Defects In Children Research Articles

Comparison of the efficiency of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and manual therapy in children with cerebral palsy with lower urinary system dysfunction- a randomized prospective trial

Neurological defects in children with cerebral palsy (CP) not only affect their motor skills but also lead to bladder and bowel problems. Although most children with CP have achieved urinary control, more than 50% of cases experience lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Common LUTS complaints observed in CP include delayed toilet training, urinary incontinence, increased frequency of urination, urgency, urinary hesitancy, and recurrent urinary tract infections. This study aimed to prospectively evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two different physiotherapy approaches, sacral Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and massage, on lower urinary tract dysfunction in children with CP. A total of 54 children with CP who had the Dysfunctional Voiding Scoring System (DVISS) of 8.5 or higher were included in the study. Children were randomized to the TENS (TG; n=27) and Manual Therapy (MG; n=27) groups. TENS application was performed 2 sessions in a week for 20min for a total of 12 weeks. The electrodes used during the application were adhered bilaterally to the parasacral region (S2-S4). 4 electrodes of 5×5cm were used. Classical bowel massage was applied to the MG with the friction massage technique twice a week for 12 weeks. Manual therapy applications were performed in the form of abdominal, colon, and friction massage, twice a week for 20min by the physiotherapist. Massage was applied to the abdominal region between the lower subcostal border and the anterior superior iliac spine. Questionnaires were applied before and after treatment interventions: DVISS, functional bladder capacity (FBC), frequency of voiding, and urinary incontinence episodes evaluated by bladder diary, Bristol Gaita Scale, and Pediatric Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (PIN-Q) used. The decrease in the episodes of incontinence was higher in the TG (p=0.037; p<0.05). FBC increased after treatment in both groups, but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p=0.683; p>0.05). Manual therapy was more effective in improving constipation symptoms. In both groups, DVISS and PIN-Q values decreased after treatment, but the decrease in TG was statistically significant in the evaluation made between groups (p=0.001; p<0.01). Both parasacral TENS and massage provided a significant improvement in LUTS, constipation, and quality of life but TENS showed a bigger improvement. We suggest adding these interventions to the treatment of bladder and bowel problems in CP children.

Extracardial pathology as an additional risk factor in the correction of congenital heart defects in children

Introduction. Concomitant diseases as a risk factor for surgery remain an urgent problem in pediatric cardiac surgery. The article presents the role of comorbidity in pediatric cardiac surgery. A comparative analysis of the indicators of cardiac surgical treatment of patients with and without extracardiac pathology was carried out. Aim: to determine the significance of extracardiac causes as an additional risk factor in the correction of congenital heart lesions in children. &#x0D; Materials and methods. Prospective analysis of five hundred patients who had undergone cardiac surgery in the departments of cardiac surgery and interventional cardiology. Patients were divided into a main group of patients with concomitant pathology &#x0D; (n = 350) and a control group (n = 150) without concomitant pathology. A complex of modern therapeutic and diagnostic procedures and a multidisciplinary approach were used. &#x0D; Results. A high incidence of complications was shown in the main group (70%). Hospital mortality was higher in patients with concomitant pathology and amounted to 17.4%, compared to 3.3% in the group without concomitant pathology. The average duration in the ICU for patients with concomitant pathology was 18 ± 2 bed days, for patients without concomitant pathology — 4 ± 2 bed days. &#x0D; Conclusion. The presence of concomitant pathology has been shown to influence significantly on the development of complications and be a prognostic risk factor that must be included in modern prediction models.

To Analyze the Efficacy of Platelet-rich Plasma in Contrast to Platelet-rich Fibrin along with Synthetic Nanocrystalline Hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium Phosphate Bone Graft in Regeneration of Bony Defects in Children.

To analyze the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in contrast to platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) along with synthetic nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (HA) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) bone graft in the regeneration of bone defects in children. A total of 20 children in whom bone defect was present were selected and divided into two groups of 10. In group I, the bone defect was filled with PRP + nanocrystalline HA with β-TCP and group II, with PRF + nanocrystalline HA with β-TCP. Radiographs using VistaScan with a mesh grid were taken to analyze the bone density and bone regeneration. Clinical evaluation with respect to the color of overlying mucosa, sinus formation, pus discharge, and seepage of bone graft was done. The parameters used to analyze the radiographs included gray scale analysis, residual bone defect calculation in pixels both performed in CorelDraw version 13 software, and radiopaque scoring scale. The mean bone defect density measured using gray scale was higher in the PRF than PRP group. The percentage of bone formation analyzed using residual bone defect calculation and mean radiopaque score revealed that the PRF group showed better outcomes compared to the PRP group. Both PRP and PRF are equally effective in promoting bone regeneration with PRF showing slight superiority over PRP. Koksi Sangma Shadap NM, Yadav G, Saha S, et al. To Analyze the Efficacy of Platelet-rich Plasma in Contrast to Platelet-rich Fibrin along with Synthetic Nanocrystalline Hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium Phosphate Bone Graft in Regeneration of Bony Defects in Children. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(6):842-849.

New insights from the genetic work-up in early onset nephrotic syndrome: report from a registry in western India.

Eighty-five percent of infants with congenital nephrotic syndrome (CNS) and 66% with infantile NS (INS) are likely to have a monogenic etiology. There exists a significant genetic variability between different regions and ethnic groups. This study aimed to determine the genetic defects in children with CNS and INS by establishing a registry in western India. In this cross-sectional study, pediatric nephrologists from 13 private and government institutions shared relevant clinical data and details of the genetic evaluation of children presenting with NS within the first year of life. The median age at presentation was 9months (range 1-23, IQR 3-13months), history of consanguinity between parents existed in 14 patients (34%), family history of similar illness in 6 (15%), and extra-renal manifestations in 17 (41%). Twenty-five (61%) were confirmed to have a monogenic etiology. NPHS1 gene was the most implicated (9/25) followed by PLCE1 (5/25). There were 12 variants of uncertain significance (VUS) involving 10 genes (10/25, 40%), and no definite genetic abnormality was found in 4 (25%). A re-analysis of these VUS attempted 2-3years later facilitated reclassification of 7/12 (58%); increasing the diagnostic yield from 61 to 68.2%. Consistent with worldwide data, variants in NPHS1 gene were the most common cause of NS in infancy; however, PLCE1 was implicated more frequently in our cohort. NUP93 and COL4A3 were reported in early onset NS for the first time. Reclassification of VUS should be attempted, if feasible, since it may lead to a useful revision of diagnosis.

Maternal Diet Associates with Offspring Bone Mineralization, Fracture Risk and Enamel Defects in Childhood and Influences the Prenatal Effect of High-Dose Vitamin D Supplementation.

We previously demonstrated a beneficial effect of high-dose vitamin D in pregnancy on offspring bone and dental health. Here, we investigated the effect of maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy on the risk of bone fractures, bone mineralization and enamel defects until age 6 years in the offspring. Further, the influence of diet on the effect of high-dose vitamin D was analyzed in the COPSAC2010 mother-child cohort including 623 mother-child pairs. A weighted network analysis on FFQs revealed three specific maternal dietary patterns that associated (Bonferroni p < 0.05) with both offspring bone and dental health. The effect of prenatal high-dose (2800 IU/day) vs. standard-dose (400 IU/day) vitamin D on offspring bone mineral content (adjusted mean difference (aMD): 33.29 g, 95% CI: 14.48-52.09, p < 0.001), bone mineral density (aMD: 0.02 g/cm2 (0.01-0.04), p < 0.001), fracture risk (adjusted incidence rate ratio: 0.36 (0.16-0.84), p = 0.02), and enamel defects in primary (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.13 (0.03-0.58), p < 0.01) and permanent molars (aOR: 0.25; (0.10-0.63), p < 0.01) was most pronounced when mothers had lower intake of fruit, vegetables, meat, eggs, sweets, whole grain, offal and fish. This study suggests that prenatal dietary patterns influence offspring bone and dental development, and should be considered in order to obtain the full benefits of vitamin D to enhance personalized supplementation strategy.

Visual and auditory attention defects in children with intermittent exotropia

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that children with intermittent exotropia (IXT) have a higher rate of psychiatric abnormalities as they grow up, such as attention deficit. This study explored visual and hearing attention among children with IXT, and evaluated its association with clinical characteristics and cognitive development.MethodsForty-nine children with a diagnosis of IXT and 29 children with traditional development were recruited. The Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test (IVA-CPT) was used to measure the subjects’ full-scale response control quotient (FSRCQ), full-scale attention quotient (FSAQ), auditory response control quotient (ARCQ), auditory attention quotient (AAQ), visual response control quotient (VRCQ), and visual attention quotient (VAQ). The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition (WISC-IV) was used to assess their cognitive function. The differences between the scores of children with IXT and normal controls were analyzed.ResultsThe results showed that the FSRCQ, FSAQ, ARCQ, AAQ, VRCQ, and VAQ of children with IXT were all lower than those of normal controls with the same age (P < 0.05). The level of attention was significantly correlated with the age of strabismus onset (P < 0.05), but not with the degree of strabismus, stereopsis, or fusion control score. In addition, audiovisual attention was correlated significantly with their cognitive development level. The random forest classifier prediction model showed that age of strabismus onset was an important predictor of attention.ConclusionChildren with IXT have lower visual and auditory attention and control than their peers, and the age of onset of strabismus may be a major factor.

Association between aluminum and iron exposure in maternal blood and umbilical cord blood and congenital heart defects in children.

Congenital heart disease (CHDs) is the major cause of mortality from birth defects, affecting up to 1% of live births worldwide. However, the relationship between aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe) levels and the risk of CHDs has yielded inconsistent results. We conducted a pair-matched case-control study that included 97 CHDs and 194 non-CHDs to investigate the association and interaction between Al/Fe exposure and the risk of CHDs in a birth cohort study in Lanzhou, China. Higher concentrations of cord blood Al were associated with a greater risk of total CHDs (aOR = 2.826, 95% CI [1.009-7.266]) and isolated CHDs (aOR = 10.713, 95% CI [1.017-112.851]) compared to the lowest Al level. Both in maternal blood and cord blood, a significant dose-effect was observed between Al level and total CHDs (Ptrend < 0.05), but a similar pattern was not observed for Fe. High Al in addition to high Fe appeared to elicit a stronger association with CHDs than both lowest tertile of Al and Fe level in umbilical cord blood, particularly for multiple CHDs, septal defects and patent ductus arteriosus. Our study suggests that exposure to Al during pregnancy (≥2,408 μg/L) is significantly associated with an increased risk of CHDs in offspring, especially septal defects, and that high levels of Al and Fe are strongly correlated with fetal heart development. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms.

Hybrid versus traditional method closure of ventricular septal defects in children

ObjectiveThe aim of our study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the hybrid method off-pump for closure of isolated ventricular septal defect (VSD) compared with the traditional method of on-pump of children. MethodsThis research was a retrospective cohort study. Data were collected from 500 patients with isolated VSD (or residual VSD after a previous repair) who underwent surgery at the National Scientific Medical Center from May 2016 to December 2020. Patients were operated with 1 of 2 methods of surgery: the traditional method of on-pump or the hybrid method of off-pump. This study assessed the safety and efficacy of the hybrid method by comparing it with the traditional method for the treatment of patients with isolated VSD. ResultsThe procedural success rate reached 93.2% in the hybrid method, with a 6.4% conversion rate to the traditional method and 0.4% hospital mortality. The mean operation time was 84 minutes (31; 160 minutes) in the hybrid group (n = 250) and 168 minutes (70; 300 minutes) in the traditional group (n = 250) (P = .000). Hospital mortality was 0.43% in the first group and 1.5% in the second group (P = .000). ConclusionsThe hybrid method of VSD closure is safe and effective in a selected group of patients. The advantages of the hybrid method are improved cosmetics and shorter operation time and overall hospital stay.

Intramedullary spinal capillary hemangioma with secondary neurulation defect in children

Intramedullary spinal capillary hemangioma is a rare occurrence in pediatric patients, and only limited cases have been reported. This study presents the first two cases of spinal capillary hemangioma co-present with retained medullary cord and one case of spinal capillary hemangioma with lumbosacral lipomatous malformation. Previous literature on ten patients with this pathology was reviewed. We speculated pathogenesis, imaging features, and histopathologic findings of the disease.

Analysis of molecular genetic causes of congenital heart defects in children

In 10–20% of cases, congenital heart defects are caused by chromosomal abnormalities and gene mutation. Purpose. The purpose of the study: analysis of the genetic causes of congenital heart defects in children.Materials and Methods. The analysis of the medical history and the results of Genetics and Molecular Research (GMR) in 15 children with congenital heart defects were carried out.Results. Genome-wide DNA sequencing in patients with congenital heart defects revealed deletion 21q22.3 with duplication 4q31.1 -&gt;qter and pathogenic variants in the genes PPP1CB, FN1, PHF6, CITIED2, ARID2, KMT2A, CIT, JAG1, MED13L, ELN, CHRNA3, KCNK9. Conclusion. In the vast majority of cases in the examined children, congenital heart defects were caused by pathogenic gene variants or chromosomal abnormalities. Congenital heart defects are an absolute indication for cytogenetic and molecular genetic examination.

Can Artificial Intelligence Revolutionize the Diagnosis and Management of the Atrial Septal Defect in Children?

Atrial septal defects (ASDs) present a significant healthcare challenge, demanding accurate and timely diagnosis and precise management to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Artificial intelligence (AI) applications in healthcare are rapidly evolving, offering promise for enhanced medical decision-making and patient care. In the context of cardiology, the integration of AI promises to provide more efficient and accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies for ASD patients. In interventional cardiology, sometimes the lack of precise measurement of the cardiac rims evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography combined with the floppy aspect of the rims can mislead and result in complications. AI software can be created to generate responses for difficult tasks, like which device is the most suitable for different shapes and dimensions to prevent embolization or erosion. This paper reviews the current state of AI in healthcare and its applications in cardiology, emphasizing the specific opportunities and challenges in applying AI to ASD diagnosis and management. By exploring the capabilities and limitations of AI in ASD diagnosis and management. This paper highlights the evolution of medical practice towards a more AI-augmented future, demonstrating the capacity of AI to unlock new possibilities for healthcare professionals and patients alike.

Umblikal Hernili Hastaların Değerlendirilmesi: 6 Yıllık Deneyim

Objective: Umbilical hernia is a common anterior abdominal wall defect in childhood. Although the defect is present at birth, unlike other hernias of childhood, it may close spontaneously over time without the need for surgery. However, when these hernias do not close spontaneously, complications can develop that require emergency surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of spontaneous closure in patients diagnosed with umbilical hernia and the factors that influence this incidence, the complications that may develop during follow-up, the indications for surgery and the issues to consider when planning the follow-up of patients. Material and Methods: Between January 2006 and December 2011, 1928 patients diagnosed with umbilical hernia and followed up and treated in our clinic were included in the study. In this retrospective cohort study the current size of umbilical hernia, comorbidities and demographic characteristics of the patients were analysed. Operative data, complications and postoperative follow-up of the operated patients were evaluated. Results: The spontaneous closure rate of umbilical hernia was found to be 60%. The rate of spontaneous closure of umbilical hernia was higher in boys and the rate of operation was higher in girls. The risk of incarceration was higher in girls than in boys. The rate of spontaneous closure decreased with increasing defect size. It was found that comorbidities did not affect spontaneous closure of umbilical hernias. The rate of emergency surgery for incarceration was low (2%). Strangulation was noted in 1% of patients. All patients with incarceration were in Lassaletta group 2 (defect diameter 0.5-1.5 cm). Conclusion: Conservative management is still the most accepted and safest method in the treatment of umbilical hernia. Incarceration and strangulation are very rare in umbilical hernias. Even if the umbilical hernia is complicated, surgical treatment is possible and peri- and post-operative complication rates are very low. Long-term morbidity and mortality due to incarceration have not been reported in the literature.

Kiosk 2R-FB-11 - Left Ventricular Hemodynamics Recover After Closure of Atrial Septal Defect in Children

Kiosk 2R-FB-11 - Left Ventricular Hemodynamics Recover After Closure of Atrial Septal Defect in Children

Comparing clinical course and patients out comes in patients undergoing Open surgical Versus Thoracoscopic closure of the atrial and ventricular septal defects in children

The current study is aimed at evaluation of the impact of different surgical approaches while correcting congenital heart diseases (CHD). Clinical outcomes like; operative time, complications, hospital stay were evaluated in children undergoing surgical repair of atrial septal defect (ASD) and ventricular septal defect (VSD).&#x0D; Patients and methods: Between 2015 and 2019, a total of 111 patients surgically managed for CHD with male: female ratio of…. and mean age 10.42±3.24 years. Two surgical approaches: open either right anterolateral thoracotomy or sternotomy and thoracoscopic were used. The study conducted to determine the operative time, ICU stay, complications, recovery period and long term follow up of the patients in both the groups.&#x0D; Results: 67 patients with ASD and 44 patients with VSD underwent cardiac surgery. Mean operation time was significantly longer in TS patients in comparison with TT and ST groups. However, mean intensive care unit (ICU) stay and hospital stay were significantly shorter in TS group in comparison with TT and ST patients.&#x0D; Conclusion: TS approach in repair of congenital heart defects not only resulted of good cosmetic effect, but also reduces time in ICU and hospital stay in comparison with “classical” operational techniques. In this article we tried to show the whole results of research.&#x0D; Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 23 No. 01 January’24 Page : 115-120

Outcomes Following Closure of Secundum Atrial Septal Defect in Children ≤ 15 kg in a French Tertiary Centre.

Secundum atrial septal defects (sASDs) are common congenital cardiac defects mostly treated using a transcatheter approach. However, small children (<15 kg) are still undergoing surgical sASD closure in many centres. Although both options have been proved to have excellent results in children, comparative data of the two techniques are missing for patients ≤ 15 kg. The medical records of children ≤ 15 kg who underwent sASD surgical (group A) and transcatheter (group B) closure between 2010 and 2023 were reviewed retrospectively. Twenty-five children in group A and twenty-two in group B were included (mean weight 8.9 kg in group A and 10.3 kg in group B). The main indications for closure were right heart enlargement and failure to thrive. Major complications occurred in two patients in group A and none in group B. Minor complications occurred in eight patients in group A and one in group B. At last follow-up, symptoms resolved completely or improved significantly for all infants, with the exception of failure to thrive in the sub-population of children with extra-cardiac comorbidities. sASD closure can be performed safely in symptomatic infants ≤ 15 kg, even in the presence of comorbidity, and should not be postponed. However, in patients with extra-cardiac comorbidities, the only indication of growth retardation must be carefully evaluated.

Prevention of ankle joint deformities in children on the side of fibular graft intake for microsurgical transposition

BACKGROUND: Reconstructive operations of the musculoskeletal system in children may require the removal of a massive autograft for microsurgical bone grafting. The traditional donor site is the diaphyseal part of the fibula. In the late postoperative period, these patients may develop complications such as a valgus deformity of the ankle joint on the side of the donor fibular defect.&#x0D; AIM: To analyze the effectiveness of surgical methods for the prevention of hallux valgus of the ankle joint after free transplantation of a fragment of the fibula to replace limb-bone defects in children.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: The treatment results of 11 patients aged 11–16 years (6 girls and 5 boys), in whom an autograft from the fibular diaphysis was used to replace defects in long tubular bones were analyzed. Two patients had a femoral defect as a result of previously transferred hematogenous osteomyelitis. A congenital false joint of the femur was found in 2 patients, bones of the lower leg in 6, and the ulna in 1. The distal fragment of the resected fibula was stabilized by an autograft from the iliac bone, in eight and three cases at the level of the diaphysis and metaphysis of the specified fragment, respectively. The size of the resected fragment in % of the total length of the fibula and the level of distal osteotomy were considered. The presence and magnitude of the proximal displacement of the fragment and the position of the ankle joint gap were evaluated at least 5 years after surgery.&#x0D; RESULTS: In this study, ≥5 years after the intervention, proximal displacement of the distal fragment of the fibula was absent in only one patient. In the remaining 10, the displacement value did not exceed 3.5 mm. Valgus deformity in the ankle joint of 5° from the initial position developed in two patients. Its progression was prevented by temporary hemiepiphysis of the distal epiphysis of the tibia using a 4.0-mm diameter spongiose screw, whereas in up to 16 months, the valgus deformity progression stopped and decreased to initial values.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: Fibular resection in the optimal variant should preserve the distal part of the bone as much as possible, and the stability of the ankle joint increases with synostosis of the shin bones in the distal diaphyseal section without bringing the bones closer together. When a clinically significant valgus deformity appears (5° from the initial position) with the preservation of the function of the distal growth zone of the tibia, the use of temporary transphyseal hemiepiphysiodesis of the tibia for correction is optimal.

Assessing the Relationship Between Traditional In Vitro Fertilization and Birth Defects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Previously published meta-analyses revealed that IVF combined with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) had an increased risk of birth defects in children. ICSI is more invasive, expensive, and time-consuming than IVF, but both result in comparable live birth rates. Currently, despite traditional IVF being used less frequently nationally and internationally than combined IVF/ICSI, it is important to understand the relationship between traditional IVF and birth defects due to a paucity of literature. Objective This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on whether traditional IVF techniques increase the risk for “all” birth defects and “major” birth defects in singletons compared to naturally conceived children. Search Strategy PubMed and EMBASE databases adhered to PRISMA guidelines. Selection Criteria Study selection consisted of original publications in English reporting birth defects for IVF singletons vs. naturally conceived children. Data Collection and Analysis Nine selected items from STROBE criteria were employed to rate study quality. Random effect models were used to calculate pooled odds ratios. Results From 916 publications, fifteen studies met eligibility criteria. Eight studies were rated as high quality, while the remaining 7 were rated as medium. A higher rate of “all” birth defects (pooled OR= 1.44 (95% CI:1.15-1.80) as well as a higher risk for “major” birth defects (pooled OR= 1.64; 95% CI: 1.24-2.18) were observed among traditional IVF-conceived singletons compared to naturally conceived children. Conclusions This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to date to provide the highest available evidence that IVF is associated with “all” and “major” birth defects among IVF singletons compared to naturally conceived infants. Future large prospective studies should employ standardized reporting and uniform protocols for identifying birth defects with consistent diagnostic criteria for both minor and major birth defects, and comparable durations of follow-up in order to obtain an accurate estimate of birth defects after IVF.

Development of a Smart Game Application for Auditory Training of Children with Spatial Processing Disorder in Iran: A Pilot Study

Background and Aim: Identifying sound localization defects in children and using appropriate rehabilitation methods lead to improve their problem to use binaural processing skills to successfully suppress background noise and selectively attend to a particular auditory source. This pilot study aims to design a game for auditory training of children with Spatial Processing Disorder (SPD) in Iran and compare their performance in engagement time and speech recognition in noise with those of normal peers. Methods: The game application was designed based on the spatial separation of target and competing stimuli by applying head-related transfer functions. The child’s task was to identify the picture of the target word from among the displayed options. Participants were 24 children with SPD and 27 normal peers aged 7–9 years, who performed the speech recognition tasks using the designed game. Results: The game was fascinating and easy to use for most participants. There was no significant difference in mean engagement time between the two groups. The mean engagement time of participants was significantly different between the two groups in terms of age. The children with SPD obtained lower scores in speech recognition in noise tasks. There was no significant difference in speech recognition scores between girls and boys. Conclusion: The designed game application has the potential for speech recognition in- noise training of children with SPD in Iran. It is a fascinating and user-friendly tool for simulating the real-life auditory situations for these children. Keywords: Smart game; speech recognition; application; auditory training; design; spatial auditory processing disorder.

#298 : Congenital Anomalies in Children Born after Assisted Reproduction in the Czech Republic

Background and Aims: The number of children conceived by assisted reproduction techniques (ART) is increasing in the Czech Republic. However, several studies reported an increased incidence of congenital anomalies in ART-conceived children. The main goal of this study was to evaluate this theoretical risk using population-based data from Czech medical registries. Method: The retrospective epidemiological analysis was performed using data from the National Registry of Congenital Anomalies and the National Registry of Newborns, run by the Institute of Health Information and Statistics of the Czech Republic. All diagnoses of congenital anomalies (Q00-Q99) were included. The registration process is population-wide and compulsory by Czech law. We compared the incidences of congenital anomalies in naturally conceived children and ART-conceived children born in the Czech Republic for 8 years period (2013–2020). Statistical analysis was performed by Fisher’s exact test. Results: In our study, we demonstrated a higher incidence of congenital anomalies in the children born after ART (4.35%) compared to the incidence in the group of children born after spontaneous conception (3.90%). This difference was statically significant (p &lt; 0.05). In the group of children born after ART, congenital defects of the central nervous system, congenital heart defects, and congenital defects of the gastrointestinal tract were diagnosed more frequently. In some groups of congenital defects, a higher proportion of males compared to females and a higher representation of cases with a congenital defect in children born from multiple pregnancies were also found. Conclusion: The results from our population-based study confirm that the incidence of selected groups of congenital anomalies may be higher in children born after ART.

Safety and efficacy of Amplatzer duct occluder II and konar-MF™ VSD occluder in the closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects in children weighing less than 10 kg

IntroductionDevice closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects (pmVSD) is a successful off-label treatment alternative. We aim to report and compare the outcomes of pmVSD closure in children weighing less than 10 kg using Amplatzer Duct Occluder II (ADOII) and Konar-MF VSD Occluder (MFO) devices.MethodsRetrospective clinical data review of 52 children with hemodynamically significant pmVSD, and sent for transcatheter closure using ADOII and MFO, between January 2018 and January 2023. Baseline, procedural, and follow-up data were compared according to the implanted deviceResultsADOII devices were implanted in 22 children with a median age of 11 months (IQR, 4.1–14.7) and weight of 7.4 kg (IQR, 2.7–9.7). MFO devices were implanted in 30 children with a median age of 11 months (IQR, 4.8–16.6) and weight of 8 kg (IQR, 4.1–9.6). ADOII were implanted (retrograde, 68.1%) in defects with a median left ventricular diameter of 4.6 mm (IQR, 3.8–5.7) and right ventricular diameter of 3.5 mm (IQR, 3.1–4.9) while MFO were implanted (antegrade, 63.3%) in defects with a median left ventricular diameter of 7 mm (IQR, 5.2–11.3) (p &amp;gt; 0.05) and right ventricular diameter of 5 mm (IQR, 2.0, 3.5–6.2) (p &amp;lt; 0.05). The procedural and fluoroscopy times were shorter with the MFO device (p &amp;lt; 0.05). On a median follow-up of 41.2 months (IQR, 19.7–49.3), valvular insufficiency was not observed. One 13-month-old child (6.3 kg) with ADOII developed a complete atrioventricular heart block (CAVB) six months postoperative and required pacemaker implantation. One 11-month-old child (5.9 kg) with MFO developed a CAVB 3 days postoperative and the device was removed. At 6 months post-procedure, only one child with MFO still experiences a minor residual shunt. There was one arterio-venous fistula that resolved spontaneously.ConclusionBoth the MFO and ADOII are effective closure devices in appropriately selected pmVSDs. CAVB can occur with both devices. The MFO is inherently advantageous for defects larger than 6 mm and subaortic rims smaller than 3 mm. In the literature, our series represents the first study comparing the mid-term outcomes of MFO and ADOII devices in children weighing less than 10 kg.