Evaluation of cardiac function in fetuses of mothers with gestational diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess fetal cardiac function in normal fetuses (control group) compared to those who are exposed to gestational diabetes mellitus using different echocardiographic measurements, and to explore the application of left atrial shortening fraction in determination of fetal diastolic function with gestational diabetes mellitus. METHODS: A total of 50 women with gestational diabetes and 50 women with a healthy pregnancy were included in the study. Fetal echocardiography was performed and structural as well as functional fetal cardiac parameters were measured. Data were compared between with or without fetal myocardial hypertrophy and the control group. RESULTS: In the study group, out of 50 fetuses of gestational diabetic mothers, 18 had myocardial hypertrophy and 32 had normal septal thickness. Gestational age at time of examination did not differ significantly between the control and gestational diabetes group (p = 0.55). Mitral E/A ratio was lower in gestational diabetes group as compared to the control (p < 0.001). Isovolumetric relaxation and contraction times and myocardial performance index were greater in fetuses of gestational diabetic mothers (p < 0.001). In fetuses of gestational diabetic mothers with myocardial hypertrophy, left atrial shortening fraction was lower as compared to those without myocardial hypertrophy and those of the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that fetuses of gestational diabetic mothers have altered cardiac function even in the absence of septal hypertrophy, and that left atrial shortening fraction can be used as a reliable alternate parameter in the assessment of fetal diastolic function.

Distinctive Hemodynamics in the Immediate Postoperative Period of Patients with a Longer Cardiac Intensive Care Stay Post-Tetralogy of Fallot Repair.

OBJECTIVE: After complete surgical repair the majority of tetralogy of Fallot (ToF), patients stay ≤2 days in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) while some may stay longer. We undertook this study to investigate the factors associated with shorter vs. longer length of stay in the CICU to help manage resources effectively. DESIGN: Patients who underwent ToF repair at Aga Khan University, Pakistan, between July 2006 and December 2011 were studied in a case-control design. Clinical parameters were compared between short stay group (SSG) (≤2 days) and long stay group (LSG) (>2 days). Odds ratios were calculated, and regression was performed. RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients (LSG 65, SSG 33) were included. Patients with lower preoperative saturation were 2.67 times more likely to be in the LSG group (P = .02). At 4 hours postoperatively, patients with a higher inotropic score (odds ratio [OR] = 3.03, confidence interval [CI] = 1.19-7.7, P = .02), higher central venous pressure (OR = 3.04, CI = 1.27-7.32, P = .013), and significant tachycardia at 4 hours (OR = 3.5, CI = 1.19-10.3. P = .02) were at risk for having a prolonged CICU stay. On multivariate analysis, significant postoperative tachycardia at 4 hours (z-score ≥3) was highly specific (sensitivity = 38.5%, specificity = 84.9%) for predicting the chances of being in the LSG. Other predictors included preop O(2) saturation ≤82.5% (sensitivity = 61.1%, specificity = 63.0%) and CVP ≥10 mm Hg at 4 hours (sensitivity = 55.4%, specificity = 71.9%). CONCLUSION: Patients who end up staying longer in the CICU have features that are distinctive in the immediate postoperative period, and this can help clinicians in identifying patients who may need more support.

Frequency of cardiorenal syndrome type-I in hospitalized children with acute heart failure in a tertiary-care hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of cardiorenal syndrome in hospitalized children with acute heart failure. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from December 2010 to December 2011. METHODOLOGY: Sixty eight (68) children with acute heart failure fulfilling the selection criteria were evaluated for worsening of renal function (WRF). Serum creatinine was done at baseline and repeated at 72 hours to see the worsening of renal function. Estimated serum creatinine clearance was calculated by Schwartz formula. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 43.6 ± 55.2 months. There were 43 (63%) males, 70% were under 57 months of age. Mean weight on admission was 14.7 ± 19.13 kg and mean height was 83 cm (± 31.08 SD). Mean serum creatinine on admission was 0.77 mg/dl (± 1.18 SD). Worsening renal function was noted in 55 (81%) of children, out of those, majority 36 (70.5%) were under 5 years of age. CONCLUSION: Worsening renal function was found in 81% of children admitted with the diagnosis of acute heart failure. Majority (70.5%) were under 5 years of age indicating a closer observation of renal status in younger age group to reduce, morbidity and mortality.