Assessment for learning of paediatric cardiology trainees in 41 centres from 19 European countries

BACKGROUND

Limited data exist on how trainees in paediatric cardiology are assessed among countries affiliated with the Association of European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology.

METHODS

A structured and approved questionnaire was circulated to educationalists/trainers in 95 Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology training centres.

RESULTS

Trainers from 46 centres responded with complete data in 41 centres. Instructional design included bedside teaching (41/41), didactic teaching (38/41), problem-based learning (28/41), cardiac catheterisation calculations (34/41), journal club (31/41), fellows presenting in the multidisciplinary meeting (41/41), fellows reporting on echocardiograms (34/41), clinical simulation (17/41), echocardiography simulation (10/41), and catheterisation simulation (3/41). Assessment included case-based discussion (n = 27), mini-clinical evaluation exercise (mini-CEX) (n = 12), directly observed procedures (n = 12), oral examination (n = 16), long cases (n = 11), written essay questions (n = 6), multiple choice questions (n = 5), and objective structured clinical examination (n = 2). Entrustable professional activities were utilised in 10 (24%) centres. Feedback was summative only in 17/41 (41%) centres, formative only in 12/41 (29%) centres and a combination of formative and summative feedback in 10/41 (24%) centres. Written feedback was provided in 10/41 (24%) centres. Verbal feedback was most common in 37/41 (90 %) centres.

CONCLUSION

There is a marked variation in instructional design and assessment across European paediatric cardiac centres. A wide mix of assessment tools are used. Feedback is provided by the majority of centres, mostly verbal summative feedback. Adopting a programmatic assessment focusing on competency/capability using multiple assessment tools with regular formative multisource feedback may promote assessment for learning of paediatric cardiology trainees.

Adult congenital heart disease training in Europe: current status, disparities and potential solutions

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine the status of training of adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) cardiologists in Europe.

METHODS

A questionnaire was sent to ACHD cardiologists from 34 European countries.

RESULTS

Representatives from 31 of 34 countries (91%) responded. ACHD cardiology was recognised by the respective ministry of Health in two countries (7%) as a subspecialty. Two countries (7%) have formally recognised ACHD training programmes, 15 (48%) have informal (neither accredited nor certified) training and 14 (45%) have very limited or no programme. Twenty-five countries (81%) described training ACHD doctors 'on the job'. The median number of ACHD centres per country was 4 (range 0-28), median number of ACHD surgical centres was 3 (0-26) and the median number of ACHD training centres was 2 (range 0-28). An established exit examination in ACHD was conducted in only one country (3%) and formal certification provided by two countries (7%). ACHD cardiologist number versus gross domestic product Pearson correlation coefficient=0.789 (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Formal or accredited training in ACHD is rare among European countries. Many countries have very limited or no training and resort to 'train people on the job'. Few countries provide either an exit examination or certification. Efforts to harmonise training and establish standards in exit examination and certification may improve training and consequently promote the alignment of high-quality patient care.

Atypical cardiac defects in patients with RASopathies: Updated data on CARNET study

BACKGROUND

RASopathies are a set of relatively common autosomal dominant clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorders. Cardiac outcomes in terms of mortality and morbidity for common heart defects (such as pulmonary valve stenosis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) have been reported. Nevertheless, also Atypical Cardiac Defects (ACDs) are described. The aim of the present study was to report both prevalence and cardiac outcome of ACDs in patients with RASopathies.

METHODS

A retrospective, multicentric observational study (CArdiac Rasopathy NETwork-CARNET study) was carried out. Clinical, surgical, and genetic data of the patients who were followed until December 2019 were collected.

RESULTS

Forty-five patients out of 440 followed in CARNET centers had ACDs. Noonan Syndrome (NS), NS Multiple Lentigines (NSML) and CardioFacioCutaneous Syndrome (CFCS) were present in 36, 5 and 4 patients, respectively. Median age at last follow-up was 20.1 years (range 6.9-47 years). Different ACDs were reported, including mitral and aortic valve dysfunction, ascending and descending aortic arch anomalies, coronary arteries dilation, enlargement of left atrial appendage and isolated pulmonary branches diseases. Five patients (11%) underwent cardiac surgery and one of them underwent a second intervention for mitral valve replacement and severe pericardial effusion. No patients died in our cohort until December 2019.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with RASopathies present a distinct CHD spectrum. Present data suggest that also ACDs must be carefully investigated for their possible impact on the clinical outcome. A careful longitudinal follow up until the individuals reach an adult age is recommended.

End-of-life care for children with complex congenital heart disease: Parents' and medical care givers' perceptions

AIM

In complex congenital heart diseases (CHD), patients may remain affected by significant morbidity and mortality after surgery. We analysed the end-of-life (EoL) care in children with severe CHD who died in our institution and investigated perspectives of parents and health-care professionals (HCPs).

METHODS

Medical records of all children (age < 18 years old) affected by a severe CHD who died in a tertiary cardiac care centre were reviewed. Subsequently, a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study of parents and HCPs of children involved in the study was designed.

RESULTS

In total, 30 children died (median age: 45 days; range: 15 days to 3.4 years). Of them, 97% (31/32) died in an intensive care unit setting and were intubated and sedated at EoL. A total of 77% (23/30) died without parents being present at bedside. Eighteen families and 10 HCPs were interviewed. For 61% of the parents (11/18) and 70% of the clinicians (7/10), the goal of therapy at the EoL was 'to lessen your child's suffering as much as possible'. Overall, 44% of parents (8/18) and 50% of HCPs recognised that their child had no chance of survival 'a few days before the child died'.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that these data suggest an unconscious reluctance to change goals of care in EoL, shifting from intensive care to comfort and quality of life.

Early detection of ventricular dysfunction in juvenile systemic sclerosis by speckle tracking echocardiography

OBJECTIVE

Cardiac involvement is the most important cause of mortality in juvenile systemic sclerosis (JSSc). Recent reports in adult patients underline that traditional techniques of imaging are inadequate to assess the subclinical cardiac involvement, while speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is able to identify ventricular dysfunctions in the early stages. The aim of our study was to assess the role of STE in JSSc.

METHODS

Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected from patients with JSSc. Cardiac investigations performed at baseline (T0) and 18 (T18) and 36 months (T36) follow-up included electrocardiography, conventional echocardiography with measurement of the ejection fraction (EF) and STE with assessment of left and right ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS and RV-GLS). Cardiac parameters have been compared with demographic characteristics and disease severity, assessed by the Juvenile Systemic Sclerosis Severity Score (J4S).

RESULTS

A total of 18 patients, 12 (67%) females, entered the study. At T0, electrocardiography was abnormal in three patients, EF was reduced in one, LV-GLS was abnormal in three (16.7%) and RV-GLS was abnormal in five (27.8%). At T18, EF remained stable while at T36 the result decreased in seven of nine patients. At the same time, LV-GLS also worsened (from -21.6% to -18.2%, P = 0.01). LV-GLS and RV-GLS at baseline showed a significant correlation with J4S (P = 0.012 and P = 0.02, respectively).

CONCLUSION

STE is more sensitive than standard echocardiography to identify cardiac involvement in JSSc. Over time, we observed a gradual worsening of LV-GLS, a sign of left ventricular dysfunction, that anticipated by several months the decrease of EF.

DATA in BRIEF of: Interventional Cardiac Catheterization in Neonatal Age: Results in a Multi-centre Italian Experience

A comprehensive description of morbidity and mortality as well as risk factors of interventional cardiac catheterization performed in neonatal age was reported in our paper recently published on the International Journal of Cardiology (IJCA28502; PII: S0167-5273(20)30384-3; DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2020.04.013). Eight Italian high-volume centres of Paediatric Cardiology were involved in this observational, retrospective data collection and analysis. In this dataset, clinical and procedural characteristics of 1423 newborns submitted to 1551 interventional cardiac catheterization procedures were analyzed. Primary outcomes were considered procedure and in-hospital mortality as well as major adverse event and procedural failure rates. Secondary outcomes were considered minor adverse events and need for blood transfusion. Targets of this data analysis were: 1) to evaluate the overall major risk factors of interventional cardiac catheterization; 2) to identify the most hazardous interventional procedures; 3) to assess possible trends of individual procedures as well as their outcome over time; 4) to find possible relationships between the volume activity of any centre and the procedure and follow-up outcome. In particular, this Data in Brief companion paper aims to report the specific statistic highlights of the multivariable analysis (binary logistic regression) used to assess the impact of any potential risk factors on the type of procedure over a short-term follow-up.

A restrictive ventilatory pattern is common in patients with univentricular heart after Fontan palliation and associated with a reduced exercise capacity and quality of life

AIM

The Fontan circulation is highly dependent on ventilation, improving pulmonary blood flow and cardiac output. A reduced ventilatory function is reported in these patients. The extent of this impairment and its relation to exercise capacity and quality of life is unknown and objective of this study.

METHODS

This multicenter retrospective/cross-sectional study included 232 patients (140 females, age 25.6 ± 10.8 years) after Fontan palliation (19.8% atrioventricular connection; 20.3% atriopulmonary connection; 59.9% total cavopulmonary connection). Resting spirometry, cardiopulmonary exercise tests, and quality-of-life assessment (SF-36 questionnaire) were performed between 2003 and 2015.

RESULTS

Overall, mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁ ) was 74.7 ± 17.8%predicted (%pred). In 59.5% of the patients, FEV₁ was <80%pred., and all of these patients had FEV₁ /forced vital capacity (FVC) > 80%, suggestive of a restrictive ventilatory pattern. Reduced FEV₁ was associated with a reduced peakVO₂ of 67.0 ± 17.6%pred. (r = 0.43, P < .0001), even if analyzed together with possible confounding factors (sex, BMI, age, years after palliation, number of interventions, scoliosis, diaphragmatic paralysis). Synergistically to exercise capacity, FEV₁ was associated to quality of life in terms of physical component summary (r = 0.30, P = .002), physical functioning (r = 0.25, P = .008), bodily pain (r = 0.22, P = .02), and general health (r = 0.16, P = .024). Lower FEV₁ was associated with diaphragmatic paralysis (P = .001), scoliosis (P = .001), higher number of interventions (P = .002), and lower BMI (P = .01). No correlation was found to ventricular morphology, type of surgeries, or other perioperative/long-term complications.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that the common restrictive ventilatory pattern in Fontan patients is associated with lower exercise capacity and quality of life. Risk factors are diaphragmatic paralysis, scoliosis, a high total number of interventions and low BMI.

Can myocardial remodeling be a useful surrogate predictor of myocardial iron load? A 3D echocardiographic multicentric study

The relationship between myocardial iron load and eccentric myocardial remodeling remains an under-investigated area; it was thought that remodeling is rather linked to fibrosis. This study aims to determine whether or not measures of remodeling can be used as predictors of myocardial iron. For this purpose, 60 patients with thalassemia were studied with 3D echocardiography and myocardial relaxometry (T2*) by Cardiac MRI. 3D derived sphericity index was significantly higher in patients with myocardial iron load. It was correlated with T2* with a 100% sensitivity and specificity (cut-off value of 0.34) to discriminate between patients with and without myocardial iron overload.

Carotid Artery Approach as an Alternative to Femoral access for Balloon Dilation of Aortic Valve Stenosis in Neonates and Infants

Purpose

to evaluate the efficacy of a right common carotid artery cutdown as alternative access in neonates and small infants requiring a balloon dilation of aortic valve stenosis. In infants, the femoral approach is limited by difficulties in advancing the catheter across the valve and by the risk of femoral artery injuries.

Methods

from January 1997 to July 2000, 16 infants at our department underwent balloon dilation through a carotid artery cutdown. Infant weight ranged from 2670 to 6450 g; mean weight 3967 g, and age ranged from 1 to 157 days, mean age 42,8 days. Fifteen of 16 infants had aortic valve stenosis; the remaining infant presented with a aortic coartation relapse.

Results

In 15 infants an adequate dilation of the valve was obtained with no complications. In only one infant an arterial intimal disconnection was caused by inadequate choice of surgical instruments. At the end of the procedure, the carotid arteries were reconstructed with interrupted 7-0 prolene stitches. There were no neurological sequaelae observed. All infants were followed-up and examined by echocolordoppler ultrasound: all carotid arteries were open with no significant stenosis.

Conclusion

Our experience confirms that the carotid access proposed in 1973 by Azzolina et al is a valid and safe alternative to the usual percutaneous femoral access. In particular it could be useful in neonates and infants were the size of femoral vessels could facilitate important and dangerous complications.

Early modifications of cardiac function in preterm neonates using speckle tracking echocardiography

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Preterm newborns undergo hemodynamic challenges in the postnatal period. The aim of this study was to investigate myocardial mechanics changes in the postnatal period in preterm infants using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-nine preterm infants ≤34 weeks' gestation underwent cardiac ultrasound evaluation during the first 96 hours of life. A repeated echocardiogram at 3 weeks of age was performed. Echocardiographic assessment involved left ventricular ejection fraction, mitral E/A ratio, S' and E' velocities, E/E' ratio, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), left atrium-to-aorta ratio, ductal diameter and ductal shunt pattern. Left ventricular longitudinal, circumferential and radial strain, apex-basal rotation and twist were measured from the apical 4-chamber and short-axis views using STE.

RESULTS

The mean gestational age was 30 ± 2.7 weeks with a mean birth weight of 1318 ± 485 g. Apical segments demonstrated higher longitudinal strain than basal and mid-ones. In all gestational ages, endocardial longitudinal strain was higher than the epicardial. Epicardial longitudinal strain significantly increased during the first 3 weeks, resulting in the change in basal rotation from counterclockwise to clockwise and thus in the acquisition of twist. Deformation parameters were higher in infants with a hemodynamic significant patents ductus arteriosus.

CONCLUSIONS

Echocardiographic assessment of myocardial deformation parameters is feasible in preterm infants. Our data suggest that the maturational process of the myocardium is due to the development of the epicardial layer after birth, which allows the acquisition of the twist.

Data on cardiac defects, morbidity and mortality in patients affected by RASopathies. CARNET study results

A comprehensive description of morbidity and mortality in patients affected by mutations in genes encoding for signal transducers of the RAS-MAPK cascade (RASopathies) was performed in our study recently published in the International Journal of Cardiology. Seven European cardiac centres participating to the CArdiac Rasopathy NETwork (CARNET), collaborated in this multicentric, observational, retrospective data analysis and collection. In this study, clinical records of 371 patients with confirmed molecular diagnosis of RASopathy were reviewed. Cardiac defects, crude mortality, survival rate of patients with 1) hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and age <2 years or young adults; 2) individuals with Noonan syndrome and pulmonary stenosis carrying PTPN11 mutations; 3) biventricular obstruction and PTPN11 mutations; 4) Costello syndrome or cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome were analysed. Mortality was described as crude mortality, cumulative survival and restricted estimated mean survival. In particular, with this Data In Brief (DIB) paper, the authors aim to report specific statistic highlights of the multivariable regression analysis that was used to assess the impact of mutated genes on number of interventions and overall prognosis.

Hemodynamic impact of pulmonary vasodilators on single ventricle physiology

INTRODUCTION

The Fontan procedure is the palliative procedure for single ventricle physiology. Pulmonary resistance plays a key role in the success of this operation. There are conflicting data concerning the impact of pulmonary vasodilators on survival and functional capacity among Fontan patients.

AIM

The aim of this retrospective, single-center, nonrandomized study was to investigate the potential effect of pulmonary vasodilators on pulmonary vasculature in Fontan patients.

METHOD

Twenty-seven patients with single ventricle physiology were enrolled. Eighteen patients were treated with pulmonary vasodilators: 9 patients after Glenn procedure or just after the Fontan completion (Group A) and 9 patients >5 years after Fontan completion (Group B). Nine patients after Glenn procedure were enrolled as a control group (Group C). The primary endpoint was to assess changes in hemodynamic profile and pulmonary branches' diameter after 2 right heart catheterizations. Adverse events were recorded.

RESULTS

Mean age ± SD was 3.2 ± 1.5 years (Group A), 26.8 ± 12.7 years (Group B), and 3.1 ± 1.0 years (Group C). Patients included in Group A had reduced arterial compliance (34.3 ± 15.4 vs 52.2 ± 24.2 mm² /[m² *mm Hg]; P = .03) at baseline compared with Group C. After treatment, Nakata index and pulmonary compliance increased in patients treated with pulmonary vasodilators (Group A), while remaining stable in the control group (Nakata index: +26 ± 24% vs -8 ± 17%, P = .003; pulmonary compliance +80 ± 49% vs -5 ± 30%, P = .001). Similar results were found in Group B (Nakata index: pre-168.6 ± 70.7 mm² /m² ; post-204.9 ± 97.5 mm² /m² ; P = .026).

CONCLUSIONS

Pulmonary vasodilators reduce pulmonary artery resistance and increase vascular compliance, pulmonary artery diameter, and cardiac output in Fontan patients. Therefore, pulmonary vasodilators may be used before the Fontan procedure in patients at high risk of Fontan procedure failure.

Cardiac defects, morbidity and mortality in patients affected by RASopathies. CARNET study results

BACKGROUND

RASopathies are developmental disease caused by mutations in genes encoding for signal transducers of the RAS-MAPK cascade. The aim of the present study was to provide a comprehensive description of morbidity and mortality in patients with molecularly confirmed RASopathy.

METHODS

A multicentric, observational, retrospective study was conducted in seven European cardiac centres participating to the CArdiac Rasopathy NETwork (CARNET). Clinical records of 371 patients with confirmed molecular diagnosis of RASopathy were reviewed. Mortality was described as crude mortality, cumulative survival and restricted estimated mean survival. Multivariable regression analysis was used to assess the impact of mutated genes on number of interventions and overall prognosis.

RESULTS

Cardiac defects occurred in 80.3% of cases, almost half of them underwent at least one intervention. Overall, crude mortality was 0.29/100 patients-year. Cumulative survival was 98.8%, 98.2%, 97.7%, 94.3%, at 1, 5, 10, and 20years, respectively. Restricted estimated mean survival at 20years follow-up was 19.6years. Ten patients died (2.7% of the entire cohort; 3.4% of patients with cardiac defect). Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and age <2years or young adults, as well as subjects with biventricular obstruction and PTPN11 mutations had a higher risk of cardiac death.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of intervention was higher in individuals with Noonan syndrome and pulmonary stenosis carrying PTPN11 mutations. Overall, mortality was relatively low, even though the specific association between HCM, biventricular outflow tract obstructions and PTPN11 mutations appeared to be associated with early mortality, including immediate post-operative events and sudden death.

Speckle Tracking in ALCAPA Patients After Surgical Repair as Predictor of Residual Coronary Disease

Surgical re-implantation of the left coronary artery (LCA) is the treatment of choice in anomalous origin of left coronary artery from pulmonary artery (ALCAPA). Despite normalization of left ventricular function after surgery, residual coronary lesions or myocardial fibrosis may be found. The aim of this study was to detect regional left ventricular dysfunction predictive of coronary lesions or residual myocardial fibrosis using speckle tracking. We enrolled ten patients treated with surgical re-implantation of LCA for ALCAPA. All patients were asymptomatic, and ejection fraction (EF) was normal. Using S-SR imaging, we studied longitudinal, radial, and circumferential function. A cardiac MRI was performed to assess myocardial fibrosis and the anatomy of the coronaries. In case of suspected coronary stenosis, a coronary angiography was performed. Finally, 20 normal subjects were enrolled as control group. Median age at surgery was 188 days, and mean follow-up was 8.7 ± 4.7 years. Longitudinal and circumferential functions were reduced in LCA territory compared to RCA territory and normal. MRI showed LCA stenosis in three of ten patients, confirmed by coronary angiography: these patients had the lowest longitudinal strain values in LCA territories (-11.7, -14.7 and -14.8%). Radial strain was preserved (Normal 45.6 ± 12.1, ALCAPA 43.5 ± 10.7%, p = ns), while circumferential strain was mildly depressed (-23.5 ± 3.8 vs. -20.3 ± 2.0%, p < 0.05). After LCA re-implantation, ALCAPA patients showed a residual sub-endocardial damage in LCA territories. Despite a normal systolic and diastolic function, the prevalence of residual coronary lesions was high. A mean longitudinal strain >-15% in LCA territories was able to identify those patients.

Low titer, isolated anti Ro/SSA 60 kd antibodies is correlated with positive pregnancy outcomes in women at risk of congenital heart block

Congenital heart block (CHB) is an autoantibody mediated disorder presumably caused by placental transmission of maternal autoantibodies to Ro/SSA 52 kd, p200, Ro/SSA 60 kd, La/SSB ribonucleoproteins. This study investigated the clinical significance of isolated anti-Ro/SSA 52 kd, anti-p200, anti-Ro/SSA 60 kd, and anti-La/SSB antibodies in positive pregnant patients. One hundred sixty-three pregnant women positive to anti-Ro/SSA 52 kd and/or anti-Ro/SSA 60 kd and/or anti-La/SSB antibodies were prospectively enrolled in the study. Anti-Ro52, anti-Ro60, anti-p200, and anti-La antibodies were assayed using home-made ELISA assays. Isolated antibody positivity was found in 25 women (15.3%), while multiple antibody positivity in 138 (84.7%). Twenty-four developed CHB, and the 139 had a favorable pregnancy outcome. The prevalence of isolated anti-Ro/SSA 60 kd antibodies was significantly higher (p < 0.046) as the prevalence of lower mean antibody titers (p < 0.0001) in the later group. Confirmation of these results by large-scale studies could lead clinicians to recommend less stringent fetal echocardiography monitoring in women with isolated anti-Ro/SSA 60 kd antibodies.

Interventional VSD-Closure with the Nit-Occlud® Lê VSD-Coil in 110 Patients: Early and Midterm Results of the EUREVECO-Registry

In August 2010, the Nit-Occlud^® Lê (EUREVECO) became available for transcatheter coil occlusion of ventricular septal defects (VSDs). Retrospective European Registry for VSD Closure using the Nit-Occlud^® Lê-VSD-Coil; analysis of the feasibility, results, safety and follow-up of VSD-closure over a 3-year period in 18 European centers. In 102 of 111 patients (female 66), successful VSD closure was performed (mean age 8.2 years, mean weight 28.82 kg), 81 perimembranous VSDs (48 with aneurysm), 30 muscular VSDs, mean procedure time was 121.1 min, and mean fluoroscopy time was 26.3 min. Short- and midterm term follow-up was possible in 100/102 patients, there was 1 embolization and 1 explantation after 24 months. Immediate complete closure occurred in 49 of 101 patients (48.5%), trivial residual shunt was present in 51 (50.0%), closure rate was 95% after 6 months and 97% after 1 year. Out of the 102 patients, there were 2 severe complications (1.8%) (1 severe hemolysis, 1 embolization) and 8 moderate/transient (=7.2%) including 1 transient AV block. During a mean follow-up period of 31.3 months (range 24-48) and a total follow-up time of 224.75 patient years, no further problems occurred. VSD closure with the Nit-Occlud^® Lê VSD coil is feasible and safe with a minimal risk of severe side effects. The long-term effects and safety require further clinical follow-up studies.

Incidence of Respiratory Disease During the First Two Years of Life in Children with Hemodynamically Significant Congenital Heart Disease in Italy: A Retrospective Study

Children affected by hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease (HSCHD) experience severe respiratory complications that can increase the frequency of hospitalizations. The aim of the SINERGY study was to describe the incidence of respiratory diseases and to collect information on active and passive immunoprophylaxis in the first 2 years of life. In this retrospective, multicenter, and epidemiologic study, children with HSCHD were enrolled across 11 Italian sites. Children born between December 31, 2007, and December 31, 2012, were observed during their first 2 years of life. Data were collected through hospital database searches and parent interviews. Four hundred twenty children were enrolled: 51.7 % were female, 79.5 % were born full-term (≥37 weeks), and 77.6 % weighed >2500 g at birth. The most frequent heart defects were ventricular septal defect (23.1 %) and coarctation of the aorta (14.3 %). The incidence of respiratory diseases was 63.1 %. Frequent respiratory diseases not requiring hospitalization were upper respiratory tract infections (76.4 %), acute bronchitis (43.3 %), and influenza (22.1 %), while those requiring hospitalization were bronchitis and bronchiolitis (8.3 % each one). While active immunoprophylaxis was applied with wide compliance (diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus, 99.5 %; Haemophilus influenzae type b, 72.5 %; pneumococcus, 79.9 %; meningococcus, 77.4 %), only 54 % of children received respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) passive prophylaxis (palivizumab). Of the 35 hospitalizations due to bronchiolitis, 27 (77.1 %) did not receive prophylaxis against RSV, compared with 8 (22.9 %) who received prophylaxis (P < 0.0001). Children with HSCHD are at major risk of respiratory diseases. Passive immunoprophylaxis can help to prevent hospitalizations for bronchiolitis.

Aortic stenting in the growing sheep causes aortic endothelial dysfunction but not hypertension: Clinical implications for coarctation repair

BACKGROUND

Stent implantation is the treatment of choice for adolescents and adults with aortic coarctation (CoAo). Despite excellent short-term results, 20%-40% of the patients develop arterial hypertension later in life, which was attributed to inappropriate response of the aortic baroreceptors to increased stiffness of the ascending aorta (ASAO), either congenital or induced by CoAo repair. In particular, it has been hypothesized that stent itself may cause or sustain hypertension. Therefore, we aimed to study the hemodynamic and structural impact following stent implantation in the normal aorta of a growing animal.

METHODS

Eight female sheep completed the study and a stent was implanted in four. Every 3 mo we measured blood pressure of the anterior and posterior limbs and left ventricular function by echocardiography. Twelve months later invasive pressure was measured under baseline and simulated stress conditions. Expression of genes indicating oxidative stress (OS), endothelial dysfunction (ED) and stiffness, as well as pathological examination were performed in ascending (ASAO) and descending aorta (DSAO).

RESULTS

SOD1 and MMP9 gene expression were higher in ASAO of the stented animals, compared to DSAO and controls, while NOS3 was decreased. No differences were found in blood pressure and echocardiographic parameters. No histological differences were found in the aorta of the two groups of animals.

CONCLUSIONS

Stent does not affect central and peripheral hemodynamics, cardiac structure and function even in the long term. However, the finding of markers of OS and increased stiffness of ASAO, proximal to the stent, points to molecular mechanisms for increased cardiovascular risk of patients with stented CoAo.

Plasmapheresis, intravenous immunoglobulins and bethametasone - a combined protocol to treat autoimmune congenital heart block: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

At the moment there are no standard guidelines for the treatment of autoimmune congenital heart block (CHB). We set out to carry out a prospective cohort study to evaluate the benefits, limits, and safety of a combined therapy protocol to treat antibody-related CHB.

METHODS

Twelve consecutive pregnant patients positive to anti-SSA/Ro ± anti-SSB/La antibodies in whom CHB was detected were prospectively evaluated from 2009 to 2014. The treatment protocol consisted of: weekly plasmapheresis, fortnightly intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG), and daily 4 mg betamethasone from CHB detection until delivery; IVIG was administered to the neonates soon after birth.

RESULTS

At the time CHB was detected, six of the foetuses presented atrioventricular blocks of 2(nd) degree type and six of 3(rd) degree type. Two of the foetuses with a 2(nd) degree block reverted to a 1st degree block and one to a normal atrioventricular conduction. The condition was stable throughout the pregnancy in the other three cases of 2(nd) degree block. All six 3(rd) degree blocks were stable during pregnancy and confirmed at birth. After a mean of 37.6 months ± 19.6 SD post-birth, the infants with 1st, normal sinus rhythm, and 2(nd) degree blocks at birth were all found to be stable. During the follow-up (29 months ± 19.8 SD), pacemakers were implanted in three of the six infants with 3(rd) degree blocks.

CONCLUSIONS

This combined therapy seems to be effective and safe in treating 2(nd) degree CHB, while its efficacy in treating 3rd degree CHB remains to be established.

Aortic and Pulmonary Root Aneurysms in a Child With Loeys-Dietz Syndrome

We report the case of an 11-year-old boy with Loeys-Dietz syndrome, with both aortic and pulmonary aneurysms requiring cardiac operation because of progressive valve incompetence resulting from loss of coaptation of the cusps. Arterial medial changes, consisting of disarray of elastic fibers and increased collagen deposition, were observed in surgical specimens from both the aorta and the pulmonary artery of our patient, and the strong pSmad2 nuclear staining of smooth muscle cells of both aortic and pulmonary tunica media are the best evidence of transforming growth factor-β pathway activation in Loeys-Dietz syndrome.

Porcine Intestinal Submucosa (CorMatrix) for Semilunar Valve Repair in Children: A Word of Caution After Midterm Results

Surgery for congenital valve anomalies in children is a challenging topic. We aim to assess early and late functional outcomes of CorMatrix scaffold after repair of aortic and pulmonary valves (PV) in congenital heart disease in a prospective nonrandomized clinical study on children with congenital aortic (Group 1) or PV (Group 2) disease. Primary endpoints were reoperation or reintervention on semilunar valves and echocardiographic evidence of regurgitation or stenosis greater than mild. Results of PV repair in tetralogy of Fallot were compared with a control group of patients who underwent PV repair with polytetrafluoroethylene. A total of 22 consecutive selected patients with complex congenital heart disease were included: PV repair in 18 and aortic valve repair in 4. At discharge bidimensional echocardiography, semilunar valve regurgitation was mild in 50% of all patients. At a median follow-up of 23 months (4.3-51.3), reoperation for aortic valve replacement was necessary in 2; right ventricular outflow tract obstruction occurred in 3, requiring interventional treatment in 2. Pulmonary regurgitation degree worsened in most patients of Group 2 at follow up. When comparing patients with tetralogy of Fallot in Group 2 with patients who underwent PV repair with polytetrafluoroethylene, there were no significant differences in PV function at follow up. We conclude that CorMatrix scaffold for semilunar valve reconstruction does not present with significant advantages to traditional materials at mid term follow up. In addition, when used for pulmonary valve reconstruction, CorMatrix seems to show gradual functional deterioration in the mid term.

Preservation of the Pulmonary Valve During Early Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot: Surgical Techniques

During the last decade interest in preserving pulmonary valve (PV) function has stimulated a few surgeons to apply valve-sparing techniques in repairing tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), with the aim of preserving long-term right ventricular function. Since June 2007, we embarked upon a program for preserving PV function in selected patients during TOF repair. More recently, the introduction of more complex PV plasty techniques allowed us to further extend the applicability of PV preservation techniques. We believe that preservation of PV function during early repair of TOF, by combining different intraoperative surgical maneuvers, can be extended to almost all patients with classic TOF.

Multi-district coronary tree involvement in a 17-year-old girl with Williams–Beuren syndrome

We describe a case of 17-year-old Chinese girl referred to our Pediatric Cardiology Unit for asthenia, reduced exercise tolerance, and dyspnea. Past medical history was relevant for multiple chest pain episodes in childhood and several syncopal episodes, for which the patient had been never evaluated. Clinical examination, electrocardiogram, and echocardiography were compatible with Williams–Beuren syndrome; such condition was later confirmed by genetic analysis. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging showed transmural fibrosis of the apex with impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (29 %), severe stenosis of aortic sinotubular junction with left and right coronary ostia involvement; more importantly, the whole coronary artery tree beyond ostia was affected by multiple stenosis and aneurysmatic tracts. Ascending aorta proved hypoplastic, with post-stenotic dilation and multiple aneurysms. At the end of the diagnostic process, surgical risk was considered too high to proceed with the correction. The presented case is of educational value since it provides good iconographical illustration of diffuse, multiple-site coronary artery tree involvement, a rather rare co-morbidity in Williams–Beuren syndrome.

Endomyocardial biopsy safety and clinical yield in pediatric myocarditis: An Italian perspective

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this investigation is to evaluate the safety, the impact of endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) results in myocarditis management and the incidence of different etiologies of myocarditis in a pediatric population.

BACKGROUND

Although EMB is an established diagnostic tool to evaluate suspected myocarditis, there is lack of clear diagnostic and management guidelines for myocarditis in pediatric patients, particularly in infants.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective database review and subsequent outcomes analysis from five Italian pediatric cardiology centers to identify patients aged 0-18 years who underwent EMB for suspected myocarditis or inflammatory cardiomyopathy (ICMP) between 2009 and 2011.

RESULTS

EMB was performed in 41 children, of which 16 were male. The population ranged between 16 days of age to 17 years (mean age at EMB = 5.2 ± 4.9 years). The overall incidence of EMB-related complications was 15.5% (31.2% in infants, and 6.8% in children > 1 year of age; P = 0.079) while the incidence of EMB-driven treatment changes was 29.2%. Histological examination together with PCR on heart biopsy specimens allowed an etiological diagnosis in 26/41 patients (63%). Among the 15 patients (36.5%) with diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) 11 had idiopathic DCM. Finally, we found an overall incidence of death/cardiac transplantation of 24%.

CONCLUSIONS

In a pediatric population with suspected myocarditis/ICMP, EMB was useful in confirming the diagnosis only in 41% of cases but showed an overall diagnostic power of 63%. As complications of EBM are not negligible, particularly in infants, the risk/benefit ratio should be taken into account in each patient.

Clinical Profile and Quality of Life of Adult Patients After the Fontan Procedure

Increasingly, more patients with univentricular heart reach adulthood. Therefore, long-term psychological features are an important concern. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and psychological profile of post-Fontan adult patients and to identify the most significant determinants of quality of life. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we reviewed the surgical and medical history of post-Fontan adult patients. Patients underwent a 24-h electrocardiogram, echocardiography and exercise testing. Self-report questionnaires were used to assess the Work Ability Index, quality of life (Satisfaction with Life Scale), perceived health status (SF-36 questionnaire), coping strategies (Brief Cope questionnaire) and presence of mood disorders (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Thirty-nine patients aged between 18 and 48 years (mean 27.5 years) were enrolled. The mean follow-up was 21.5 years. Most patients were unmarried (82.9 %), had a high school diploma (62.9 %) and were employed (62.9 %). Twenty-nine patients (82.3 %) had at least one long-term complication. The median single ventricle ejection fraction was 57 %, and the median maximal oxygen consumption was 26.8 ml/min/kg. This population tended to be anxious and to use adaptive coping strategies. Quality of life was perceived as excellent or good in 57.2 % of cases and was not related to either cardiac function or exercise capacity. Both quality of life and SF-36 domains were related to the Work Ability Index. This cohort of post-Fontan adult patients enjoyed a good quality of life irrespective of disease severity.

Combined Surgical and Interventional Approaches for Treating Patients with Congenital Heart Disease

AIMS

During the last decade the cooperation between surgeons and cardiologists has further expanded by combining surgical and interventional techniques (CCBSI) performed in the operating room, without the use of fluoroscopy. We sought to evaluate the results of our experience with CCBSI.

METHODS

All children with congenital heart disease (CHD) who underwent a CCBSI in the operating room between June 2007 and January 2014 were enrolled.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight patients were included. Median age at CCBSI was five months (range 1-48 months). The three main diagnoses leading to surgery included: (1) tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) (n = 40), (2) muscular ventricular septal defects (VSD) (n = 12), (3) single ventricle with pulmonary artery branch stenosis (n = 4). There were 72 catheter-based procedures associated with surgical maneuvres, including: (1) transatrial balloon dilation (BD) of the pulmonary valve (n = 45), (2) transinfundibular BD of the main pulmonary artery trunk (n = 12), (3) perventricular VSD closure with septal occluder (n = 8), (4) BD of pulmonary artery branches (n = 5), and other less common procedures (n = 2). There were no procedure-related complications and no hospital deaths. Median follow-up time was four years (range 0.95-7.9 years). There was one late death for respiratory distress after transapical balloon dilation of the aortic valve. One patient required BD and stenting of the left pulmonary artery branch 3.6 years after intraoperative BD for residual stenosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The CCBSI represents a safe and effective treatment for selected patients with complex CHD. It will be helpful in minimizing patients' surgical trauma and in shortening or avoiding the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.

Pacemaker remote monitoring in the pediatric population: is it a real solution?

BACKGROUND

Clinical utility of remote monitoring of implantable cardiac devices has been previously demonstrated in several trials in the adult population. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical utility of remote monitoring in a pediatric population undergoing pacemakers implantation.

METHODS

The study population included 73 consecutive pediatric patients who received an implantable pacemaker. The remote device check was programmed for every 3 months and all patients had a yearly out-patient visit. Data on device-related events, hospitalization, and other clinical information were collected during remote checks and out-patient visits.

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up of 18 ± 10 months, 470 remote transmissions were collected and analyzed. Two deaths were reported. Eight transmissions (1.7%) triggered an urgent out-patient visit. Twenty percent of transmissions reported evidence of significant clinical or technical events. All young patients and their families were very satisfied when using remote monitoring to replace out-patient visits.

CONCLUSIONS

The ease in use, together with satisfaction and acceptance of remote monitoring in pediatric patients, brought very good results. The remote management of our pediatric population was safe and remote monitoring adequately replaced the periodic out-patient device checks without compromising patient safety.

Pacemaker in complicated and refractory breath-holding spells: when to think about it?

BACKGROUND

Breath-holding spells (BHS) are benign non-epileptic paroxysmal events of infancy, rarely occurring with high frequency and complicated by prolonged syncope, convulsions and even status epilepticus. In these cases response to medical treatment is often unsatisfactory. Pacemaker implantation is a possible therapeutic option, but its indications, efficacy and complications have not been clarified yet.

OBJECTIVE

To report a new case of BHS treated with pacemaker and to review its indications and efficacy in patients with severe BHS.

METHODS

We extensively searched the literature in PubMed on cardiac pacing in patients with BHS and we described a new case.

RESULTS

A previously healthy boy presented at the age of 4 months with frequent BHS inconstantly associated to prolonged syncope and post-anoxic non-epileptic and epileptic seizures. Parental reassurance, iron supplementation and piracetam were ineffective. After cardiac pacing at the age of 16 months, BHS and their complications disappeared. We identified 47 patients with BHS treated with pacemaker in the literature. Based on the available data, in all patients asystole or marked bradycardia were documented during BHS or stimulating maneuvers; syncope complicated BHS in 100% of cases and post-anoxic convulsions in 78.3%. Medical treatment before pacing, when administered, was ineffective or poorly tolerated. After pacing, BHS complications disappeared in 86.4% of cases, and decreased in 13.6%. Technical problems with the device were reported in 25.7% of patients and mild medical complications in 11.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

Pacemaker could be reasonably considered in subjects with frequent and severe BHS, poor response to medications, and demonstration of cardioinhibition during spells.

Arterial Tortuosity Syndrome: homozygosity for two novel and one recurrent SLC2A10 missense mutations in three families with severe cardiopulmonary complications in infancy and a literature review

Background

Arterial Tortuosity Syndrome (ATS) is a very rare autosomal recessive connective tissue disorder (CTD) characterized by tortuosity and elongation of the large- and medium-sized arteries and a propensity for aneurysm formation and vascular dissection. During infancy, children frequently present the involvement of the pulmonary arteries (elongation, tortuosity, stenosis) with dyspnea and cyanosis. Other CTD signs of ATS are dysmorphisms, abdominal hernias, joint hypermobility, skeletal abnormalities, and keratoconus. ATS is typically described as a severe disease with high rate of mortality due to major cardiovascular malformations. ATS is caused by mutations in the SLC2A10 gene, which encodes the facilitative glucose transporter 10 (GLUT10). Approximately 100 ATS patients have been described, and 21 causal mutations have been identified in the SLC2A10 gene.

Case presentation

We describe the clinical findings and molecular characterization of three new ATS families, which provide insight into the clinical phenotype of the disorder; furthermore, we expand the allelic repertoire of SLC2A10 by identifying two novel mutations. We also review the ATS patients characterized by our group and compare their clinical findings with previous data.

Conclusions

Our data confirm that the cardiovascular prognosis in ATS is less severe than previously reported and that the first years of life are the most critical for possible life-threatening events. Molecular diagnosis is mandatory to distinguish ATS from other CTDs and to define targeted clinical follow-up and timely cardiovascular surgical or interventional treatment, when needed.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12881-014-0122-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.