Ischemic preconditioning does not prevent placental dysfunction induced by fetal cardiac bypass.

BACKGROUND: Remote ischemic preconditioning (rIPC) has been applied to attenuate tissue injury. We tested the hypothesis that rIPC applied to fetal lambs undergoing cardiac bypass (CB) reduces fetal systemic inflammation and placental dysfunction. METHODS: Eighteen fetal lambs were divided into three groups: sham, CB control, and CB rIPC. CB rIPC fetuses had a hindlimb tourniquet applied to occlude blood flow for four cycles of a 5-min period, followed by a 2-min reperfusion period. Both study groups underwent 30 min of normothermic CB. Fetal inflammatory markers, gas exchange, and placental and fetal lung morphological changes were assessed. RESULTS: The CB rIPC group achieved higher bypass flow rates (p < .001). After CB start, both study groups developed significant decreases in PaO2 , mixed acidosis, and increased lactate levels (p < .0004). No significant differences in tissular edema were observed on fetal lungs and placenta (p > .391). Expression of Toll-like receptor 4 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in the placenta and fetal lungs did not differ among the three groups, as well as with vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) of fetal lungs (p > .225). Placental VCAM-1 expression was lower in the rIPC group (p < .05). Fetal interleukin-1 (IL-1) and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) levels were lower at 60 min post-CB in the CB rIPC group (p < .05). There were no significant differences in tumor necrosis factor-α, prostaglandin E2, IL-6, and IL-10 plasma levels of the three groups at 60-min post-bypass (p > .133). CONCLUSION: Although rIPC allowed increased blood flow during fetal CB and decreased IL-1 and TXA2 levels and placental VCAM-1, it did not prevent placental dysfunction in fetal lambs undergoing CB.

Fetal Cardiac Function and Ventricular Volumes Determined by Three-Dimensional Ultrasound Using STIC and VOCAL Methods in Fetuses from Pre-gestational Diabetic Women.

To assess the fetal cardiac function and ventricular volumes by three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound using spatio-temporal image correlation (STIC) and virtual organ computer-aided analysis (VOCAL) methods in fetuses from pre-gestational diabetic women. This was a prospective and cross-sectional study that evaluated 53 fetuses from pre-gestational diabetic women and 53 fetuses from healthy mothers between 20 and 34 weeks of gestation. Only fetuses with no structural or genetic abnormalities and singleton pregnant women were included in this study. The fetal cardiac volumes were assessed by STIC and VOCAL methods. The ejection fraction, stroke volume, and cardiac output were calculated from these measurements to evaluate fetal cardiac function. The Mann-Whitney U test was performed to compare the two groups. For calculation of intra- and interobserver reproducibility's, we used concordance correlation coefficients. The mean differences in the right atrial volumes between the diabetic and normal groups ranged from 0.05 mL to 0.1 mL (p = 0.917 and 0.355, respectively). The median of left atrium (LA) volume measurement in pre-gestational diabetic group was significantly lower than healthy mothers (LA: 0.62 vs. 0.68 mL; p < 0.001). The fetal right and left ventricular volumes were similar in both groups. No significant differences in ejection fraction, stroke volume and cardiac output were observed (p value range 0.086-0.815). The majority of fetal atrial/ventricular volumes showed good intra- and interobserver reliabilities. Conversely, the majority cardiac function parameters showed poor intra- and interobserver agreements. STIC and VOCAL methods gave reproducible quantitative results for fetal atrial and ventricular volumes. Significant differences in fetal left atrial volumes were observed between the two groups, which be related to LA atrial dysfunction and /or left ventricle (LV) compliance, reflecting earlier stages of cardiac dysfunction.

Impact of type I and type II maternal diabetes mellitus on fetal cardiac function assessment parameters using spectral and tissue Doppler.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of pregestational diabetes mellitus (DM) on fetal cardiac function two-dimensional parameters using spectral and tissue Doppler. Pregnant women between 20 and 36 + 6 weeks gestation were divided into three groups: controls, type I DM, and type II DM. The right ventricle (RV) and left ventricle (LV) annular velocity peaks were measured using spectral (E, A) and tissue (E', A', S') Doppler. The myocardial performance index was calculated as (isovolumetric contraction time [ICT] + isovolumetric relaxation time [IRT])/ejection time using tissue (MPI') and the spectral Doppler (MPI). A general linear model, with fetal heart rate as a covariant, was used to evaluate the effect of DM on the fetal heart function assessment parameters. To assess the association of type I and II DM with adverse perinatal outcomes, Fisher's exact test was used. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the best cutoff for fetal cardiac function assessment parameters to identify the neonatal composite outcomes. The sample comprised 179 pregnant women. DM had significant effect on RV and LV A peak velocities (p = 0.026 and p = 0.011, respectively). LV ICT (p < 0.001) and LV MPI (p < 0.001) were significantly affected by maternal DM. Fetuses from pregnant women with type II DM showed significantly higher LV MPI (0.492 vs. 0.459, p = 0.006) and RV S' (7.2 vs. 6.44 cm/s, p = 0.024) than controls. Fetuses from type I DM pregnant women showed increase in cardiac parameters that evaluated the LV and RV diastolic function (LV IRT' p < 0.001 and RV MPI' p = 0.044). Type I and II DM were associated with adverse perinatal outcomes: neonatal intensive care unit stay (p < 0.0001), macrosomia (p < 0.0001), hyperbilirubinemia (p < 0.0001), and hypoglycemia (p < 0.0001). The LV MPI' showed significant but moderate sensitivity in identifying the composite neonatal outcomes (AUC: 0.709, 95% CI 0.629-0.780, p < 0.001). Tissue Doppler and MPI parameters can be useful to detect subclinical cardiac dysfunction in the fetal heart of pregestational DM pregnant women.

Actualización en enfermedad de kawasaki: diagnóstico, estudio y tratamiento / Kawasaki disease update: diagnosis, study and treatment

La enfermedad de Kawasaki (EK) es una vasculitis aguda de vaso mediano que afecta principalmente a niños menores de 5 años, que de no ser tratada, se asocia al desarrollo de aneurismas de las arterias coronarias en aproximadamente el 25% de los casos. Típicamente la EK se presenta con fiebre, cambios mucocutáneos y linfadenopatía. Sin embargo, EK es una enfermedad excepcional en la que las formas incompletas de la enfermedad son muy comunes y a menudo asociación sintomatologías atípicas. Éstas pueden crear un desafío diagnóstico para los tratantes y retrasar el inicio de la terapia. No existe un gold standard para el diagnóstico de EK pero hay estudios de laboratorio y hallazgos ecocardiográficos que permiten apoyar el diagnóstico en casos incompletos. El estudio con ecocardiograma debe realizarse lo más pronto posible cuando se sospecha el diagnóstico, pero no debe retrasar el inicio de tratamiento. El objetivo de la terapia en EK es disminuir el riesgo de desarrollar aneurismas de las arterias coronarias y de esta forma, la morbimortalidad asociada a dicha condición. El propósito de esta revisión es conocer las características clínicas y las posibles formas de presentación de esta patología, además del tratamiento actual.

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute vasculitis of the medium vessel that mainly affects children under 5 years old, which if it's not treated, is associated with the development of coronary artery aneurysms in approximately 25% of all cases. Typically, KD presents with fever, mucocutaneous changes and lymphadenopathy. However, EK is an exceptional disease in which incomplete forms of the disease are very common and atypical presentations often occur. These presentations may create a diagnostic puzzle for pediatricians and may delay the start of therapy. There is no specific study for the diagnosis of KD but there are laboratory studies and findings in ECG that support the diagnosis in atypical cases. The echocardiogram study should be performed as soon as possible when the diagnosis is suspected, but should not delay the treatment. The goal of treatment in KD is to reduce the risk of developing aneurysms of the coronary arteries and thereby decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with this condition.

Tumor cardiaco fetal. Reporte de un caso / Fetal cardiac tumor. Report of a case

Resumen: ANTECEDENTES: Los tumores cardiacos fetales son excepcionales y se asocian con complicaciones que ponen en riesgo la vida del feto. Se diagnostican a partir del segundo trimestre y pueden provocar hidrops fetal no inmunitario, arritmias, compresión de los conductos de salida y muerte súbita. Es importante el seguimiento durante la gestación para detectar posibles complicaciones y establecer un plan de nacimiento. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 35 años, multigesta, enviada a la unidad materno-fetal para valoración por embarazo de 24.2 semanas y feto con tumor cardiaco único, localizado en el ápex, de gran tamaño. No se identificó afectación de la función cardiaca, por lo que solo ameritó vigilancia prenatal. Al nacimiento, el recién nacido recibió tratamiento con everolimus, con reacción satisfactoria. CONCLUSION: El tratamiento y seguimiento de fetos con tumor cardiaco es de suma importancia para detectar complicaciones prenatales y establecer el plan de nacimiento en la unidad de tercer nivel de atención médica.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Fetal cardiac tumors are rare, with a very low incidence, however; when they do occur, they are associated with life-threatening complications of the fetus. They are diagnosed from the second trimester and can cause non-immune fetal hydrops, arrhythmias, compression of outflow tracts, and sudden fetal death. Follow-up during pregnancy is important to detect possible complications and establish a birth plan. CLINICAL CASE: A 35-year-old multigest patient, sent to the fetal maternal unit by his treating physician for evaluation for 24.2-week pregnancy and fetus with a single cardiac tumor, located on the apex, of large size; and without compromise in cardiac function, so only prenatal surveillance was warranted. At birth, the newborn received everolimus treatment, with a good response. CONCLUSION: The case of a patient with a single pregnancy and fetus with a prenatal diagnosis of a large cardiac tumor is presented with a family history of hemangiomas. In this case, a follow-up approach to detect prenatal complications and establish a birth plan in a third level of medical care is critical for a good practice.

Tumores cardiacos primarios fetales: revisión de la literatura / Primary fetal cardiac tumors: review of the literature

Los tumores cardiacos primarios fetales representan una entidad de baja incidencia en la práctica clínica. La gran mayoría corresponde a lesiones benignas, siendo el rabdomioma el tipo más común. Si bien, es frecuente la regresión espontánea de este tipo de lesiones durante el embarazo, los tumores cardiacos fetales pueden asociarse a complicaciones como obstrucción del flujo cardíaco, insuficiencia valvular, arritmias, insuficiencia cardíaca e hidrops fetal, pudiendo conducir incluso a la muerte fetal. El mayor desarrollo de técnicas imagenológicas ha permitido un aumento en el número y precisión de los diagnósticos prenatales de tumores cardiacos, generando al mismo tiempo, nuevos desafíos y alternativas en relación al abordaje terapéutico. El objetivo del presente artículo de revisión es exponer la evidencia actual en relación al diagnóstico prenatal, manejo, complicaciones y condiciones asociadas de los tumores cardiacos fetales más frecuentes.

Fetal primary cardiac tumors represent a low incidence entity in clinical practice. The vast majority corresponds to benign lesions, with rhabdomyoma being the most common type. Although spontaneous regression of this type of lesions during pregnancy is frequent, fetal cardiac tumors can be associated with complications such as obstruction of cardiac flow, valvular insufficiency, arrhythmias, heart failure and fetal hydrops, which can even lead to fetal death. The greater development of imaging techniques has allowed an increase in the number and precision of prenatal diagnoses of cardiac tumors, generating at the same time, new challenges and alternatives in relation to the therapeutic approach. The objective of this review article is to present the current evidence regarding the prenatal diagnosis, management, complications and associated condition s of the most frequent fetal cardiac tumors.

The reverse boomerang sign: a marker for first-trimester transposition of great arteries.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a new sonographic marker of transposition of great arteries (TGA) during the first-trimester screening. METHODS: We reviewed six cases of TGA from 2013 to 2016 in which an antenatal diagnosis of TGA at first-trimester screening (11-13 + 6 weeks of gestation) was confirmed postnatally. We specifically assessed images obtained by scanning the fetal heart in three vessels (3V) and three-vessel with trachea (3VT) views using color Doppler. The "reverse boomerang" sign was defined as a reverse curvature of right ventricle outflow tract (RVOT) at level of the 3VT view. RESULTS: We described six cases of confirmed TGA, five singletons and one twin pregnancy, among which only two vessels and the reverse curvature of RVOT (reverse boomerang sign) was demonstrated in the first-trimester screening at level of 3VT view. Ventricular septal defects were observed in three cases, and double outlet right ventricle in one case. No other cardiac or extracardiac anomalies were identified. Termination of pregnancy was not performed in any case. CONCLUSION: Our series case suggests that the reverse boomerang sign may improve the early prenatal screening for TGA.

Tumores cardiacos fetales: importancia del diagnóstico prenatal y repercusiones perinatales / Fetal cardiac tumors. Case series: Importance of prenatal diagnosis and perinatal impact

Resumen ANTECEDENTES Los tumores cardiacos fetales son hallazgos esporádicos en el ultrasonido fetal con una incidencia de 1 caso por cada 10,000 nacidos vivos. Los rabdomiomas son los tumores cardiacos más comunes en la vida intrauterina (60-86%) seguidos por los fibromas y teratomas. Casi siempre tienen regresión espontánea, pueden ocasionar alteraciones hemodinámicas e incrementar la morbilidad y mortalidad perinatal; además de su importante asociación con el complejo de la esclerosis tuberosa, enfermedad genésica que cursa con epilepsia y déficit cognitivo. OBJETIVO Reportar la primera serie mexicana de casos de detección prenatal de rabdomiomas. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS Estudio retrospectivo consistente en la revisión de los expedientes de todos los fetos con diagnóstico prenatal de tumores cardiacos registrados de enero de 2007 a diciembre de 2017 en el Hospital Ángeles Lomas. A todas las pacientes se les realizó ultrasonido de segundo nivel y ecocardiografía avanzada prenatal y postnatal. RESULTADOS Se estudiaron siete casos, la mayoría con tumoraciones únicas. En un caso hubo alteraciones hemodinámicas durante el periodo fetal que le ocasionaron la muerte. En dos casos se confirmó esclerosis tuberosa. CONCLUSIONES Se trata de la primera serie de casos mexicanos de tumores cardiacos fetales. Los hallazgos fueron similares a los reportados en la bibliografía mundial, excepto que se encontraron más casos de tumores únicos que de múltiples. El tamaño del tumor, el número y la localización pueden predecir el pronóstico perinatal y, en especial, la posibilidad de esclerosis tuberosa.

Abstract BACKGROUND Fetal cardiac tumors are sporadic findings in fetal ultrasound with an incidence of 1 case per 10,000 live births. Rhabdomyomas are the most common cardiac tumors in intrauterine life (60-86%) followed by fibroids and teratomas. They almost always have spontaneous regression, can cause hemodynamic alterations and increase perinatal morbidity and mortality; in addition to its important association with the tuberous sclerosis complex, a genetic disease that presents with epilepsy and cognitive deficit. OBJECTIVE To report the first Mexican series of cases of prenatal detection of rhabdomyomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective study consisting of the review of the records of all fetuses with prenatal diagnosis of cardiac tumors registered from January 2007 to December 2017 at the Ángeles Lomas Hospital. All patients underwent second-level ultrasound and advanced prenatal and postnatal echocardiography. RESULTS Seven cases were studied, most of them with single tumors. In one case there were hemodynamic alterations during the fetal period that caused his death. In two cases, tuberous sclerosis was confirmed. CONCLUSIONS This is the first series of Mexican cases of fetal cardiac tumors. The findings were similar to those reported in the world literature, except that more cases of single tumors were found than multiple tumors. The size of the tumor, the number and the location can predict the perinatal prognosis and, especially, the possibility of tuberous sclerosis.

Neurodevelopmental Outcome in Children after Fetal Cardiac Intervention for Aortic Stenosis with Evolving Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize neurodevelopmental outcomes after fetal aortic valvuloplasty for evolving hypoplastic left heart syndrome and determine the risk factors for adverse neurodevelopment. STUDY DESIGN: Questionnaires were mailed to families of children who underwent fetal aortic valvuloplasty from 2000 to 2012, and medical records were reviewed retrospectively. The primary outcome was the General Adaptive Composite score of the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System Questionnaire-Second Edition. Other questionnaires included the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Ages and Stages, and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. RESULTS: Among 69 eligible subjects, 52 (75%) completed questionnaires at median age of 5.5 (range 1.3-12) years; 30 (58%) had biventricular status circulation. The General Adaptive Composite mean score (92 ± 17) was lower than population norms (P < .001) and similar to published reports in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome without fetal intervention; scores in the single ventricular versus biventricular group were 97 ± 19 vs 89 ± 14, respectively (P = .10). On multivariable analysis, independent predictors of a lower General Adaptive Composite score were total hospital duration of stay in the first year of life (P = .001) and, when forced into the model, biventricular status (P = .02). For all other neurodevelopmental questionnaires (Behavior Assessment System for Children, Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Ages and Stages, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory), most subscale scores for patients with biventricular and single ventricular status were similar. CONCLUSION: Children who underwent fetal aortic valvuloplasty have neurodevelopmental delay, similar to patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome without fetal intervention. Achievement of biventricular circulation was not associated with better outcomes. We infer that innate patient factors and morbidity during infancy have the greatest effect on neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Perinatal outcomes and intrauterine complications following fetal intervention for congenital heart disease: systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

OBJECTIVE: To assess perinatal outcomes and intrauterine complications following fetal intervention for congenital heart disease (CHD). METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed following an electronic search of PubMed and Scopus databases (last searched August 2015). Perinatal outcomes that were assessed included fetal death, live birth, preterm delivery < 37 weeks' gestation and neonatal death. Intrauterine complications that were assessed included bradycardia requiring treatment and hemopericardium requiring drainage. Estimated proportions were reported as mean (95% CI). Inconsistency was assessed using the I2 statistic. RESULTS: An electronic search identified 2279 records, of which 29 studies (11 retrospective cohort and 18 case reports) were considered eligible for analysis. Fetal death after treatment of CHD by aortic valvuloplasty was reported in three studies, with a rate of 31% (95% CI, 9-60%), after pulmonary valvuloplasty in one study, with a rate of 25% (95% CI, 10-49%), after septoplasty in one study, with a rate of 14% (95% CI, 6-28%) and after pericardiocentesis and/or pericardioamniotic shunt placement in 24 studies, with a rate of 29% (95% CI, 18-41%). Bradycardia requiring treatment was reported after aortic valvuloplasty in two studies, with a rate of 52% (95% CI, 16-87%), after pulmonary valvuloplasty in one study, with a rate of 44% (95% CI, 23-67%), and after septoplasty in one study, with a rate of 27% (95% CI, 15-43%). CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence on the effectiveness of prenatal intervention for CHD derives mostly from case reports and a few larger series; no study was randomized. Although the results of the meta-analysis are encouraging in terms of perinatal survival, they should be interpreted with caution when comparing with procedures performed after delivery. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Changes in fetal myocardial performance index following intravascular transfusion: preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes in fetal left ventricle myocardial performance index (MPI) following intrauterine intravascular transfusion (IUT). METHODS: Prospective study, including 25 IUT performed in 13 singleton pregnancies with maternal Rh D alloimmune disease. Left ventricle MPI was evaluated prior to transfusion and repeated 24 h after each procedure. Delta MPI was calculated as the difference between post- and pre-transfusion MPI z-scores. Multilevel regression analysis was used to examine the association between delta MPI and gestational age at procedure, fetal middle cerebral artery peak velocity MoM, pre- and post-MPI and hemoglobin z-score values, the volume of blood transfused and feto-placental volume percentage expansion. Adjustments were made for repeated measurements within the same fetus, and across different time points. The significance level was set as 0.05. RESULTS: MPI z-score values increased significantly following transfusion (delta MPI = 1.10 ± 2.47, p=0.036). Delta MPI showed a significant correlation with gestational age at transfusion (r= -0.47, p=0.018), pre-transfusion MPI z-score (r= -0.50, p=0.012) and feto-placental volume percentage expansion (r= -0.41, p=0.044). CONCLUSION: Left ventricle MPI increases significantly after intrauterine blood transfusion and greater changes are associated with procedures at an earlier gestational age, lower pre-transfusion MPI z-scores and smaller feto-placental volume expansion.

Diagnóstico prenatal de lipoma cardiaco. Presentación de un caso / Prenatal Diagnose of the cardiac lipoma. Case Presentation

Presentación de caso: Se presentó esta revisión con el objetivo de abordar una entidad infrecuente en el diagnóstico de las cardiopatías fetales. Se presenta un caso de un feto con una tumoración cardíaca, cuyo diagnóstico fue realizado por estudio ultrasonográfico en el segundo trimestre del embarazo. Se describen los hallazgos ultrasonográficos y la correlación con el diagnóstico anatomopatológico. Se revisó la literatura sobre el diagnóstico histológico y ecográfico de esta cardiopatía en el desarrollo fetal.

Case Presentation: A revisal was presented with the objective to deal with an uncommon entity in the diagnoses of fetal cardiopathies. A case of a fetus is presented with a cardiac tumor, this diagnose was obtained by an ultrasonography study in the second semester of the pregnancy. Ultrasonography findings are described and the correlation with the anatomy pathological diagnose. The literature was revised about the histology and the echocardiopathy diagnosing in the fetal development.

Mouse models for the study of postnatal cardiac hypertrophy.

The main objective of this study was to create a postnatal model for cardiac hypertrophy (CH), in order to explain the mechanisms that are present in childhood cardiac hypertrophy. Five days after implantation, intraperitoneal (IP) isoproterenol (ISO) was injected for 7 days to pregnant female mice. The fetuses were obtained at 15, 17 and 19 dpc from both groups, also newborns (NB), neonates (7-15 days) and young adults (6 weeks of age). Histopathological exams were done on the hearts. Immunohistochemistry and western blot demonstrated GATA4 and PCNA protein expression, qPCR real time the mRNA of adrenergic receptors (α-AR and ß-AR), alpha and beta myosins (α-MHC, ß-MHC) and GATA4. After the administration of ISO, there was no change in the number of offsprings. We observed significant structural changes in the size of the offspring hearts. Morphometric analysis revealed an increase in the size of the left ventricular wall and interventricular septum (IVS). Histopathological analysis demonstrated loss of cellular compaction and presence of left ventricular small fibrous foci after birth. Adrenergic receptors might be responsible for changing a physiological into a pathological hypertrophy. However GATA4 seemed to be the determining factor in the pathology. A new animal model was established for the study of pathologic CH in early postnatal stages.

Placental chorioangioma as the cause of non-immunologic hydrops fetalis; a case report.

BACKGROUND: Chorioangiomas are the most common benign tumors of the placenta originating from primitive angioblastic tissues. It comprises near 1 percent of placental tumors. Clinical manifestations in the newborn are rare and usually associated with tumors greater than 5 cm in diameter and consist of polyhydramnios, fetal anemia, massive edema with pleural effusion, ascites and intrauterine growth retardation. We present a case with large chorioangioma as the cause of non-immunologic hydrops fetalis with a successful outcome. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was a female newborn with history of polyhydramnios, symptoms of congestive heart failure and associated anemia, thrombocytopenia and coagulopathy. The pathophysiology and management of the complications of hydrops fetalis with chorioangioma are discussed CONCLUSION: Chorioangioma of the placenta has potentially serious perinatal risks and so the pregnancy needs to have regular surveillance. The chance of developing complications is directly related with the tumor size.

Experiencia de una madre con hijo con malformación / Experience of a mother with child with malformation

El propósito de este estudio es construir conocimiento desde la experiencia de vida de una madre con un hijo de un mes de vida, operado de malformación congénita cardiaca durante la hospitalización en una Unidad Pediátrica de un Hospital de la Región Metropolitana de Chile. OBJETIVO: comprender el significado de este fenómeno fortaleciendo el saber del cuidado de enfermería, y contribuir a mejorar la atención. METODOLOGÍA: investigación cualitativa. RESULTADO: se devela el significado de la experiencia vivida del sufrimiento constante y ganas de salir adelante junto a la firmeza en su autoconcepto de madre. INTERPRETACIÓN: la forma en que se presenta la experiencia de la madre, se analiza desde la perspectiva de Heidegger, evidenciándose como un proceso que implica sufrimiento desde la noticia del embarazo, diagnóstico y pronóstico. La falta de cuidado percibido, la escasa atención o protección otorgada por el equipo de salud acentúan emociones como miedo, temor, soledad, rabia e impotencia por su situación de vida. A pesar de ello la madre reafirma su autoconcepto. CONCLUSIÓN: se evidencian ámbitos totalmente posibles de modificar para humanizar el cuidado, en que prime la percepción de la madre y el hijo como una unidad de cuidado siempre que un niño se hospitaliza, y enfrentarla en una relación de cuidado de ayuda.

The purpose of this case study is to build knowledge from the life experience of a mother with a child 1 month old, with surgery by congenital cardiac malformation during hospitalization in a pediatric unit. OBJECTIVE: to understand the significance of this phenomenon strengthening the knowledge of nursing care, and to help improve attention. METHODOLOGY: qualitative research. RESULT: this reveals the meaning of the lived experience of constant suffering and desire to move forward with the strength in her self-concept of mother. INTERPRETATION: the way the experience of the mother is presented, is analyzed from the perspective of Heidegger, showing as a process that implies suffering from the news of pregnancy, diagnosis and prognosis. Lack of care perceived, the lin protection provided by the health team emphasize emotions like fear, loneliness, anger and helplessness about her situation in life. In spite of this, the mother confirms her self-concept. CONCLUSIONS: some areas entirely possible to modify to humanize the care, that prime the perception of the mother and child care as a unit whenever a child is hospitalized are evidenced, and faceit in a relationship of supportive care.

Tumores cardiacos fetales: diagnóstico ecográfico, evolución y tratamiento / Fetal cardiac tumors: diagnosis, clinical course and management

Objetivos: Analizar el diagnóstico ecográfico, la evolución y el tratamiento de los tumores cardiacos fetales diagnosticados en el Hospital La Paz de Madrid, entre los años 1995 y 2010. Método: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo descriptivo recogiendo los principales datos ecográficos, de la historia clínica materna, neonatal y pediátrica. Resultados: En el periodo de estudio se diagnosticaron ecográficamente 28 tumores cardiacos fetales, 21 casos fueron catalogados como rabdomiomas. Once de ellos tuvieron una regresión prácticamente completa, con ocho casos diagnosticados hasta el momento de esclerosis tuberosa. Hubo 2 muertes intraútero, 1 interrupción legal del embarazo y 4 diagnósticos ecográficos de rabdomiomas, no se confirmaron al nacimiento. Se diagnosticaron prenatalmente dos fibromas; de ellos una gestante optó por la interrupción legal del embarazo y en el otro caso se produjo la muerte neonatal. Dos neonatos fueron sometidos a cirugía con una resección completa del tumor, con resultado anatomopatológico de heman-gioma capilar en uno y teratoma en el otro. En un caso se realizó una biopsia que confirmó la presencia de un hemangiopericitoma auricular que se redujo posteriormente con quimioterapia. Conclusiones: Los tumores cardiacos son una patología poco frecuente. La mayor parte de ellos son rabdomiomas, cuya sin-tomatología y evolución depende de su localización. Estos suelen regresar espontáneamente, pero pueden asociarse al diagnóstico de esclerosis tuberosa, lo que empeora su pronóstico.

Aims: To analize the diagnosis, clinical course and management of fetal cardiac tumors diagnosed at La Paz Hospital (Madrid) between 1995 and 2010. Methods: We performed a retrospective descriptive study collecting the main ultrasound dates of the maternal, newborn and pediatric history. Results: During the study period, 28 fetal cardiac tumors were dignosed. Rhabdomyomas were diagnosed in 21 fetuses; 11 rhabdom-yomas returned almost completely. Eight of them were diagnosed of tuberous sclerosis up to the moment. Other two cases died in utero. One pregnant decided to be practised a miscarriage and four rhabdomyomas which were diagnosed by ultrasound, were not found in the newborns. Two fibroms were diagnosed by ultrasound; one of the pregnant woman decided to be practised a miscarriage and the other fetus died when he was born. Two newborns were operated, with the pathological anatomy result of a hemangioma and a teratoma. A biopsy was made that confirmed the presence of an atrial hemangiopericitoma which was treated by quimiotherapy. Conclusion: Fetal cardiac tumors are a rare disease. Most of them are rhabdomyomas which syntomatology and clinical course depend on its location. They usually regret spontaneously, but they can be associated with tuberous sclerosis, and this aggravates their prognosis.

Evaluación de la función cardiovascular en fetos con restricción de crecimiento / Cardiac function in fetus with growth restriction

Objective: To evaluate longitudinal changes in the cardiac function parameters in relation to the hemodynamic worsening in growth restricted (IUGR) fetuses. Methods: The cardiac function was serially studied in a cohort of 46 IUGR fetuses below 32 weeks of gestation by 2-D and Doppler ultrasound parameters. IUGR was defined as an estimated fetal weight below the 10th percentile with a Doppler pulsatility index (PI) in the umbilical artery (UA) above 2 standard deviations of the mean. Longitudinal changes, perinatal deaths and survivors were evaluated. Results: All cardiac parameters were significantly different in IUGR fetuses. Aortic isthmus blood flow index (IFI) and Modified myocardial performance index (Mod-MPI) showed the clearest longitudinal changes and temporal deterioration. Conclusions: IFI and Mod-MPI showed consistent longitudinal changes in IUGR fetuses. These 2 markers could be added to the DV to evaluate the fetal deterioration and indicate the optimal time of delivery.

Objetivo: Evaluar cambios longitudinales de los parámetros de función cardíaca en relación al agravamiento hemodinámico en fetos con restricción del crecimiento intrauterino (RCIU). Métodos: La función cardíaca fue estudiada en una cohorte de 46 fetos RCIU con menos de 32 semanas de gestación con parámetros 2-D y ultrasonografía Doppler. Se definió RCIU como un peso fetal estimado bajo el percentil 10 asociado a un índice de pulsatilidad (IP) al Doppler de la arteria umbilical (AU) por debajo de dos desviaciones estándar del promedio. Se evaluaron cambios longitudinales, mortalidad y sobrevida perinatal. Resultados: Todos los parámetros tuvieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en fetos RCIU. El índice de velocidad de flujo del istmo aórtico (IFI) y el índice de función miocárdico modificado (IFM-mod) mostraron los más evidentes cambios longitudinales y deterioro en el tiempo. Conclusiones: El IFI y el IFM-mod mostraron consistentes cambios longitudinales en fetos RCIU. Estos dos marcadores podrían ser usados junto a la medición del ductus venoso para evaluar el deterioro fetal y la indicación óptima del momento del parto.