Short-term ventriculo-arterial coupling and myocardial work efficiency in preterm infants undergoing percutaneous patent ductus arteriosus closure

Cardiorespiratory Instability after Percutaneous Patent Ductus Arteriosus Closure: A Multicenter Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate postprocedural clinical characteristics of preterm infants undergoing transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure, including oxygenation/ventilation failure and cardiovascular compromise.

STUDY DESIGN

Multicenter retrospective cohort study of preterm infants who were ≤2 kg at the time of percutaneous PDA closure between August 2018 and July 2021. Indices of cardiorespiratory stability were collected pre-closure, immediately post-closure, and subsequently averaged every 4 hours for the first 24 hours post-procedure. The primary outcome was incidence of post-transcatheter cardiorespiratory syndrome: composite of hemodynamic instability (defined by systemic hypotension, systemic hypertension, or use of new inotropes/vasopressors in the first 24 hours after catheterization) and at least one of the following: (i) ventilation failure or (ii) oxygenation failure.

RESULTS

A total of 197 patients were included with a median [IQR] age and weight at catheterization of 34 [25, 43] days and 1090 [900, 1367] grams, respectively. The primary composite outcome of post-transcatheter cardiorespiratory syndrome was reported in 46 (23.3%).

CONCLUSION

Post-transcatheter cardiorespiratory syndrome is characterized primarily by systemic hypertension and oxygenation failure, with a very low incidence of hypotension and need for inotropes.

Biventricular function in preterm infants with patent ductus arteriosus ligation: A three-dimensional echocardiographic study

BACKGROUND

The detailed hemodynamics after patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation in preterm infants remain unknown. We aimed to clarify the effect of surgical ligation on left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) volume and function.

METHODS

Echocardiography was performed in 41 preterm infants (median gestational age: 25 weeks) before and after PDA ligation. Global longitudinal strain was determined using three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. These values were compared with those in 36 preterm infants without PDA (non-PDA).

RESULTS

Preoperatively, the PDA group had greater end-diastolic volume (EDV) and cardiac output (CO) in both ventricles, a higher LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (53% vs 44%) and LV global longitudinal strain, and a lower RVEF (47% vs 52%) than the non-PDA group. At 4-8 h postoperatively, the two groups had a similar LVEDV and RVEDV. However, the PDA group had a lower EF and CO in both ventricles than the non-PDA group. At 24-48 h postoperatively, the RVEF was increased, but the LVEF remained decreased, and LVCO was increased.

CONCLUSIONS

PDA induces biventricular loading and functional abnormalities in preterm infants, and they dramatically change after surgery. Three-dimensional echocardiography may be beneficial to understand the status of both ventricles.

IMPACT

Preterm infants are at high risk of hemodynamic compromise following a sudden change in loading conditions after PDA ligation. Three-dimensional echocardiography enables quantitative and serial evaluation of ventricular function and volume in preterm infants with PDA. PDA induces biventricular loading and functional abnormalities in preterm infants, and they dramatically change after surgery.

A Retrospective Cohort Evaluation of Left Ventricular Remodeling, Perioperative Complications and Outcome in Medium and Large Size Dogs with Patent Ductus Arteriosus after Percutaneous Closure

This retrospective cohort study included one hundred fifty-seven medium and large-size dogs with the aim of evaluating the effect of signalment and echocardiographic features on complications, outcomes and left ventricular modifications before and after patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure. The patients were divided in two groups based on the heart remodeling after closure: Group A included dogs that had a reduction in the end-systolic volume index (ESVI) after closure compared to the ESVI measured before; Group B included dogs without a reduction in ESVI after closure. Body weight, minimal ductal diameter (MDD) of PDA, end-diastolic volume index and presence of arrhythmias at presentation were significantly higher in Group B compared to Group A. The shortening fraction and ejection fraction after closure were reduced in both groups, but in Group B there was a major reduction, and the mean values indicated a possible systolic dysfunction. Complications during the procedure and death due to cardiac reasons were greater in Group B compared to Group A. In conclusion, a higher body weight, a larger MDD, a more severe heart enlargement or arrhythmias at presentation increased the risk of developing a worsening structural and functional condition after ductal closure, and this can be associated with perioperative complications and cardiac death.

Transcatheter closure in preterm infants with patent ductus arteriosus: feasibility, results, hemodynamic monitoring and future prospectives

Ductal patency of preterm infants is potentially associated with long term morbidities related to either pulmonary overflow or systemic steal. When an interventional closure is needed, it can be achieved with either surgical ligation or a catheter-based approach.Transcatheter PDA closure is among the safest of interventional cardiac procedures and it is the first choice for ductal closure in adults, children, and infants weighing more than 6 kg. In preterm and very low birth weight infants, it is increasingly becoming a valid and safe alternative to ligation, especially for the high success rate and the minor invasiveness and side effects. Nevertheless, being it performed at increasingly lower weights and gestational ages, hemodynamic complications are possible events to be foreseen.Procedural steps, timing, results, possible complications and available monitoring systems, as well as future outlooks are here discussed.

Non-Invasive Myocardial Work Indices in Infants Born to Mothers With Diabetes in Pregnancy

BACKGROUND

This study used echocardiography to investigate non-invasive myocardial work (MCW) indices in infants born to mothers with diabetes mellitus (DM) in pregnancy (gestational DM: GDM), including those diagnosed under novel classification criteria and those with pre-existing DM.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This single-centered, retrospective study included 25 infants born to mothers with GDM (termed "infant with GDM"), which was diagnosed by oral glucose tolerance test results during pregnancy or the presence of diabetes before the current pregnancy. We evaluated the relationship between the infant's MCW, such as global constructive work (GCW), global work index (GWI), global work efficiency (GWE), and global wasted work (GWW), and the mother's GDM maximal HbA1c during pregnancy. HbA1c level in GDM significantly negatively correlated with GWI* (r=-0.565) and GCW* (r=-0.641). In infants with GDM, GWI and GCW were significantly higher with <6.5% HbA1c than in those with >6.5% HbA1c GDM; however, the specific-layer global longitudinal strain analyses did not show any significant differences between the groups. The pressure-strain loop in infants with >6.5% HbA1c in GDM tended to be smaller than in those infants with <6.5% HbA1c GDM.

CONCLUSIONS

The hyperglycemic environment of GDM leads to impaired MCW in the infants. MCW is useful for screening for cardiac illnesses among infants with GDM. Appropriate maternal blood glucose management while maintaining HbA1c <6.5% might be beneficial for the cardiac performance of infants with GDM.

[Influence of hypotension on the short-term prognosis of preterm infants with a gestational age of <32 weeks]

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the influence of early-stage hypotension defined as mean arterial pressure (MAP)<gestational age (weeks) or MAP<30 mmHg on the short-term prognosis of preterm infants with a gestational age of <32 weeks.

METHODS

A total of 320 preterm infants who were admitted to Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from April 2020 to August 2021 and met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this prospective study. Blood pressure within 72 hours was monitored. The definition of hypotension and grouping were as follows: (1) Of the 320 preterm infants, those with MAP<gestational age in 2 consecutive measurements served as the hypotension group (n=104), and the others (n=216) served as the control group; (2) Of the 320 preterm infants, those with MAP<30 mmHg in 2 consecutive measurements served as the hypotension group (n=114), and the others served as the control group (n=206). Perinatal data and clinical data during hospitalization were collected.Poor short-term prognosis was defined as death during hospitalization and/or grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage identified within 1 week after birth. The multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the influence of hypotension based on the above two definitions on the short-term prognosis of preterm infants.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the hypotension group based on the above two definitions had higher incidence rates of the clinical manifestations of hypoperfusion, poor prognosis, hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus, and pulmonary hemorrhage (P<0.05). In addition, compared with the control group, the hypotension group defined by MAP<30 mmHg had higher incidence rates of periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage and bronchopulmonary dysplasia and mortality rate during hospitalization (P<0.05). The incidence of poor short-term prognosis in the hypotension group defined by MAP<30 mmHg was higher than that in the hypotension group defined by MAP<gestational age (18.4% vs 12.5%), but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05).The univariate analysis showed that the poor short-term prognosis was related to birth of cesarean section, gestational age, an Apgar score of ≤ 5 at 5 minutes, use of vasoactive drugs within 72 hours, mechanical ventilation within 72 hours, and hypotension under the two definitions (P<0.05).The multivariate logistic regression showed that hypotension based on either definition was not an independent risk factor for poor prognosis (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Hypotension based on either definition is not an independent risk factor for short-term poor prognosis in preterm infants with a gestational age of <32 weeks. Hypotension defined by MAP<30 mmHg might be more sensitive than that defined by MAP<gestational age in predicting short-term adverse outcomes, which needs further analysis by large sample studies.

Left ventricular function before and after percutaneous patent ductus arteriosus closure in preterm infants

BACKGROUND

Definitive closure of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is associated with significant changes in the loading conditions of the left ventricle (LV), which may lead to cardiovascular and respiratory instability. The objective of the study was to evaluate targeted neonatal echocardiography (TnECHO) characteristics and the clinical course of preterm infants ≤2 kg undergoing percutaneous PDA closure.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of prospectively acquired pre- and post-closure TnECHOs to assess hemodynamic changes. Cardiorespiratory parameters in the first 24 h following PDA closure were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Fifty patients were included with a mean age of 30.6 ± 9.6 days and weight of 1188 ± 280 g. LV global longitudinal strain decreased from -20.6 ± 2.6 to -14.9 ± 2.9% (p < 0.001) after 1 h. There was a decrease in LV volume loading, left ventricular output, LV systolic and diastolic parameters. Cardiorespiratory instability occurred in 24 (48%) [oxygenation failure in 44%] but systolic hypotension and/or need for cardiovascular medications was only seen in 6 (12%). Patients with instability had worse baseline respiratory severity score and lower post-closure early diastolic strain rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous PDA closure leads to a reduction in echocardiography markers of LV systolic/diastolic function. Post-closure cardiorespiratory instability is characterized primarily by oxygenation failure and may relate to impaired diastolic performance.

IMPACT

Percutaneous patent ductus arteriosus closure leads to a reduction in echocardiography markers of left ventricular volume loading, cardiac output, and left ventricular systolic/diastolic function. Post-procedural cardiorespiratory instability is characterized primarily by oxygenation failure. Post-procedural cardiorespiratory instability may relate to impaired diastolic performance.

Echocardiographic Reference Ranges of Non-Invasive Myocardial Work Indices in Newborns

Background: Myocardial work (MCW), estimated using non-invasive pressure-strain loops, is a novel approach for assessing left ventricular function. MCW offers potential advantages over left ventricular ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain (GLS). This study aimed to establish a reference range for MCW in newborns.

Methods and Results: Overall, 113 healthy newborns (mean [±SD] birth weight 3,120±378 g) were included in the study. After entering peripheral systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) values, global constructive work (GCW), global work index (GWI), global work efficiency (GWE), and global wasted work (GWW) were calculated using EchoPAC software (version 204). Considering a mean [±SD] GLS of −16.3±2.8%, the mean [±SD] GWI, GCW, GWW, and GWE was 698.7±147.9 mmHg%, 1,008.5±200.1 mmHg%, 58.1±28.1 mmHg%, and 93.1±2.9%, respectively. All MCW parameters in newborns were lower than those previously reported in children and adults. However, GWI and GCW were more closely correlated with BP and GLS, as in adulthood and children. Estimation of the correlation between MCW and the frame rate index revealed no significant correlations among MCW parameters.

Conclusions: Cardiac function in newborns was evaluated by assessing MCW. With the establishment of reference ranges and normative MCW data for newborns, routine clinical use and rotational mechanics are likely to become increasingly common. Future studies are needed to determine whether MCW is useful in screening for cardiac illness among newborns.

Lung ultrasound score parallels trends in systemic haemodynamics after PDA ligation: a case series

B-lines in lung ultrasound (LU) are non-specific but highly informative sign of interstitial pulmonary oedema (iPE). Sustained exposure to a high-volume left-to-right patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) shunt is associated with iPE. Cardiorespiratory deterioration, named post-ligation cardiac syndrome (PLCS), may follow surgical ligation between 6 and 12 h post-operatively. We conducted a pilot longitudinal evaluation of peri-procedural LU score change. Infants < 32-week gestational age or < 1500-g birthweight undergoing PDA ligation, where pre-, 1 h and 6-12 h LU were performed, were included. Two independent raters evaluated LU score (LUS). Neonatologist performed echocardiography (NPE) was performed concurrently to appraise changes in left ventricular output (LVO). Milrinone was initiated if LVO was < 200 mL/kg/min 1 h after surgery, to prevent PLCS. The primary outcome was peri-procedural LUS change. Secondary outcomes included PLCS. Five infants were included (birthweight 787(88) g; gestational age 25.6(0.7) weeks). Postnatal age and weight at the intervention were 41(14) days and 1175(295) g. All infants, but one, received milrinone prophylaxis. None of the patients developed PLCS or required rescue HFOV. Post-interventional LUS were lower compared to pre-operative LUS (p = 0.041 vs 1 h, p = 0.042 vs 6-12 h). A concurrent fall post-operative LVO was noted (p < 0.05 vs pre-operative).

CONCLUSION

A sustained fall in LUS after PDA ligation was identified, which most likely reflects reduction in pulmonary blood flow and interstitial edema. Changes in LUS paralleled changes in LVO, suggesting physiologic linkage. These data suggest that LU may be a useful tool to guide monitoring the biologic nature of pulmonary disease after PDA ligation.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Sustained exposure to a high-volume left-to-right patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) shunt is associated with interstitial pulmonary oedema. • In the most immature patients, cardiorespiratory deterioration, named post-ligation cardiac syndrome, presents 6-12 h post-operatively.

WHAT IS NEW

• An early and sustained fall in lung ultrasound score (LUS) after PDA ligation most likely reflects reduction in pulmonary blood flow and interstitial oedema. LUS changes parallel changes in left ventricular output, suggesting linkage. • LU is a promising adjunctive tool in the post-operative management of PDA ligation.

Neonatologist Performed Echocardiography for Evaluating the Newborn Infant

The interest in the use of cardiac ultrasound for hemodynamic evaluation in neonates has increased in the last decades. Several overlapping terms exists, and a non-comprehensive list includes point-of-care ultrasound, clinician-performed ultrasound, focused cardiac ultrasound, targeted neonatal echocardiography, and neonatologist performed echocardiography. This review will use the term neonatologist performed echocardiography. Neonatologist performed echocardiography is primarily echocardiography to obtain snapshots of hemodynamics and heart function, usually as repeated exams during intensive care. It provides the neonatologist with in-depth information on the hemodynamics not available by blood pressure, pulse oximetry, capillary refill time, and various blood tests. The review provides a brief overview of some relevant methods for assessment of hemodynamics and heart function. It does not discuss training, implementation, accreditation, and certification nor in-depth technical aspects and detailed use of neonatologist performed echocardiography. If the information obtainable by neonatologist performed echocardiography had been accessible easily (e.g., via a sensor put on the neonate similarly to a pulse oximeter), neonatologist performed echocardiography would have been more widely used. Acquiring skills for neonatologist performed echocardiography take time and resources. Future developments probably include a stronger focus on education, training, and certification. It is likely that echocardiographic methods will evolve further, probably involving establishing new indexes and methods and implementing artificial intelligence in the analyses procedure to improve accuracy and workflow. It is important to acknowledge that neonatologist performed echocardiography is not a therapeutic intervention; it is a diagnostic tool providing additional information.