel Santamaría Cuadrado, in the period from January 2019 to December 2020, with 54 fetuses resulting from pregnancy interruptions indicated by genetics Results: septation defects predominated in males. Interventricular communication was the most frequent septation defect. The thickness of the right ventricle showed significant linear and statistical differences in relation to gestational age in the three studied defects. Similar characteristics showed the thickness of the inter-ventricular septum in truncoconal defects. Conclusions: in the presence of septal defects, modifications of the heart septum thickness are observed.

Nivel de conocimientos de enfermeros sobre medicina natural y tradicional para la rehabilitación de operados de cardiopatías congénitas

Introducción: la medicina natural y tradicional puede integrarse a la rehabilitación de los pacientes operados de cardiopatías congénitas, por lo que se requieren profesionales de enfermería con preparación para realizar las intervenciones específicas útiles en estos pacientes. Objetivo: identificar el nivel de conocimientos que posee el personal de enfermería sobre medicina natural y tradicional para la rehabilitación de las personas operadas de cardiopatía congénita. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal, en el Cardiocentro Pediátrico William Soler, de La Habana, durante el período junio-noviembre de 2019. Se aplicó una encuesta diseñada por los investigadores y validada por criterio de expertos. El universo lo constituyeron 100 enfermeras involucradas en el proceso de rehabilitación en práctica diaria, de las cuales se seleccionaron 60 mediante muestreo aleatorio simple. Para procesar la información se utilizó el software estadístico IMB SPSS Statistics. Resultados: se identificó el bajo nivel de conocimientos sobre las intervenciones de enfermería en medicina natural y tradicional para la rehabilitación de personas operadas de cardiopatías congénitas, resultado esperado por la insuficiente investigación en ese campo. Conclusiones: el estudio posibilitó identificar las debilidades relacionadas con el objeto de estudio, y propuso el diseño de un programa para la integración de la medicina natural y tradicional en las intervenciones de enfermería para la rehabilitación de personas operadas de cardiopatías congénitas.

Introduction: natural and traditional medicine can be integrated into the rehabilitation of patients operated of congenital heart diseases, so nursing professionals are required with training to perform the specific interventions that are useful in these patients. Objective: to identify the level of knowledge that the nursing staff have on natural and traditional medicine for the rehabilitation of patients operated of congenital heart disease. Materials and methods: across-sectional, descriptive study was carried out in the Pediatric Cardio Center William Soler, in Havana, during the period from June to November 2019. A survey, designed by the researchers and validated by expert criteria, was applied. The universe were 100 nurses involved in the rehabilitation process in their daily practice, of whom 60 were selected by simple random sampling. IMB SPSS Statistics software was used to process the information. Results: the low level of knowledge on nursing interventions in natural and traditional medicine for the rehabilitation of patients operated of congenital heart diseases was identified, an expected result due to insufficient research in this field. Conclusions: the study made it possible to identify weaknesses related to the object of study, and proposed the design of a program to integrate natural and traditional medicine into nursing interventions for the rehabilitation of patients operated of congenital heart diseases.

Prevalencia de las cardiopatías congénitas en relación con la altura sobre el nivel del mar en una región de Colombia / Prevalence of congenital heart disease in relation to height above sea level in a region of Colombia

Resumen Introducción: Las cardiopatías congénitas son los trastornos congénitos más frecuentes en la población mundial, se manifiestan generalmente después del nacimiento. Las altitudes entre 2,500 y 3,500 metros sobre el nivel del mar se han relacionado con la alta incidencia de cardiopatías congénitas como el ductus arterioso persistente, los defectos del septum auricular y los defectos del septum ventricular. Objetivo: Caracterizar clínica y sociodemográficamente los pacientes con diagnóstico de cardiopatías congénitas procedentes de altitudes bajas, moderadas y altas en un hospital regional de Colombia. Metodología: Estudio observacional, descriptivo retrospectivo. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes menores de 18 años con diagnóstico de cardiopatías congénitas, atendidos en el Hospital Universitario San Rafael de Tunja entre el 2015 y 2021. Resultados: El 51.9% de los pacientes eran de sexo masculino, el 16.3% tenían antecedente de prematurez y el 9.1% tenían diagnóstico de síndrome de Down. Las cardiopatías más frecuentes fueron: ductus arterioso persistente (35.1%), seguido de comunicación interventricular (21.6%) y comunicación intrauricular (19.7%). Conclusiones: Se deben establecer estrategias como el tamizaje y diagnóstico oportuno de las cardiopatías congénitas en poblaciones de riesgo con el fin de mejorar el pronóstico de vida de los pacientes y desenlace de la enfermedad.

Abstract Introduction: Congenital heart diseases are the most common congenital disorders in the world population, they generally manifest after birth. Altitudes between 2,500-3,500 meters above sea level have been linked to the high incidence of congenital heart diseases such as patent ductus arteriosus, atrial septum defects, and ventricular septum defects. Objetives: To characterize clinically and sociodemographically the patients diagnosed with congenital heart disease from low, moderate and high altitudes in a regional hospital in Colombia. Methodology: Observational, descriptive retrospective study. All patients under 18 years of age with a diagnosis of congenital heart disease, treated at the San Rafael de Tunja University Hospital between 2015 and 2021, were included. Results: 51.9% of the patients were male, 16.3% had a history of prematurity and 9.1% had a diagnosis of Down syndrome. The most frequent heart diseases were: persistent ductus arteriosus 35.1%, followed by ventricular communication representing 21.6% and intra-atrial communication with 19.7%). Conclusions: They must eestablish strategies such as screening and timely diagnosis of congenital heart disease in at-risk populations in order to improve the life prognosis of patients and the outcome of the disease.

Manejo neurocognitivo en cardiopatía congénita: revisión sistemática de recomendaciones de práctica clínica / Neurocognitive management in congenital heart disease: a systematic review of clinical practice recommendations

Resumen Objetivo: Sintetizar y valorar críticamente las recomendaciones sobre manejo neurocognitivo del paciente con cardiopatía congénita presentadas en guías de práctica clínica y declaraciones científicas. Método: Revisión sistemática de recomendaciones de práctica (PROSPERO CRD42020205202). Se realizó una búsqueda en PubMed, SCOPUS, Ovid/Cochrane, y LILACS y se revisaron repositorios de sociedades científicas y referencias de los documentos incluidos. La valoración crítica se hizo mediante el AGREE-II (escenario ideal) para las guías y declaraciones, y mediante el AGREE-REX para las recomendaciones (escenarios ideal y local). Se presentan la matriz de recomendaciones y el análisis de barreras potenciales para su implementación en Colombia. Resultados: Se incluyeron 18 recomendaciones relacionadas. La media en el AGREE-II fue 89.6. La media en el AGREE-REX fue 90.1 en el escenario ideal y 69.9 en el escenario local. Las recomendaciones incluidas se centran en vigilancia, tamizaje, evaluación y consejería; no se identificaron recomendaciones sobre intervención neurocognitiva. Las principales barreras de implementación en Colombia son la no disposición a pagar por parte del sistema de salud y la ausencia de oferta integral de atención para el manejo neurocognitivo en cardiopatía congénita. Conclusión: Las recomendaciones identificadas podrían ser adaptadas en una guía de práctica colombiana, realizando modificaciones en reconocimiento del contexto local.

Abstract Objective: To synthesize and critically assess the recommendations on neurocognitive management of patients with congenital heart disease presented in clinical practice guidelines and scientific statements. Method: A systematic review of practice recommendations (PROSPERO CRD42020205202). PubMed, SCOPUS, Ovid/Cochrane, and LILACS were searched, and repositories of scientific societies and references of included documents were reviewed. Critical appraisal was performed using the AGREE-II (ideal scenario) for the guidelines and statements, and recommendations were assessed using the AGREE-REX (ideal and local scenarios). A matrix of recommendations and analysis of potential barriers for its implementation in Colombia is presented. Results: Eighteen related recommendations were included. The average AGREE-II was 89.6. The average AGREE-REX was 90.1 in the ideal setting and 69.9 in the local setting. The included recommendations focus on surveillance, screening, evaluation, and counseling; no recommendations on neurocognitive intervention were identified. The main implementation barriers in Colombia are the unwillingness to pay on the part of the health system and the absence of a comprehensive health care offer for neurocognitive management in congenital heart disease. Conclusion: The identified recommendations could be adapted into a Colombian practice guideline, making modifications that recognize the local context.

Tricuspid Valve-in-Valve Procedure with An Edwards S3 Valve in a 15-kg Child in Latin America

ABSTRACT A 5-year-old child, weighing 15 kg, with three previous sternotomies, presented with right heart failure due to severe stenosis and regurgitation of the bioprosthetic tricuspid valve. A percutaneous tricuspid valve-in-valve procedure with an Edwards S3 valve was ofered for compassionate use, performed with no complications and with a significant clinical condition improvement.

Diagnostic method and value of echocardiography for screening right patent ductus arteriosus in infants / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To investigate the diagnostic method and value of echocardiography in screening right patent ductus arteriosus(PDA) of infants.Methods:This was a prospective study.Thirty-one infants with right PDA diagnosed by ultrasound and confirmed by prenatal ultrasonography, electronic computed tomography angiography, angiocardiography and/or surgery in Hebei Children′s Hospital from April 2014 to May 2022 were collected as research subjects, and the association of right ductus arteriosus with aortic arch anomalies and complex cardiac malformations were summarized. The diagnostic method and value of ultrasonic screening were summed up.Results:Of the 31 cases, 30 cases were correctly diagnosed by ultrasound and 1 case was misdiagnosed, who was a left aortic arch descending to the right, a crossover variation of the right and left pulmonary arteries, and a rightward displacement of the ductus arteriosus. Among these cases diagnosed correctly, 27 cases (including 24 cases with right aortic arch and 3 cases with left aortic arch) presented that ductus arteriosus was open and its ostium of pulmonary artery end was located in the proximal right pulmonary artery in views of parasternal short-axis view of great vessels at cardiac base with the combination of two dimensions and color Doppler flow imaging. Other 3 cases of right aortic arch were all single ventricle with transposition of the great artery. Due to the parallel relationship of the two great arteries, the standard parasternal short-axis view of great vessels could not be obtained, and the right ductus arteriosus was found in the high parasternal views.In all of the 27 cases with right aortic arch and right ductus arteriosus, high parasternal views showed that one end of the ductus arteriosus was connected to the right aortic arch isthmus and the other end was connected to the right pulmonary artery. In all of the 3 cases with left aortic arch and right ductus arteriosus, the high parasternal views showed that one end of the ductus arteriosus was connected to the right subclavian artery and the other end was connected to the right pulmonary artery. Among the 27 cases with right aortic arch, 16 cases were accompanied with mirror image branches, 9 cases of which had complex cardiac malformations; 10 cases were associated with aberrant left subclavian artery, 1 case of which had complex cardiac malformations; 1 case was with isolated left subclavian artery, and without complex cardiac malformations. All 3 cases of left aortic arch were accompanied with isolated right subclavian artery and none of them were associated with complex cardiac malformations. Clinical outcomes of 30 cases with right PDA: 14 cases underwent ductus arteriosus ligation due to thick ductus or other heart malformations. In other 16 cases, 4 cases were closed spontaneously, 9 cases had persistent small ductus arteriosus, and 3 cases were lost to follow-up.Conclusions:Right ductus arteriosus is mostly related to the right aortic arch, and those with mirror image branches are prone to complex cardiac malformations; cases of left aortic arch with right ductus arteriosus are tend to accompany isolated right subclavian artery. Ultrasound has an important application in the screening and diagnosis of right PDA.

Ultrasonographic diagnosis and prognosis of transposition of the great arteries at 11-13 + 6 weeks gestation / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To investigate the value of ultrasonography in diagnosis of transposition of great arteries of the fetus at 11-13 + 6 weeks gestation. Methods:A prospective study was conducted on fetuses screened by ultrasound in the first trimester in Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region between January 2015 and March 2022. Fetal heart structure was screened by three-section screening method. Fetuses with suspected transposition of the great arteries at 11-13 + 6 weeks gestation underwent followed-up ultrasound examination, chromosome and gene test results. The ultrasound characteristics and prognosis pregnancy outcomes were summarized. Results:Twenty-one cases of transposition of the great arteries were detected by ultrasonography, including complete transposition of great arteries (20 cases) and congenitaly corrected transposition of the great arteries (1 case). Two cases were miss diagnosed. Twenty-one cases showed parallel signs of two major arteries on grayscale outflow section at 11-13 + 6 weeks gestation. There were 6 cases with aneuploid ultrasonographic soft markers abnormality, 2 cases with extracardiac malformation. Chromosome and microarray analysis were performed in 13 cases. 4 cases with chromosomal abnormality. Four cases of chromosomal abnormalities were associated with ultrasonographic soft markers abnormality, and 1 case with extracardiac malformation.In the 23 cases, 20 cases were induced, 1 miscarried, and 2 delivered to term. Among the fetuses delivered at term, 1 case died before neonatal operation and 1 case survived. Conclusions:Standardized ultrasound scan at 11-13 + 6 weeks has high accuracy in diagnosis of transposition of the great arteries. And the incidence of chromosomal abnormality is high with ultrasonographic soft markers abnormality or extracardiac malformation.

Establishment and application of suitable technology for screening, diagnosis and evaluation of neonatal congenital heart disease in Hainan Province / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract： Objective　To establish a screening-diagnosis-evaluation system of neonatal congenital heart disease (CHD) suitable for Hainan Province based on the application of percutaneous blood oxygen saturation measurement and cardiac auscultation screening, and to provide a basis for further promotion of the evaluation effect. Methods　Screening agencies (all midwifery institutions) used the "double index method" to screen newborns for congenital heart disease. Those who were screened positive for any index were transferred to diagnostic institutions (the people's hospitals of all cities and counties and some tertiary hospitals) for echocardiography examination within 1 week. Those with abnormal results were transferred to the treatment institution (two tertiary hospitals) for reconfirmation and evaluation. All data were managed online. Results　In this study, 96 913 newborns born in midwifery institutions in 19 cities and counties were screened, with a response rate of 99.44%. The ratio of male infants (50 836) to female infants (46 077) was 1.10∶1. A total of 2 284 positive patients were screened by dual index method, and ultrasound diagnosis was performed, with the rate of cardiac ultrasonography of 98.07% (2 240/2 284) and a high response rate. A total of 238 cases of congenital heart disease were diagnosed (incidence rate of 0.25%), with the top three main types were ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, and patent ductus arteriosus. The sensitivity (88.24%) and Youden index (0.86) of dual-indicator screening for CHD detection were significantly higher than the other separate indicators. Through Kappa consistency test analysis, the consistency of dual-indicator screening with simple heart murmur screening results was excellent, with a Kappa coefficient value of 0.835 (>0.75); the consistency of dual-indicator screening and simple POX screening results was good, with a Kappa coefficient value of 0.429 (between 0.40-0.75), and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.001). By the end of the study, 136 children had undergone open-chest/occlusion surgery, with good postoperative recovery, and the rest were followed up. Conclusions　The neonatal CHD screening-diagnosis-assessment technology system established in this study, with close connections between various blocks, high screening response rate and echocardiography examination rate, is beneficial for the early diagnosis and treatment of CHD children, and has certain application value in institutions at all levels in Hainan Province, and is worth further promotion.

Prognostic value of serum cystatin C in patients with congenital heart disease-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To explore the prognostic value of serum cystatin C (Cys C) in patients with congenital heart disease-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH-CHD). Methods    A retrospective cohort study was conducted on adult PAH-CHD patients who were hospitalized for the first time in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2010 to January 2020. The serum Cys C and other related data of patients were collected. The median follow-up time was 57 months. The main end event was all-cause death. According to the prognosis, the patients were divided into a survival group and a death group. Cox regression was used to analyze the risk factors for all-cause death in patients with PAH-CHD. Results    A total of 456 patients were enrolled, including 160 males and 296 females, aged 38.99±14.72 years. The baseline data showed that there were statistical differences in resting heart rate, serum Cys C, creatinine, NT-proB-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP), New York Heart Association (NYHA) cardiac function classification and serum potassium between the survival group and the death group. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that serum  Cys C, NT-proBNP, hs-cTnT, creatinine and NYHA cardiac function classification were related risk factors for all-cause death in patients with PAH-CHD. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that serum Cys C (HR=3.820, 95%CI 2.053-7.108, P<0.001), NYHA grade Ⅲ (HR=2.234, 95%CI 1.316-3.521, P=0.010), NYHA grade Ⅳ (HR=4.037, 95%CI 1.899-7.810, P=0.002) and NT-proBNP (HR=1.026, 95%CI 1.013-1.039, P<0.001) were independent risk factors for all-cause death in patients with PAH-CHD and had a good predictive value. Conclusion    As a new cardiac marker, serum Cys C can predict all-cause death in patients with PAH-CHD and is an independent risk factor.

Progress and prospect of heart transplantation in children / 器官移植

Pediatric heart transplantation is the standard treatment for children complicated with refractory heart failure which is difficult to be treated by conventional surgery or drugs. At present, an increasing quantity of pediatric heart transplantation is being performed worldwide, whereas relevant experience is still lacking in China. In recent 10 years, significant progress has been achieved in pediatric heart transplantation. On one hand, the number of pediatric heart transplantation has been increased year by year. On the other hand, ABO-incompatible heart transplantation, application of ventricular assist device in children, and recipient-donor weight mismatch transplantation have been widely employed to resolve the shortage of donor heart in pediatric heart transplantation. However, relevant experience of pediatric heart transplantation is lacking in China, especially in understanding the indications of pediatric heart transplantation and the application of specific strategies for pediatric heart transplantation, etc. In this article, the development history, advances in therapeutic strategy and clinical prognosis of pediatric heart transplantation were reviewed.