Clinical study of sodium bicarbonated Ringer's solution on fluid resuscitation of patients with hemorrhagic shock.

OBJECTIVE: Fluid resuscitation is a crucial step in shock treatment, but the choice of crystal solution remains controversial. Sodium bicarbonated Ringer's solution can not only effectively expand blood volume, but also reduce tissue damage and acidosis. The study aims to evaluate the resuscitation effect of sodium bicarbonated Ringer's solution on patients with hemorrhagic shock. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 96 patients with hemorrhagic shock were randomly assigned to receive either normal saline solution (control group) or sodium bicarbonated Ringer's solution (experimental group). The changes in blood lactate, heart rate, arterial pH and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured at different time points. The 28-day survival rate, the incidence of complications, and the average length of hospital stay were recorded. Simult RESULTS: The heart rate, blood lactate, sodium, and chloride in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group, while the MAP, potential of hydrogen (pH), bicarbonate, and base excess in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group at every observed time point after resuscitation (p<0.05). Compared with the control group, the experimental group had a lower incidence of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (8.3% vs. 22.9%, p<0.05), shorter mechanical ventilation time (2.2 vs. 3.5, p<0.05), and shorter intensive care unit length of stay (3.8 vs. 4.1, p<0.05). The 28-day survival rate between the two groups showed no significant differences (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Early resuscitation with sodium bicarbonated Ringer's solution could better maintain acid-base balance and hemodynamic stability and reduce the risk of related complications.

Reaction at the bacillus Calmette--Guérin inoculation site in patients with Kawasaki disease.

BACKGROUND: The bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) reaction is not included in the classical clinical criteria for Kawasaki disease (KD). However, a reaction at the BCG inoculation site has been mentioned among the "other clinical findings" that are present in about 30-50% of KD patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of KD patients with reactions at the BCG inoculation site. METHODS: A retrospective study of all patients diagnosed with KD between September 2000 and August 2010 was performed. The clinical presentations, laboratory results, treatment outcomes, and coronary artery abnormalities in the BCG-reactive [BCG(+)] and BCG-nonreactive [BCG(-)] groups were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: In total, 145 patients with KD diagnosed at our institution were included; 46 (31.7%) had a reaction at the BCG inoculation site. The BCG(+) group was younger than the BCG(-) group. Laboratory results showed higher white blood cell counts, platelet counts, and serum potassium levels, and lower low-density lipoprotein levels in the BCG(+) group. The BCG(+) group had a shorter fever duration before intravenous immunoglobulin treatment and a shorter total fever duration than the BCG(-) group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the age at diagnosis was the only factor significantly associated with a reaction at the BCG inoculation site in KD patients. CONCLUSIONS: In countries with a national BCG vaccination program, a reaction at the BCG inoculation site could be a useful and early diagnostic sign of KD among younger patients, especially those younger than 6 months.

Decreased serum bilirubin is associated with arterial stiffness in men.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is a marker for early atherosclerotic changes. Serum total bilirubin (TB) is an effective antioxidant and has been associated with carotid intima-media thickness, cardiovascular disease, stroke and peripheral arterial disease, all of which may be caused by arteriosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the association of TB with arterial stiffness. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the relationship between TB and baPWV in 2207 participants (1331 men, 876 women) in a general health examination. Different metabolic parameters were compared across TB quartiles. Age-adjusted mean values of baPWV gradually decreased with TB quartiles in men (Q1 = 1348, Q2 = 1266, Q3 = 1215, and Q4 = 1154 cm/s). However, the age-adjusted means of baPWV had no significance in women according to TB quartiles. Univariate analysis showed that age, smoking status, BMI, SBP, DBP, AST, ALT, GGT, TB, TG, and HDL-C were significantly associated with baPWV in men, whereas only age, BMI, SBP, DBP, TG and FPG were significantly associated with baPWV in women. In addition, BMI, SBP, TB, age, TG, and AST were significant factors in the multivariate model with baPWV in men; only BMI and FPG were significant factors with baPWV in women. CONCLUSION: The findings show that serum total bilirubin concentration is negatively correlated to arterial stiffness in Chinese men. Early detection of abnormal bilirubin levels could potentially serve as an early biomarker for arterial stiffness.

The specific characteristics in children with obstructive sleep apnea and cor pulmonale.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the pediatric population is currently estimated at 1-2% of all children. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical and hemodynamic characteristics in pediatric patients with cor pulmonale and OSA. METHODS: Thirty children with the diagnosis of OSA were included. These patients consisted of 26 male and 4 female children with a mean age of 7 ± 4 years old. Five of those children were found to be associated with cor pulmonale, and 25 had OSA but without cor pulmonale. RESULTS: The arousal index was much higher in children with OSA and cor pulmonale. The children with OSA and cor pulmonale had much lower mean and minimal oxygen saturation and a higher incidence of bradycardia events. All 5 patients with OSA and cor pulmonale underwent an adenotonsillectomy, and the pulmonary arterial pressure dropped significantly after the surgery. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the OSA pediatric patients with cor pulmonale had the different clinical manifestations and hemodynamic characteristics from those without cor pulmonale. The adenotonsillectomy had excellent results in both the OSA pediatric patients with and without cor pulmonale.

Congenital atresia of unilateral pulmonary veins associated with a single ventricle: a rare case report and literature review.

Congenital atresia or extreme hypoplasia of individual pulmonary veins is a rare condition that is usually asymptomatic if it only involves 1 or 2 segments of the lungs. It may be fatal if it occurs in combination with other complex cardiac defects. The patients often present with recurrent pulmonary infections, hemoptysis, or cyanosis in the latter case. A definitive diagnosis can be made by cardiac catheterization with selective pulmonary wedge angiography. The treatment of this condition is a challenge and is controversial, and the prognosis is usually poor. We describe the case of a male infant who suffered from shortness of breath and cyanosis since birth. On echocardiography and cardiac catheterization, he was found to have a complex congenital heart disease with a single ventricle (right ventricle morphology), mitral atresia, large atrial septal defect, and atresia of the right pulmonary veins; severe pulmonary hypertension was also observed. He underwent pulmonary artery banding at the age of 2.5 months, but he died because of a pulmonary infection at the age of 6 months. In this report, we present this rare case and review the previous literature.

Mid-aortic syndrome: a case report and review of the literature.

Renovascular disease is an important cause of secondary hypertension in children. In contrary to the adult patients whose major cause of renal artery stenosis (RAS) is atherosclerosis, fibromuscular dysplasia is responsible for the renovascular hypertension in most children. Mid-aortic syndrome (MAS) is a rare abnormality referring to an isolated disease of the distal thoracic and abdominal aorta resulting in significant tubular narrowing with stenosis of the visceral and renal arteries. It is usually diagnosed in young adults, but may present in childhood as a challenging problem. Patients with MAS are often first detected due to refractory hypertension. Other later presentations include intermittent claudication, congestive heart failure, renal insufficiency and symptoms of hypertensive associated end-organ damage. We report a case of a 16-year-old patient with MAS who suffered from malignant arterial hypertension. A percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA) was first performed, however the stenosis proved resistant to dilatation and only resulted in a minimal angiographic improvement. Due to persistent hypertension, an aortorenal bypass using the saphenous vein was performed. We also reviewed the literature on PTRA and the surgical management of RAS in MAS patients, in which PTRA often carries poor results.

The clinical manifestations and risk factors of a delayed diagnosis of Kawasaki disease.

BACKGROUND: Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute febrile vasculitis and may cause coronary artery abnormalities. Due to the higher incidence in Asian countries, most pediatricians in Taiwan are familiar with KD. However, there are still some patients being diagnosed 10 days after the onset of the illness and not receiving a highly effective therapy. In this study, we analyzed the risk factors and clinical manifestations of patients with a delayed diagnosis of KD. METHODS: A retrospective review was made of the medical records of the patients diagnosed with KD at our institution between January 1996 and December 2005. The patients were divided into 2 groups: early-diagnosis group (EDG: diagnosis was made within 10 days after the onset of the fever) and delayed-diagnosis group (DDG: diagnosis was made 10 days after the onset of the fever). RESULTS: Fourteen of a total of 78 children (17.9%) were grouped into the DDG group, and 64 into the EDG group. There were no statistical differences between the 2 groups in terms of age, gender, number of antibiotics used, day of the first medical visit, total days of skin rash, conjunctivitis, mucosa changes, lymphadenopathy or laboratory examinations except for the higher white blood cell count and serum immunoglobulin G level in the DDG group. The patients in the EDG group had a clustered onset of symptoms as compared to the DDG group with a dispersed and late onset of symptoms. There was a higher risk of coronary artery abnormalities in the DDG group than the EDG group (42.9% vs. 14.1%; p = 0.036), and in the patients with KD who were younger than 1 year (29.0% vs. 12.7%; p = 0.043). CONCLUSION: Patients with delayed diagnosis of KD were associated with higher risk of developing coronary arterial lesions. It is necessary to develop a diagnostic test for KD and provide more education to health care providers for early recognition of KD.

Assessment of left ventricular dysfunction in children undergoing chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: In Taiwan, children with malignancies are treated under the protocols of the Taiwan Pediatric Oncology Group (TPOG). The purpose of this study was to determine the change in left ventricular (LV) function in pediatric patients undergoing chemotherapy. METHODS: A total of 19 pediatric patients (mean age, 12.5 +/- 4.6 years; 11 males, 8 females) were enrolled. We divided the patients into 2 groups: (1) osteogenic sarcoma (OGS) group (n = 12; Group I); and (2) non-osteogenic sarcoma (non-OGS) group (n = 7; Group II). The accumulated dosages of anthracycline in Group I and II patients were 144.3 +/- 56.4 mg/M2 and 131.7 +/- 105.5 mg/M2 (p = 0.735), respectively. The children received echocardiography to investigate the parameters of LV systolic function, LV diastolic function, and myocardial performance index (MPI) after the entire chemotherapy course. RESULTS: Higher E/A ratio (1.71 +/- 0.37), shorter isovolumic relaxation time (IRT, 42 +/- 19.14 ms), and shorter deceleration time (DT, 140.3 +/- 40.6 ms) were demonstrated in these patients. There was no statistically significant difference in the E/A ratio and DT between the 2 groups. Group I children were older (14.4 +/- 3.7 vs. 9.3 +/- 4.5 years; p = 0.015) and had lower MPI (0.20 +/- 0.02 vs. 0.28 +/- 0.07; p = 0.031) than Group II children. CONCLUSION: The children treated with chemotherapy using the TPOG protocol had a shorter IRT, higher E/A ratio and shorter DT. No significant evidence of anthracycline-related cardiotoxicity was found in any of the children in this study undergoing chemotherapy with the TPOG protocol.

The results of radiofrequency catheter ablation of supraventricular tachycardia in children.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation represents a major advance in the management of children with cardiac arrhythmias and has rapidly become the standard of care for the first-ling therapy of supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs). The purpose of this study was to investigate the results of the RF catheter ablation of SVTs in pediatric patients. METHODS: From December 1989 to August 2005, a total of 228 pediatric patients (age: 9 +/- 7 years, range: 5-18 years; male:female = 117:111) with clinically documented SVT underwent an electrophysiologic study and RF catheter ablation at our institution. RESULTS: The arrhythmias included atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT; n = 140, 61%), atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT; n = 66, 29%), atrial tachycardia (AT; n = 11, 5%), and atrial flutter (AFL; n = 11, 5%). The success rate of the RF catheter ablation was 92% for AVRT, 97% for AVNRT, 82% for AT, and 91% for AFL, respectively. Procedure-related complications were infrequent (8.7%; major complications: high grade AV block (2/231, 0.9%); minor complications: first degree AV block (6/231, 2.6%), reversible brachial plexus injury (2/231, 0.9%), and local hematomas or bruises (10/231, 4.3%)). The recurrence rate was 4.7% (10/212) during a follow-up period of 86 +/- 38 months (0.5-185 months). CONCLUSIONS: The RF catheter ablation was a safe and effective method to manage children with paroxysmal and incessant tachycardia. The substrates of the arrhythmias differed between the pediatric and adult patients. However, the success rate of the ablation, complications, and recurrence during childhood were similar to those of adults.

Kawasaki disease resembling a retropharyngeal abscess--case report and literature review.

A retropharyngeal abscess is a rare presentation of Kawasaki disease. Herein, we present a case of Kawasaki disease mimicking a retropharyngeal abscess, and review five previously published case reports. Once the correct diagnosis of Kawasaki disease is established, any abscess-like lesion on computed tomography may be just a false-positive finding.

Multifocal atrial tachycardia in 2 children.

The incidence of multifocal atrial tachycardia (MAT) is very low and accounts for less than 1% of supraventricular tachycardia in infants and children. In this report, the clinical characteristics, medical treatment and outcome of MAT in 2 children are described. The first patient presented with tachycardia and respiratory failure since the day after birth. First, he received amiodarone, propranolol, and digoxin and then amiodarone alone. The heart rhythm converted to sinus rhythm 2 weeks after hospitalization. Although nonsustained MAT was occasionally observed when the infant suffered from pulmonary infection, the frequency of recurrent MAT decreased as the infant grew up. The second patient was a 5-year-old girl. She had congenital heart disease with double outlets of right ventricle (DORV), patent ductus arteriosus, coarctation of aorta, and ventricular and atrial septal defects. She underwent total correction at the age of 4 years. MAT was noted 3 months after the operation with the presentation of congestive heart failure. The heart rate slowed down and returned to normal sinus rhythm within several hours after amiodarone use. The symptoms and signs of congestive heart failure also disappeared. The patient took amiodarone regularly, and no tachycardia was detected during the follow-up period. MAT is considered to be a relatively benign arrhythmia with likely good outcome if there is no severe underlying illness. It can be well controlled under appropriate drugs, and a long period of follow-up is suggested. If pharmacologic intervention is required, we suggest that amiodarone may be an excellent choice.

Transcatheter retrieval of different types of central venous catheter fragment: experience in 13 cases.

In total, 13 patients, from April 1992 to November 2002 at this institution, had embolization caused by central venous catheter fragments including 4 peripherally-inserted central catheters (PICCs), 1 Hickman catheter, 1 Swan-Ganz catheter, and 7 port-A catheters. These dislodged fragments were percutaneously retrieved successfully in 12 patients. As each type of the central venous catheter has its distinct properties, the locations of embolization, detection, and retrieval methods differed.

Characteristics of Kawasaki disease in infants younger than six months of age.

BACKGROUND: Kawasaki disease is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in childhood. However, there are only a few reports in infants younger than 6 months. The objective of this study is to investigate the clinical and laboratory characteristics of Kawasaki disease in infants younger than 6 months. METHODS: From 1994 to 2003, 120 patients with Kawasaki disease diagnosed at our institution were included. Group 1 consisted of 20 (17%) patients younger than 6 months, and group 2 consisted of 100 (83%) patients older than 6 months. Clinical manifestations, laboratory results, echocardiographic findings, treatment and outcome were compared between these 2 groups. RESULTS: Clinical manifestations (hydrops of gallbladder: 0% versus 16%, P < 0.001) and laboratory results (white blood cell count 21,740 +/- 11,706 versus 11,830 +/- 4390/mm3, P < 0.001; hemoglobin 9.98 +/- 1.25 versus 10.8 +/- 1.37 g/dL, P = 0.015; platelet 483 +/- 393 versus 355 +/- 138 x 1000/mm3, P = 0.011; triglyceride 138 +/- 77.5 versus 107 +/- 17 mg/dL, P < 0.001) were different between patients with Kawasaki disease younger and older than 6 months, respectively. Younger infants were more likely to have incomplete presentation (35% versus 12%, P = 0.025), coronary involvement (65% versus 19%, P < 0.001), late intravenous immunoglobulin treatment and relatively poor outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Infants younger than 6 months with prolonged unexplained febrile illnesses should be suspected as having Kawasaki disease, despite the incomplete clinical presentation. Because early diagnosis and timely treatment are difficult in younger infants with Kawasaki disease because of delayed and incomplete clinical presentations, echocardiogram becomes an important implement for diagnosis. Early intravenous immunoglobulin treatment is required in view of the highest risk of coronary involvement in them.

Cor triatriatum with repeated episodes of syncope in an eighteen month-old girl: a rare cause of cardiogenic syncope.

Syncope can be caused by either cardiogenic or noncardiogenic causes. Structural heart diseases should be considered as a possible cause of recurrent episodes of syncope if no other causes are found. We report an 18 month-old girl who presented with recurrent syncope as well as dyspnea, failure to thrive, and frequent episodes of pulmonary infections, suggesting congestive heart failure. A prominent pulmonic component of the second heart sound and congested lungs noted from chest X-rays indicated pulmonary hypertension. An echocardiogram revealed an abnormal membrane with a small orifice in the left atrium (LA). An intact atrial septum and no evidence of other congenital heart diseases were observed. The result after surgical resection of the membrane was good during follow-up. Cor triatriatum may be one of the structural heart diseases responsible for repeated unexplained syncope. An echocardiogram performed by an experienced cardiologist would facilitate the diagnosis considerably and an excellent prognosis can be achieved via surgical resection of the obstructing membrane.

Risk factors of prolonged postoperative pleural effusion after repair of tetralogy of Fallot.

BACKGROUND: Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most common cyanotic congenital heart disease, and total correction is the definitive treatment. Chest tube drainage of pleural effusion (PE) is essential after surgery. Prolonged PE (> 7 days) is one of the complications; it may increase hospital stay and the risks of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate and analyze the possible risk factors for prolonged PE after total correction of TOF. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients who received total correction of TOF between July 1999 and April 2001 were included in this study. They were divided into 2 groups according to the duration of chest tube drainage for postoperative PE: Group I had postoperative PE < or = 7 days; Group II had postoperative PE > 7 days. Detailed records were taken on patients' demographic characteristics, blood parameters, surgery, electrocardiographic and radiologic data, and angiographic and echocardiographic findings. The data of the 2 groups were compared using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test and Fisher's exact test. Risk factors were analyzed by logistic regression and model selection. RESULTS: Of the 37 patients, 16 were male and 21 were female. There were 32 patients (86.5%) in Group I and 5 (13.5%) in Group II. Mean patient age at repair was 1.82 +/- 1.29 years (range, 0.53-3.11 years). Significant differences (p < 0.05) between the 2 groups were noted for gender, age at repair, body weight, presence of wound infection, duration on heart-lung machine (bypass time), oxygen saturation before surgery, duration of endotracheal intubation, length of hospital stay, and Nakata index. These risk factors were analyzed by logistic regression and model selection. Two models were set up: Model 1--oxygen saturation before surgery, presence of wound infection, age at repair; Model 2--oxygen saturation before surgery, presence of wound infection. CONCLUSION: Prolonged PE is a significant morbidity after TOF repair. The risk factors for prolonged PE are gender, age at repair, body weight, bypass time, low oxygen saturation before surgery, wound infection after surgery, duration of endotracheal intubation, length of hospital stay, and Nakata index. Oxygen saturation before surgery and wound infection were major risk factors while age at repair was a confounder.

Transcatheter implantation of intravascular stents for postoperative residual stenosis of peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis.

This is a prospective study of transcatheter implantation of 11 intravascular stents in 7 patients with status/post (S/P) surgical correction of major cardiovascular lesions. The safety and efficacy of balloon-expandable stents for treatment of peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis (PPAS) is evaluated and analyzed. Although the transcatheter implantation of intravascular stents has been reported as a possible treatment for stenotic peripheral pulmonary arteries, the results of intermediate follow-up studies on patients with S/P surgical correction for residual PPAS need to be evaluated. From June 1998 to December 2001, a total of 15 patients with PPAS having S/P surgery for major cardiovascular lesions were enrolled in this study. Eight of them had redo surgery after complete evaluation and the other 7 patients who might be at higher risk of mortality or morbidity from redo surgery, underwent transcatheter implantation of stents to dilate significant PPAS. Tetralogy of Fallot, S/P total correction, was done in 6 and transposition of great vessels, S/P Jatene operation, was done in 1. There were 10 stents (P 308 Palmaz stent x8 and Intrastent x2) implantation for 10 sites of the stenotic PPAS in these 7 patients, who were aged from 3.6 to 17.3 (10.1 +/- 5.6) years and had body weights ranging from 17 to 72.5 (37.1 +/- 23.0) kg. The narrowest diameter of the stenotic peripheral pulmonary arteries and pressure gradients across the stenosis were measured before and after implantation of stents. A follow-up catheterization and pulmonary angiography was performed 1 year later to evaluate the intermediate efficacy of stents implantation. All the stenotic peripheral pulmonary arteries of these 7 patients had a significant reduction of pressure gradients immediately after the procedure. The narrowest mean diameter of pulmonary arteries increased from 6.7 +/- 3.4 to 11.3 +/- 3.0 mm (p < 0.001), and the mean pressure gradient dropped from 31 +/- 9.9 to 11.4 +/- 4.6 mm Hg (p < 0.001). The follow-up catheterization 1 year later revealed a persistent effect in all but 1 patient. Only a young male presented with a recurrent stenosis with a pressure gradient of > or = 20 mm Hg, which was relieved by redilation with implantation of another stent. There was no immediate or intermediate complication. Transcatheter stent implantation for treatment of a significant residual PPAS after surgical correction of complicated congenital heart disease is a safe and effective procedure. Since children are growing with age, a long-term follow-up study to evaluate the effects and possible problems of stent implantation is mandatory.

Comparison of the one-and-a-half-year results of closure of patent ductus arteriosus by transcatheter coils placement with surgical ligation.

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common type of congenital cardiovascular lesion. It usually needs surgical ligation in a full-term baby after 1 year of age. Transcatheter implantation of coils was introduced for the closure of small- to moderate-sized PDA in 1992. From November 1995 to November 1998, the authors closed the PDA in 153 patients by transcatheter implantation of coils and by surgical ligation in 10 patients. One hundred fourteen of them were studied for more than 1(1/2) years. The regular follow-up studies, including physical examination; electrocardiography; and pulsed, continuous-wave, and color Doppler flow mapping, were performed on day one and day 2, and 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after the procedure. The results of the closure of PDA by surgical ligation or coil placement were compared and analyzed in all the patients.

Influence of ventricular septal defect type on surgical results in children with tetralogy of Fallot.

BACKGROUND: Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) with subpulmonary ventricular septal defects (VSD) is relatively more common among Orientals than among Occidentals. This study assessed the influence of type of VSD on surgical results in children with TOF. METHODS: Fifty-one patients with TOF (age range, 14 months to 11 years, mean 40.7 months, median 30 months, 29 boys, 22 girls) who underwent total correction by a single surgeon between January 1992 and December 1995 were retrospectively studied. Of the 51 patients, 17 patients with subpulmonary VSD were classified as group I. The remaining 34 patients with perimembranous VSD were classified as group II. All patients underwent a combined transatrial and transpulmonary surgical approach. Early postoperative results were evaluated 7 to 10 days after surgery and late postoperative results were evaluated 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in age, sex, body weight, pulmonary to systemic flow ratio, pulmonary to aortic annulus diameter ratio or preceding palliative shunt or balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty. Nevertheless, group I patients had better oxygen saturation preoperatively (84.2 +/- 4.4% vs 80.3 +/- 7.6%, p = 0.037). During surgery, the transannular patch rate was higher in group I (100% vs 73.5%, p = 0.003). The cardiopulmonary bypass time, postoperative stay in the intensive care unit, duration of chest tube placement, early postoperative residual VSD rate, and early and late postoperative residual pulmonary stenosis rate were not significantly different between the groups. However, late postoperative residual VSD rate was 33.3% in group I and 6.45% in group II, which was statistically significant (p = 0.029). There were no significant differences in arrhythmia between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with TOF with subpulmonary VSD had a better preoperative oxygenation, higher transannular patch rate during surgery and a higher incidence of late residual VSD than those with TOF with perimembranous VSD.

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty for renovascular hypertension in a child: a case report.

Since its introduction, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty has become an alternative therapeutic modality to surgical and medical treatment for renovascular hypertension. We report the case of a nine-year-old boy who had hypertension caused by renal arterial stenosis. The patient's high blood pressure was 164/100 mmHg, which was discovered incidentally during a physical check-up. A selective renal angiography showed a severe short-segment stenosis with post-stenotic dilatation of the left renal artery. A 4-mm balloon catheter was advanced through the stenotic area and was inflated five times to dilate the stenosis. After the procedure, the selective renal angiography showed a significant increase in the diameter of the left renal artery. Blood pressure decreased to normal immediately after the procedure. During the one-year follow-up period, the patient remained normotensive without the use of antihypertensive drugs.

Treatment of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum in early infancy.

BACKGROUND: Early treatment for the neonate with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS) is important if a high mortality rate is to be avoided. The treatment includes prostaglandin administration, balloon atrial septostomy, pulmonary valvotomy, a shunting procedure and patch repair for the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). This study discusses the early treatment and risk factors of this disease that are essential for assessing the risk of surgery and predicting outcome. METHODS: The medical records, echocardiograms, catheterization data and cineangiograms of 29 patients with PA-IVS diagnosed at our institution from 1987 to 1997 were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical manifestations including age, body weight, sex ratio, type of surgery and outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: Three of four patients with a right ventricular volume of less than 1 ml died, and all patients with a right ventricular volume of greater than 2 ml survived. Four of six patients with a tricuspid valvular area of between 0.25 and 0.5 cm2 died, but patients with an area of greater than 0.5 cm2 survived. One case with a monopartite right ventricle died. Patients with a bipartite or tripartite right ventricle had higher survival rates than those with a monopartite right ventricle. Patients with a the right ventricle dependent coronary sinusoid had a higher risk for mortality, even after surgery, than those with normal coronary circulation. CONCLUSIONS: A small right ventricular volume, the presence of a coronary sinusoid involving the right ventricle, a short linear length of the tricuspid valve and a small area of the tricuspid valve were the risk factors associated with a negative outcome in neonates with PA-IVS.