Enhancing Congenital Cardiac Postprocedural Care: A QR Code-Enabled Medical Bracelet Pilot Study

The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using QR code-enabled medical bracelets for congenital heart disease (CHD) patients after hospital discharge to ensure quick communication of vital information to other medical personnel in emergency situations. A prospective study was conducted where QR code-enabled medical bracelets were given to families of postoperative pediatric cardiac patients. The QR code linked to a secure medical information sheet detailing the patient's cardiac history. Post-study surveys were completed by providers and families to assess their experiences with the bracelet. Of the 20 participants enrolled, 65% used the QR bracelet when seeking medical care. 55% found the bracelet useful, and 70% rated their experience as either "positive" or "very positive". Additionally, 80% recommended the bracelet for other patients undergoing cardiac procedures. The use of QR code bracelets for postoperative CHD patients has shown high levels of satisfaction from families and providers, potentially reducing medical errors and treatment delays.

Finite element modeling with patient-specific geometry to assess clinical risks of percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) is a non-surgical treatment for right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction. During PPVI, a stented valve, delivered via catheter, replaces the dysfunctional pulmonary valve. Stent oversizing allows valve anchoring within the RVOT, but overexpansion can intrude on the surrounding structures. Potentially dangerous outcomes include aortic valve insufficiency (AVI) from aortic root (AR) distortion and myocardial ischemia from coronary artery (CA) compression. Currently, risks are evaluated via balloon angioplasty/sizing before stent deployment. Patient-specific finite element (FE) analysis frameworks can improve pre-procedural risk assessment, but current methods require hundreds of hours of high-performance computation.

METHODS

We created a simplified method to simulate the procedure using patient-specific FE models for accurate, efficient pre-procedural PPVI (using balloon expandable valves) risk assessment. The methodology was tested by retrospectively evaluating the clinical outcome of 12 PPVI candidates.

RESULTS

Of 12 patients (median age 14.5 years) with dysfunctional RVOT, 7 had native RVOT and 5 had RV-PA conduits. Seven patients had undergone successful RVOT stent/valve placement, three had significant AVI on balloon testing, one had left CA compression, and one had both AVI and left CA compression. A model-calculated change of more than 20% in lumen diameter of the AR or coronary arteries correctly predicted aortic valve sufficiency and/or CA compression in all the patients.

CONCLUSION

Agreement between FE results and clinical outcomes is excellent. Additionally, these models run in 2-6 min on a desktop computer, demonstrating potential use of FE analysis for pre-procedural risk assessment of PPVI in a clinically relevant timeframe.

Invasive haemodynamics predict outcomes in paediatric pulmonary artery hypertension

BACKGROUND

Invasive haemodynamics are often performed for initiating and guiding pulmonary artery hypertension therapy. Little is known about the predictive value of invasive haemodynamic indices for long-term outcomes in children with pulmonary artery hypertension. We aimed to evaluate invasive haemodynamic data to help predict outcomes in paediatric pulmonary artery hypertension.

METHODS

Patients with pulmonary artery hypertension who underwent cardiac catheterisation (2006-2019) at a single centre were included. Invasive haemodynamic data from the first cardiac catheterisation and clinical outcomes were reviewed. The combined adverse outcome was defined as pericardial effusion (due to right ventricle failure), creation of a shunt for pulmonary artery hypertension (atrial septal defect or reverse Pott's shunt), lung transplant, or death.

RESULTS

Among 46 patients with a median [interquartile range (IQR)] age of 13.2 [4.1-44.7] months, 76% had CHD. Median mean pulmonary artery pressure was 37 [28-52] mmHg and indexed pulmonary vascular resistance was 6.2 [3.6-10] Woods units × m2. Median pulmonary artery pulsatility index was 4.0 [3.0-4.7] and right ventricular stroke work index was 915 [715-1734] mmHg mL/m2. After a median follow-up of 2.4 years, nine patients had a combined adverse outcome (two had a pericardial effusion, one underwent atrial level shunt, one underwent reverse Pott's shunt, and six died). Patients with an adverse outcome had higher systolic and mean pulmonary artery pressures, higher diastolic and transpulmonary pressure gradients, higher indexed pulmonary vascular resistance, higher pulmonary artery elastance, and higher right ventricular stroke work index (p < 0.05 each).

CONCLUSION

Invasive haemodynamics (especially mean pulmonary artery pressure and diastolic pressure gradient) obtained at first cardiac catheterisation in children with pulmonary artery hypertension predicts outcomes.

Over-expansion of right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduits during transcatheter pulmonary valve placement

OBJECTIVES

To determine the safety and feasibility of over-expansion of right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduits during transcatheter pulmonary valve placement.

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter pulmonary valve placement is an alternative to surgical pulmonary valve replacement. Traditionally, it was thought to be unsafe to expand a conduit to >110% of its original size.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study from two centers includes patients with right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduits with attempted transcatheter pulmonary valve placement from 2010 to 2017. Demographic, procedural, echocardiographic and follow-up data, and complications were evaluated in control and overdilation (to >110% original conduit size) groups.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventy-two patients (51 overdilation and 121 control) had attempted transcatheter pulmonary valve placement (98% successful). The overdilation group was younger (11.2 versus 16.7 years, p < 0.001) with smaller conduits (15 versus 22 mm, p < 0.001); however, the final valve size was not significantly different (19.7 versus 20.2 mm, p = 0.2). Baseline peak echocardiographic gradient was no different (51.8 versus 55.6 mmHg, p = 0.3). Procedural complications were more frequent in overdilation (18%) than control (7%) groups (most successfully addressed during the procedure). One patient from each group required urgent surgical intervention, with no procedural mortality. Follow-up echocardiographic peak gradients were similar (24.1 versus 26 mmHg, p = 0.5).

CONCLUSIONS

Over-expansion of right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduits during transcatheter pulmonary valve placement can be performed successfully. Procedural complications are more frequent with conduit overdilation, but there was no difference in the rate of life-threatening complications. There was no difference in valve function at most recent follow-up, and no difference in rate of reintervention. The long-term outcomes of transcatheter pulmonary valve placement with conduit over-expansion requires further study.

Catheter ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia, when AVNRT presented as a fetus or infant

BACKGROUND

Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) does not commonly present during infancy. Although relative safety of catheter ablation of AVNRT has been demonstrated in pediatrics, this procedure is rarely indicated in children <15 kg.

METHODS

Retrospective review of seven cases of AVNRT that presented in children younger than 1 year of age and required catheter ablation for definitive management. Electrophysiology (EP) study was planned with two or three catheters. Area of ablation determined by voltage mapping, propagation sinus wave collision and slow pathway potential location. Ablation performed with cryothermal energy. No fluoroscopy was used.

RESULTS

Presentation ranged from 36 weeks of gestation to 11 months of age. Two presented in fetal life and two in the neonatal period. The median age of ablation was 20 months (range 17-31 months). The median weight at ablation was 11.4 kg (range 8.9-14.9 kg). Median follow-up time was 16 months. All had typical AVNRT. The median tachycardia cycle length was 216 ms. 100% successful rate using cryoablation. No complications. No recurrence of tachycardia during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Slow AV nodal pathway cryoablation may be safely performed, with good short and medium-term outcomes in patients under 15 kg.

Multivariate modeling of magnetic resonance biomarkers and clinical outcome measures for Duchenne muscular dystrophy clinical trials

Although regulatory agencies encourage inclusion of imaging biomarkers in clinical trials for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), industry receives minimal guidance on how to use these biomarkers most beneficially in trials. This study aims to identify the optimal use of muscle fat fraction biomarkers in DMD clinical trials through a quantitative disease-drug-trial modeling and simulation approach. We simultaneously developed two multivariate models quantifying the longitudinal associations between 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) and fat fraction measures from vastus lateralis and soleus muscles. We leveraged the longitudinal individual-level data collected for 10 years through the ImagingDMD study. Age of the individuals at assessment was chosen as the time metric. After the longitudinal dynamic of each measure was modeled separately, the selected univariate models were combined using correlation parameters. Covariates, including baseline scores of the measures and steroid use, were assessed using the full model approach. The nonlinear mixed-effects modeling was performed in Monolix. The final models showed reasonable precision of the parameter estimates. Simulation-based diagnostics and fivefold cross-validation further showed the model's adequacy. The multivariate models will guide drug developers on using fat fraction assessment most efficiently using available data, including the widely used 6MWD. The models will provide valuable information about how individual characteristics alter disease trajectories. We will extend the multivariate models to incorporate trial design parameters and hypothetical drug effects to inform better clinical trial designs through simulation, which will facilitate the design of clinical trials that are both more inclusive and more conclusive using fat fraction biomarkers.

Qualifying a novel clinical trial endpoint (iBOX) predictive of long-term kidney transplant outcomes

New immunosuppressive therapies that improve long-term graft survival are needed in kidney transplant. Critical Path Institute's Transplant Therapeutics Consortium received a qualification opinion for the iBOX Scoring System as a novel secondary efficacy endpoint for kidney transplant clinical trials through European Medicines Agency's qualification of novel methodologies for drug development. This is the first qualified endpoint for any transplant indication and is now available for use in kidney transplant clinical trials. Although the current efficacy failure endpoint has typically shown the noninferiority of therapeutic regimens, the iBOX Scoring System can be used to demonstrate the superiority of a new immunosuppressive therapy compared to the standard of care from 6 months to 24 months posttransplant in pivotal or exploratory drug therapeutic studies.

Qualifying a Novel Clinical Trial Endpoint (iBOX) Predictive of Long-Term Kidney Transplant Outcomes

New immunosuppressive therapies that improve long-term graft survival are needed in kidney transplant. Critical Path Institute's Transplant Therapeutics Consortium received a qualification opinion for the iBOX Scoring System as a novel secondary efficacy endpoint for kidney transplant clinical trials through European Medicines Agency's qualification of novel methodologies for drug development. This is the first qualified endpoint for any transplant indication and is now available for use in kidney transplant clinical trials. Although the current efficacy failure endpoint has typically shown the noninferiority of therapeutic regimens, the iBOX Scoring System can be used to demonstrate the superiority of a new immunosuppressive therapy compared to the standard of care from 6 months to 24 months posttransplant in pivotal or exploratory drug therapeutic studies.

Longitudinal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) modeling in long-term renal function to inform clinical trial design in kidney transplantation

Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for individuals with end-stage kidney disease. From a modeling perspective, our understanding of kidney function trajectories after transplantation remains limited. Current modeling of kidney function post-transplantation is focused on linear slopes or percent decline and often excludes the highly variable early timepoints post-transplantation, where kidney function recovers and then stabilizes. Using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a well-known biomarker of kidney function, from an aggregated dataset of 4904 kidney transplant patients including both observational studies and clinical trials, we developed a longitudinal model of kidney function trajectories from time of transplant to 6 years post-transplant. Our model is a nonlinear, mixed-effects model built in NONMEM that captured both the recovery phase after kidney transplantation, where the graft recovers function, and the long-term phase of stabilization and slow decline. Model fit was assessed using diagnostic plots and individual fits. Model performance, assessed via visual predictive checks, suggests accurate model predictions of eGFR at the median and lower 95% quantiles of eGFR, ranges which are of critical clinical importance for assessing loss of kidney function. Various clinically relevant covariates were also explored and found to improve the model. For example, transplant recipients of deceased donors recover function more slowly after transplantation and calcineurin inhibitor use promotes faster long-term decay. Our work provides a generalizable, nonlinear model of kidney allograft function that will be useful for estimating eGFR up to 6 years post-transplant in various clinically relevant populations.

Partial anomalous venous connection with intrapulmonary dual drainage: Transcatheter treatment of a rare entity

Partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAPVR) is a rare congenital condition, and dual-drainage connection PAPVR to the left atrium has been reported in a few cases in the literature; in which cases, percutaneous catheterization was successfully used in lieu of surgery. We, hereby, describe a 7-month-old boy with a functional single-ventricle physiology with dual drainage of the left upper pulmonary vein to the left atrium and the innominate vein. Appropriate recognition of this entity allowed safe occlusion of the anomalous draining vein.

Early Concerning Outcomes for the Edwards Inspiris Resilia Bioprosthesis in the Pulmonary Position

BACKGROUND

The Inspiris Resilia (Edwards Lifesciences LLC) bioprosthesis has gained widespread use in the aortic position; however no robust data are available about its use in the pulmonary position.

METHODS

We reviewed our outcomes for the Inspiris Resilia in the pulmonary position between August 2019 and October 2021.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients (15 female patients [56%]; mean age, 22.26 ± 14.99 years) were included. The most common original pathology was tetralogy of Fallot (13 patients, 48%). Five patients (18.5%) had prior transcatheter interventions. The mean right ventricular end-diastolic volume index was 164.25 ± 45.1 mL/m2. Sternotomy or repeat sternotomy was the most common approach (21 patients, 77.8%). The standard technique for pulmonary valve replacement was used in 22 patients (81.5%), whereas the prosthesis was implanted as a conduit in the remaining 5 (18.5%). Trivial to mild prosthetic regurgitation was present in 6 patients (22.2%) at the time of discharge. There was no early mortality. Follow-up was complete in all patients (mean, 16 ± 8 months), with no late mortality or late reoperations. New prosthetic regurgitation developed in 13 patients (48%), all of whom underwent replacement with the standard surgical technique. No regurgitation occurred in the conduit cases. This progressed to moderate regurgitation in 6 patients (22%) and severe in 3 (11%). Three patients (11%) underwent transcatheter valve-in-valve after their surgical pulmonary valve replacement.

CONCLUSIONS

The early data regarding the Inspiris Resilia bioprosthesis use in the pulmonary position is concerning. The prosthesis design may not be suitable for low-pressure circulation, or modification of its implantation technique may be needed.

Pulmonary Vein Atresia: Feasibility of Initial Recanalization Attempts with Subsequent Follow-up

Pulmonary vein atresia (PVA) may lead to pulmonary hypertension, cardiac failure, and death. Transcatheter or surgical treatments have rarely been offered to this population because of perceived poor outcomes. We describe single center outcomes of transcatheter management of PVA. Retrospective chart review of PVA patients who underwent cardiac catheterization at a single tertiary center. Sixty patients underwent catheterization for evaluation of PVA from 1995 to 2019. The age at the initial catheterization was 1.6 (0.7, 5.97) years. Two thirds of PVA patients had associated congenital heart disease (n=40). PVA recanalization was attempted in 34 patients, successful in 23/34 (68%) of the initial attempts. 3/23 (13%) underwent balloon angioplasty alone, and 20/23 (87%) received drug-eluting stents, with no procedural mortalities. 22/23 patients had transcatheter reinterventions during an interval of 2.1 (0.3, 5.1) years. Right ventricular systolic to aortic systolic pressure ratio (in biventricular patients) at the index catheterization was 0.45 (0.34, 0.68) in survivors versus 0.69 (0.54, 0.83) in those who died; P = 0.012 (n=45). The baseline right ventricular or pulmonary artery systolic to aortic systolic pressure ratio of ≥0.54 at the initial catheterization was predictive of mortality. We hereby demonstrate that transcatheter recanalization of PVA with placement of drug-eluting stents can be performed safely with acceptable success rate. With appropriate use of re-interventions for restenosis as indicated, PVA can be successfully palliated with good long-term patency and distal growth of the affected veins. Pulmonary hypertension is a risk factor for mortality in patients with PVA and biventricular circulation. Percutaneous recanalization of PVA is safe and feasible, and with placement of drug-eluting stents, carries a high acute success rate and results in growth of the distal pulmonary veins. However, close vigilance and reinterventions are required due to restenosis.

Natural Products as Potential Therapeutic Agents for SARS-CoV-2: A Medicinal Chemistry Perspective

Coronavirus is a single-stranded RNA virus discovered by virologist David Tyrrell in 1960. Till now seven human corona viruses have been identified including HCoV-229E, HCoVOC43, HCoV-NL63, HCoV-HKU1, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. In the present scenario, the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak causing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, became the most serious public health emergency of the century worldwide. Natural products have long history and advantages for the drug discovery process. Almost 80% of drugs present in market are evolved from the natural resources. With the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, natural product chemists have made significant efforts for the identification of natural molecules which can be effective against the SARSCoV- 2. In current compilation we have discussed in vitro and in vivo anti-viral potential of natural product-based leads for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2. We have classified these leads in different classes of natural products such as alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols, quinones, cannabinoids, steroids, glucosinolates, diarylheptanoids, etc. and discussed the efficacy and mode of action of these natural molecules. The present review will surely opens new direction in future for the development of promising drug candidates, particularly from the natural origin against coronaviruses and other viral diseases.

Clinicoradiological profile and outcome of cavernous sinus syndrome with coronavirus disease-2019-associated rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis

Objective

With coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic across the world, there had been an exponential increase in rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM). Extension of infection to cavernous sinus leads to cavernous sinus syndrome (CSS). This study aims to describe incidence, clinicoradiological profile, and outcome of CSS positive along with comparative analysis of CSS negative COVID-19-associated ROCM.

Material and Method

This was a prospective and observational study conducted from May 1, 2021, to July 31, 2021. Subjects included ROCM with active or recovered COVID-19 (past 6 weeks) and were categorized and staged. CSS was defined as involvement of two or more of third, fourth, fifth, or sixth cranial nerve with one each direct and indirect qualitative neuroradiological features. Clinicoradiological features of CSS-positive and negative COVID-19-associated ROCM groups were compared.

Results

Incidence of CSS with COVID-19-associated ROCM was 28%. Mean age of subjects was 44 ± 15 years with 60% being males and 73% were proven ROCM. Significant differences seen across the CSS-positive and negative groups were ocular, nasal, and cerebral findings including eyelid and periocular discoloration, ptosis, proptosis, ophthalmoplegia, nasal discharge, mucosal inflammation, and fever. Oculomotor, trochlear, and abducens nerves were significantly involved more in CSS-positive group. Significant radiological findings across two groups included indirect features in orbit, nose, and paranasal sinuses along with direct features in cavernous sinus. Surgical intervention was more common in CSS-positive group. Mortality in CSS-positive group at 8-24 weeks was 13 and 27%, respectively.

Conclusion

Extension of ROCM to CSS was more common in young males in advanced stages of proven ROCM with concurrent COVID-19. CSS-positive group had significant difference in clinicoradiological features involving orbit, nose, paranasal sinuses, and central nervous system as compared to CSS-negative group. This study highlights the need to develop an objective scoring system considering clinical and radiological features for diagnosis of CSS with COVID-19-associated ROCM.

Application of longitudinal item response theory models to modeling Parkinson's disease progression

The Movement Disorder Society revised version of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) parts 2 and 3 reflect patient-reported functional impact and clinician-reported severity of motor signs of Parkinson's disease (PD), respectively. Total scores are common clinical outcomes but may obscure important time-based changes in items. We aim to analyze longitudinal disease progression based on MDS-UPRDS parts 2 and 3 item-level responses over time and as functions of Hoehn & Yahr (H&Y) stages 1 and 2 for subjects with early PD. The longitudinal item response theory (IRT) modeling is a novel statistical method addressing limitations in traditional linear regression approaches, such as ignoring varying item sensitivities and the sum score balancing out improvements and declines. We utilized a harmonized dataset consisting of six studies with 3573 subjects with early PD and 14,904 visits, and mean follow-up time of 2.5 years (±1.57). We applied both a unidimensional (each part separately) and multidimensional (both parts combined) longitudinal IRT models. We assessed the progression rates for both parts, anchored to baseline H&Y stages 1 and 2. Both the uni- and multidimensional longitudinal IRT models indicate significant worsening time effects in both parts 2 and 3. Baseline H&Y stage 2 was associated with significantly higher baseline severities, but slower progression rates in both parts, as compared with stage 1. Patients with baseline H&Y stage 1 demonstrated slower progression in part 2 severity compared to part 3, whereas patients with baseline H&Y stage 2 progressed faster in part 2 than part 3. The multidimensional model had a superior fit compared to the unidimensional models and it had excellent model performance.

Decellularized vs Non-decellularized Allogeneic Pulmonary Artery Patches for Pulmonary Arterioplasty

We studied pulmonary artery size, reinterventions, and panel reactive antibodies in patients with single-ventricle physiology who underwent a pulmonary arterioplasty with decellularized (DAPAP) and non-decellularized allogeneic pulmonary artery patches (non-DAPAP). Retrospective review identified 59 patients with single-ventricle physiology who underwent pulmonary arterioplasty from 2008 to 2017: 28 patients underwent arterioplasty with DAPAP and 31 patients with non-DAPAP. Demographic and operative variables were similar between groups. Among patients who underwent a Norwood procedure, a right ventricle to pulmonary artery shunt was more commonly used in the DAPAP group (12/20, 60%) and a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt was more commonly used in the non-DAPAP group (17/22, 77%). On multivariable analysis, the use of DAPAP was associated with higher pre-Fontan angiography Z-scores in right (estimate = 0.17, standard error = 0.04, P = 0.0005) and left pulmonary arteries (estimate = 0.12, standard error = 0.05, P = 0.01). No areas of calcification, discrete coarctation, or pulmonary dilation were noted in any of the pulmonary arteries. On multivariable analysis, the use of DAPAP was associated with higher freedom from pulmonary artery reinterventions (Hazard ratio = 0.36, 95% confidence interval = 0.13-0.9, P = 0.04). The median value for Class I panel reactive antibodies was 0% (IQR 0, 4) in the DAPAP and 23% (IQR 14, 36) in the non-DAPAP group. The median value for Class II panel reactive antibodies was 15% (IQR 0, 17) in the DAPAP and 21% (IQR 10, 22) in the non-DAPAP group. Pulmonary arterioplasty with DAPAP was associated with higher pre-Fontan pulmonary artery Z-scores and higher freedom from pulmonary artery reinterventions.

Vessel wall magnetic resonance and arterial spin labelling imaging in the management of presumed inflammatory intracranial arterial vasculopathy

Optimal criteria for diagnosing and monitoring response to treatment for infectious and inflammatory medium–large vessel intracranial vasculitis presenting with stroke are lacking. We integrated intracranial vessel wall MRI with arterial spin labelling into our routine clinical stroke pathway to detect presumed inflammatory intracranial arterial vasculopathy, and monitor disease activity, in patients with clinical stroke syndromes. We used predefined standardized radiological criteria to define vessel wall enhancement, and all imaging findings were rated blinded to clinical details. Between 2017 and 2018, stroke or transient ischaemic attack patients were first screened in our vascular radiology meeting and followed up in a dedicated specialist stroke clinic if a diagnosis of medium–large inflammatory intracranial arterial vasculopathy was radiologically confirmed. Treatment was determined and monitored by a multi-disciplinary team. In this case series, 11 patients were managed in this period from the cohort of young stroke presenters (<55 years). The median age was 36 years (interquartile range: 33,50), of which 8 of 11 (73%) were female. Two of 11 (18%) had herpes virus infection confirmed by viral nucleic acid in the cerebrospinal fluid. We showed improvement in cerebral perfusion at 1 year using an arterial spin labelling sequence in patients taking immunosuppressive therapy for >4 weeks compared with those not receiving therapy [6 (100%) versus 2 (40%) P = 0.026]. Our findings demonstrate the potential utility of vessel wall magnetic resonance with arterial spin labelling imaging in detecting and monitoring medium–large inflammatory intracranial arterial vasculopathy activity for patients presenting with stroke symptoms, limiting the need to progress to brain biopsy. Further systematic studies in unselected populations of stroke patients are needed to confirm our findings and establish the prevalence of medium–large artery wall inflammation.

Fetal central nervous system anomalies: When should we offer exome sequencing?

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the detection of pathogenic variants using exome sequencing in an international cohort of fetuses with central nervous system (CNS) anomalies.

METHODS

We reviewed trio exome sequencing (ES) results for two previously reported unselected cohorts (Prenatal Assessment of Genomes and Exomes (PAGE) and CUIMC) to identify fetuses with CNS anomalies with unremarkable karyotypes and chromosomal microarrays. Variants were classified according to ACMG guidelines and association of pathogenic variants with specific types of CNS anomalies explored.

RESULTS

ES was performed in 268 pregnancies with a CNS anomaly identified using prenatal ultrasound . Of those with an isolated, single, CNS anomaly, 7/97 (7.2%) had a likely pathogenic/pathogenic (LP/P) variant. This includes 3/23 (13%) fetuses with isolated mild ventriculomegaly and 3/10 (30%) fetuses with isolated agenesis of the corpus callosum. Where there were multiple anomalies within the CNS, 12/63 (19%) had LP/P variants. Of the 108 cases with CNS and other organ system anomalies, 18 (16.7%) had LP/P findings.

CONCLUSION

ES is an important tool in the prenatal evaluation of fetuses with any CNS anomaly. The rate of LP/P variants tends to be highest in fetuses with multiple CNS anomalies and multisystem anomalies, however, ES may also be of benefit for isolated CNS anomalies.

Stenting of ductus venosus as a palliation for portal hypertension because of neonatal cirrhosis

Portal hypertension because of liver cirrhosis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Treatment options in these patients include liver transplant, symptomatic treatment of oesophageal varices via endoscopic treatment and symptomatic management of ascites. Portosystemic shunt creation can be challenging in newborns and infants. We present a newborn with Trisomy 21, severe portal hypertension secondary to neonatal cirrhosis, oesophageal varices and upper GI bleeding, severe ascites refractory to medical management who underwent ductus venosus stenting as a palliative procedure. He demonstrated remarkable clinical improvement with no subsequent upper GI bleed and resolution of ascites till his last follow-up at 12 months of age. To the best of our knowledge, stenting of the patent ductus venosus to create a portosystemic shunt to relieve portal hypertension has not been reported in English literature.

Nasoethmoidal Schwannoma as a Mimicar of Esthesioneuroblastoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Nasoethmoidal schwannomas are rare lesions and their presentation with intracranial extension is even rarer. Here, a patient presenting with rhinorrhea, epistaxis, and proptosis of left eye was diagnosed with giant nasoethmoidal schwannoma extending to frontal lobe and orbit, which was managed with bifrontal craniotomy with endoscopic transnasal gross total excision. This being predominantly a benign lesion has good prognosis if total excision is achieved.

Development of a model-based clinical trial simulation platform to optimize the design of clinical trials for Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Early clinical trials of therapies to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a fatal genetic X‐linked pediatric disease, have been designed based on the limited understanding of natural disease progression and variability in clinical measures over different stages of the continuum of the disease. The objective was to inform the design of DMD clinical trials by developing a disease progression model‐based clinical trial simulation (CTS) platform based on measures commonly used in DMD trials. Data were integrated from past studies through the Duchenne Regulatory Science Consortium founded by the Critical Path Institute (15 clinical trials and studies, 1505 subjects, 27,252 observations). Using a nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling approach, longitudinal dynamics of five measures were modeled (NorthStar Ambulatory Assessment, forced vital capacity, and the velocities of the following three timed functional tests: time to stand from supine, time to climb 4 stairs, and 10 meter walk‐run time). The models were validated on external data sets and captured longitudinal changes in the five measures well, including both early disease when function improves as a result of growth and development and the decline in function in later stages. The models can be used in the CTS platform to perform trial simulations to optimize the selection of inclusion/exclusion criteria, selection of measures, and other trial parameters. The data sets and models have been reviewed by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency; have been accepted into the Fit‐for‐Purpose and Qualification for Novel Methodologies pathways, respectively; and will be submitted for potential endorsement by both agencies.

Long-term outcomes after repair for anomalous right coronary artery from the pulmonary artery

Anomalous right coronary artery from pulmonary artery (ARCAPA) is a rare congenital heart disease that can lead to abnormal coronary perfusion and a need for surgical repair. Here, we report the outcomes of patients who underwent ARCAPA surgery within the Pediatric Cardiac Care Consortium (PCCC), a North American registry of interventions for paediatric heart diseases. We queried the PCCC for patients undergoing surgical repair for ARCAPA at <18 years of age between 1982 and 2003. Outcomes were obtained from the PCCC and after linkage with the National Death Index (NDI) and the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) through 2019. Twenty-four patients (males: 15) were identified having surgery for ARCAPA at a median age of 5.8 (IQR 2.7-10.3) years. Of them, 23 cases were considered "simple" (without major intracardiac disease) and one "complex" (co-existing with tetralogy of Fallot). Five patients presented with symptoms [chest pain (1), dyspnoea on exertion (2) or history of syncope (2)]; while the remaining 19 patients were referred for evaluation of either murmur or co-existing CHD. There was no in-hospital mortality after the surgical repair. Fourteen patients had sufficient identifiers for NDI/OPTN linkage; among them, only one death occurred from unrelated non-cardiac causes within a median period of 19.4 years of follow-up (IQR: 18-24.6). Outcomes were excellent after reimplantation up to 25 years later and further longitudinal monitoring is important to understand the interaction of pre-existing coronary pathology with the effects of ageing.

Surgical Nuances of Intramedullary White Epidermoid Cyst in the Conus Medullaris: A Rare Entity

Spinal epidermoid cysts (ECs) are benign slow-growing spinal tumors. The account for <1% of spinal tumors and are usually found intradural extramedullary. This report is regarding two rare cases of intramedullary white ECs present at the conus medullaris. In the first case, a 32-year-old male presented with a complaint of lower backache for 5 years, which progressively increased in intensity, radiating to the left leg. The patient had left lower limb weakness in the form of difficulty in walking. On examination, power of left knee and ankle was 4/5. Left extensor hallucis longus power was 3/5. Left Babinski sign was extensor. In the second case, a 42-year-old male, presented with a complaint of numbness over the left foot for 5–6 months. On examination, the power of the left ankle was 3/5, left extensor hallucis longus was 3/5. Both patients had EC in conus medullaris, which was hyperintense on T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and underwent laminectomy with the evacuation of the cyst with electrocoagulation of cyst epithelial lining. White ECs are extremely rare in the conus medullaris. Electrocoagulation of the cyst wall is like walking on a tight rope. Liberal electrocoagulation can lead to the neurological deficit but decreases the chances of recurrence. On the other hand, conservative electrocoagulation can lead to recurrence but decreases the chance of a new deficit. Recurrence should also lead to suspicion of atypical changes in the cyst wall, which may require adjuvant treatment such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Fetal exome sequencing for isolated increased nuchal translucency: should we be doing it?

Objective

To evaluate the utility of prenatal exome sequencing (ES) for isolated increased nuchal translucency (NT) and to investigate factors that increase diagnostic yield.

Design

Retrospective analysis of data from two prospective cohort studies.

Setting

Fetal medicine centres in the UK and USA.

Population

Fetuses with increased NT ≥3.5 mm at 11–14 weeks of gestation recruited to the Prenatal Assessment of Genomes and Exomes (PAGE) and Columbia fetal whole exome sequencing studies (n = 213).

Methods

We grouped cases based on (1) the presence of additional structural abnormalities at presentation in the first trimester or later in pregnancy, and (2) NT measurement at presentation. We compared diagnostic rates between groups using Fisher exact test.

Main outcome measures

Detection of diagnostic genetic variants considered to have caused the observed fetal structural anomaly.

Results

Diagnostic variants were detected in 12 (22.2%) of 54 fetuses presenting with non‐isolated increased NT, 12 (32.4%) of 37 fetuses with isolated increased NT in the first trimester and additional abnormalities later in pregnancy, and 2 (1.8%) of 111 fetuses with isolated increased NT in the first trimester and no other abnormalities on subsequent scans. Diagnostic rate also increased with increasing size of NT.

Conclusions

The diagnostic yield of prenatal ES is low for fetuses with isolated increased NT but significantly higher where there are additional structural anomalies. Prenatal ES may not be appropriate for truly isolated increased NT but timely, careful ultrasound scanning to identify other anomalies emerging later can direct testing to focus where there is a higher likelihood of diagnosis.

Prenatal ES has a low diagnostic rate (<2%) for isolated increased NT but is significantly more likely to yield a diagnosis where there are additional fetal structural anomalies.

Linked article This article is commented on by AN Talati and NL Vora, p. 61–62 in this issue. To view this mini commentary visit https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.16942.

Mullins-Sheath Facilitated Delivery of Gore Cardioform ASD Occluder Devices for Closure of Large or Challenging Secundum Atrial Septal Defects

OBJECTIVES

To describe a deployment technique of the Gore Cardioform atrial septal defect (ASD) occluder (W.L. Gore and Associates) for large secundum ASDs and ASDs with challenging anatomy.

BACKGROUND

The Gore Cardioform ASD occluder has recently been approved for closure of secundum ASDs; however, there are limitations to its delivery system.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on the use of a Mullins sheath (Cook Medical) to facilitate Gore Cardioform ASD occluder delivery for secundum ASD closure in the cardiac catheterization laboratory from June, 2017 to December, 2019 at Texas Children's Hospital/Baylor College of Medicine.

RESULTS

Out of 98 patients who underwent an attempt at ASD closure using the Gore Cardioform ASD occluder, a Mullins sheath was used in 52 patients (median age, 8 years [interquartile range, 4-13 years] and weight 27.2 kg [interquartile range, 17.9-51.2 kg]), with a successful implant in 46/52 patients (88%). The Mullins sheath was primarily used to deliver large devices (>32 mm) in 38/46 successful implants (83%). There were 2 major adverse events (atrial fibrillation requiring cardioversion). At a median follow-up of 43 days (interquartile range, 1-374 days), no patient had more than a mild residual shunt. The ASD size, maximum sheath size, and device size were larger in patients in whom the Mullins sheath was used as compared with those patients in whom a Mullins sheath was not used.

CONCLUSIONS

The Mullins sheath-facilitated delivery of the Gore Cardioform ASD occluder device may be a useful adjunct technique for closure of large secundum ASDs and secundum ASDs with challenging anatomy.

Racial and ethnic disparities in coronary, vascular, structural, and congenital heart disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in the United States. However, percutaneous interventional cardiovascular therapies are often underutilized in Blacks, Hispanics, and women and may contribute to excess morbidity and mortality in these vulnerable populations. The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) is committed to reducing racial, ethnic, and sex-based treatment disparities in interventional cardiology patients. Accordingly, each of the SCAI Clinical Interest Councils (coronary, peripheral, structural, and congenital heart disease [CHD]) participated in the development of this whitepaper addressing disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes in underserved populations. The councils were charged with summarizing the available data on prevalence, treatment, and outcomes and elucidating potential reasons for any disparities. Given the huge changes in racial and ethnic composition by age in the United States (Figure 1), it was difficult to determine disparities in rates of diagnosis and we expected to find some racial differences in prevalence of disease. For example, since the average age of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is 80 years, one may expect 80% of TAVR patients to be non-Hispanic White. Conversely, only 50% of congenital heart interventions would be expected to be performed in non-Hispanic Whites. Finally, we identified opportunities for SCAI to advance clinical care and equity for our patients, regardless of sex, ethnicity, or race.

Prospective Analysis of Coagulopathy Associated with Isolated Traumatic Brain Injury and Clinical Outcome

Introduction Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects the coagulation pathway in a distinct way than does extracranial trauma. The extent of coagulation abnormalities varies from bleeding diathesis to disseminated thrombosis.

Design Prospective study.

Methods The study included 50 patients of isolated TBI with cohorts of moderate (MHI) and severe head injury (SHI). Coagulopathy was graded according to the values of parameters in single laboratory. The incidence of coagulopathy according to the severity of TBI and correlation with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) score, platelets, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), D-dimer, and fibrinogen was observed. The comparison was also made between expired and discharged patients within each group. It also compared coagulation derailments with clinical presentation (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS]) and outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS]).

Results Road traffic accident was the primary (72%) mode of injury. Fifty-two percent had MHI and rest had SHI. Eighty-four percent of cases were managed conservatively. The mean GCS was 12.23 and 5.75 in MHI and SHI, respectively. Sixty-two percent of MHI and 96% of the patients with SHI had coagulation abnormalities. On statistical analysis, DIC score (p < 0.001) strongly correlated with the severity of head injury and GOS. PT and APTT were also significantly associated with the severity of TBI. In patients with moderate TBI, D-dimer and platelet counts showed association with clinical outcome. Fibrinogen levels did not show any statistical significance. The mean platelet counts remained normal in both the groups of TBI. The mean GOS was 1.54 and 4.62 in SHI and MHI, respectively.

Conclusion Coagulopathy is common in isolated TBI. The basic laboratory parameters are reliable predictors of coagulation abnormalities in TBI. Coagulopathy is directly associated with the severity of TBI, GCS, and poor outcome.

Anatomic Approach and Outcomes in Children Undergoing Percutaneous Pericardiocentesis

Pericardiocentesis is traditionally performed using a subxiphoid approach. Hepatomegaly or loculated and noncircumferential effusions warrant nonstandard approaches to drain effusions; echocardiographic guidance has made these less traditional, non-subxiphoid approaches feasible. The study is aimed at comparing clinical outcomes of the subxiphoid and non-subxiphoid approaches to percutaneous pericardiocentesis in a pediatric population. This is a retrospective chart review of all children undergoing percutaneous pericardiocentesis from August 2008 to December 2019 at a single-center. A total of 104 patients underwent echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis during the timeframe. Additionally, fluoroscopy was also used in 80 patients. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was the most common underlying diagnosis (n = 53, 50.9%). A non-subxiphoid approach was used in 58.6% (n = 61) of patients. The fifth and sixth intercostal spaces were the most commonly used (n = 17 each). The non-subxiphoid group tended to be older (95.9 vs. 21.7 months, p = 0.006) and weighed more (23.6 vs. 11.2 kgs, p = 0.013) as compared to the subxiphoid group. Non-subxiphoid approach was associated with shorter procedure times (21 vs. 37 min, p = 0.005). No major complications were seen. Five minor complications occurred and were equally distributed in the two groups. Complications were more likely in younger patients (p = 0.047). The technique and anatomic approach to pericardiocentesis, and the location or size of effusion did not influence the risk of complications. Echocardiography-guided percutaneous pericardiocentesis in children was associated with low complication rates in this single-center pediatric experience. The use of a non-traditional, non-subxiphoid approach was associated with shorter procedure times and did not significantly affect complication rates.

Severe jejunitis masquerading as intussusception in a case of Henoch-Schönlein purpura

Intussusception is a well-known complication of Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP).1 Diagnosis of intussusception is based on well-defined clinical and radiological features, but certain conditions can mimic intussusception, both clinically and radiologically, so closely as to result in unnecessary invasive procedures. Authors here present a case of HSP complicated by severe acute jejunitis, masquerading as jejuno-jejunal intussusception on ultrasound.

Impact of Treatment Strategy on Outcomes in Isolated Pulmonary Artery of Ductal Origin

Isolated pulmonary artery (PA) of ductal origin (IPADO) is a rare cardiac defect which requires surgical repair, with or without preceding palliation. We sought to determine the impact of treatment strategy on outcomes. Retrospective study of consecutive patients with IPADO that underwent staged or primary repair from 1/05 to 9/16 at 6 Congenital Cardiac Research Collaborative centers. Patients with single ventricle physiology, major aortopulmonary collaterals, or bilateral IPADO were excluded. Primary outcome was isolated PA z-score at late follow-up. Secondary outcomes included PA symmetry index (isolated:confluent PA diameter) and reintervention burden. Propensity score adjustment was used to account for baseline differences. Of 60 patients in the study cohort, 26 (43%) underwent staged and 34 (57%) primary repair. The staged and primary repair groups differed in weight at diagnosis and presence of other heart disease but not in baseline PA dimensions. Staged patients underwent ductal stent (n = 16) or surgical shunt (n = 10) placement followed by repair at 210 vs. 21 days in the primary repair group (p < 0.001). At median follow-up of 4.5 years post-repair, after adjustment, isolated PA z-score (- 0.74 [- 1.75, - 0.26] vs. - 1.95 [- 2.91, - 1.59], p = 0.012) and PA symmetry index (0.81 [0.49, 1.0] vs. 0.55 [0.48, 0.69], p = 0.042) significantly favored the staged repair group. Freedom from PA reintervention was not different between groups (adjusted HR 0.78 [0.41, 1.48]; p = 0.445). A staged approach to repair of IPADO is associated with superior isolated PA size and symmetry at late follow-up. Consideration should be given to initial palliation in IPADO patients, when feasible.

Anomalous Aortic Origin of the Right Pulmonary Artery From the Ascending Aorta With Spontaneous Dissection and Thrombosis

Anomalous aortic origin of the pulmonary artery is rare. It can affect either of the main branches and can be an important cause of neonatal respiratory distress. Early diagnosis and surgical repair is associated with improved survival and long-term outcomes.

Pulmonary valve replacement via left anterior minithoracotomy: Lessons learned and early experience

OBJECTIVE

Median sternotomy has been the standard for pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) in patients with free pulmonary regurgitation (PR) and right ventricular enlargement. With the introduction of transcatheter therapy, the search for an alternate to sternotomy is mandated. We present our early experience with a limited anterior left thoracotomy approach.

METHODS

We used a left anterior mini-thoracotomy in six male patients (15 ± 1.94 years of age) who developed progressive right ventricular enlargement due to chronic PR.

RESULTS

Primary diagnoses were tetralogy of Fallot in five patients and pulmonary atresia with an intact septum in another. Four patients had previous median sternotomy with transannular patch repair. The mean right ventricular end-diastolic volume index was 189 ± 27.13 ml/m² . The procedure was feasible in all patients. All patients had satisfactory adult size pulmonary bioprosthesis (25 or 27 mm valve), with a mean peak gradient of 18 ± 2.40 mmHg across the prosthesis at discharge. All patients were extubated intraoperatively at the end of the procedure and required no intraoperative transfusions. There were no early or late mortalities. Early morbidities included left hemidiaphragm paralysis in one patient, and re-sternotomy for prosthetic valve endocarditis in one. One patient required late reoperation for a common femoral artery pseudoaneurysm.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive access for PVR is feasible in both primary and repeat settings, through a limited anterior left minithoracotomy in the absence of intracardiac shunts and the need for other concomitant cardiac procedures. Longer-term studies with a larger number of patients are needed to compare the efficacy of this approach to standard sternotomy.

Precompetitive Consensus Building to Facilitate the Use of Digital Health Technologies to Support Parkinson Disease Drug Development through Regulatory Science

Innovative tools are urgently needed to accelerate the evaluation and subsequent approval of novel treatments that may slow, halt, or reverse the relentless progression of Parkinson disease (PD). Therapies that intervene early in the disease continuum are a priority for the many candidates in the drug development pipeline. There is a paucity of sensitive and objective, yet clinically interpretable, measures that can capture meaningful aspects of the disease. This poses a major challenge for the development of new therapies and is compounded by the considerable heterogeneity in clinical manifestations across patients and the fluctuating nature of many signs and symptoms of PD. Digital health technologies (DHT), such as smartphone applications, wearable sensors, and digital diaries, have the potential to address many of these gaps by enabling the objective, remote, and frequent measurement of PD signs and symptoms in natural living environments. The current climate of the COVID-19 pandemic creates a heightened sense of urgency for effective implementation of such strategies. In order for these technologies to be adopted in drug development studies, a regulatory-aligned consensus on best practices in implementing appropriate technologies, including the collection, processing, and interpretation of digital sensor data, is required. A growing number of collaborative initiatives are being launched to identify effective ways to advance the use of DHT in PD clinical trials. The Critical Path for Parkinson's Consortium of the Critical Path Institute is highlighted as a case example where stakeholders collectively engaged regulatory agencies on the effective use of DHT in PD clinical trials. Global regulatory agencies, including the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency, are encouraging the efficiencies of data-driven engagements through multistakeholder consortia. To this end, we review how the advancement of DHT can be most effectively achieved by aligning knowledge, expertise, and data sharing in ways that maximize efficiencies.

Experience, challenges and lessons learnt from microsurgical clipping of intracranial aneurysms at an emerging neurosurgical centre

Objectives: To share our experience, challenges faced, lessons learnt and analyze the results of surgical management by microsurgical clipping of intracranial aneurysms at an emerging neurosurgical centre at Guru Gobind Singh medical college and hospital (GGSMC&H) Faridkot, Punjab. India. Material and Methods: This study includes all the patients who presented with the diagnosis of intracranial aneurysm on CT angiography and were treated with the microsurgical clipping,  between March 2017 to April 2019. Results: There was a total of 23 patients 11female and 12 male. Age range 32 to 85years. On admission 22 patients had SAH on CT scan and one was admitted after incidental detection of the aneurysm without SAH. The time interval between ictus and admission was 0-3 days in 13 patients, 3-14 days in 8 patients and more than 14 days in 1 patient. WFNS grade (gd) I-15 patients, gd II-2, gd III-2, gd IV-3 patients. Fisher gd I-nil, gd II-9, gd III-4, gd IV-9 patients. In 23 patients 27 Aneurysms were clipped. Distribution of location was Anterior Communicating-12, Distal Anterior Cerebral Artery- 4, Middle cerebral artery (MCA) Bifurcation-3, MCA trifurcation-1, Anterior Choroidal-1, Posterior Communicating (P-com) -1, Ophthalmic Internal Carotid Artery (OICA)-4 and three patients had associated multiple aneurysms. Size of aneurysms varied from < 02mm diameter in 2 patients, 2-25mm - 23 and, more than 25mm-2 aneurysms. There was intra op rupture in 2 cases. Post-operatively 2 patients developed hemiparesis, which recovered, nine patients developed vasospasm. Two patients developed chest related complications. One patient developed renal failure.  There were 8 deaths. Patients are on follow up since March 2017 till date. Conclusions: Intracranial aneurysms are challenging to manage due to their proximity to vital intracranial structures, and difficulty in securing intracranial proximal control. Thorough knowledge of intracranial anatomy of adjacent relations, arachnoid planes and skilful dissection is a key element for a successful outcome. Data collected from GGSMC & Hospital may not be representative of the entire state or country’s population. Therefore, a large-scale data collection is necessary to create our own database to ascertain the risk factors and preventive measures that are exclusive to our state and nation.

Micra leadless pacemaker retrieval in a pediatric patient

We present a case of a 13-year old patient with partially reversibly post-operative heart block who underwent leadless pacemaker placement. After post-anesthesia wretching/gagging episode she developed device microdislodgement and increased/intolerable capture thresholds. The device was removed and another placed with adequate thresholds for good longevity.

Treatment approach to unilateral branch pulmonary artery stenosis

Unilateral proximal pulmonary artery stenosis is often seen in the setting of postoperative congenital heart disease. Accurate assessment of the hemodynamic significance of such a lesion is important so as to determine "When to intervene?" A thorough evaluation should include symptom assessment, anatomical assessment through detailed imaging, functional assessment using differential pulmonary blood flow measurement and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Symptoms of exertional dyspnea or intolerance, decreased pulmonary blood flow to stenosed lung, and abnormal exertional performance would be factors to pursue therapy in the setting of significant anatomical narrowing. Safe and effective therapy can be offered through transcatheter or surgical techniques and has been shown to improve exertional performance.