Ductal-dependent Pulmonary Blood Flow Research Articles

Abstract 14104: Trends and Associated Outcomes in Neonates With Ductal-Dependent Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease Undergoing Surgical Systemic-Pulmonary Artery Shunts versus Catheter-Based Ductal Stents From the Pediatric Health Information System Database

Introduction: Neonates with ductal-dependent cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD) require palliation to establish stable pulmonary blood flow (PBF). Surgical systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunts have been the standard approach. More recently, catheter-based ductal stents have been performed as an alternative less invasive intervention. We aimed to characterize recent trends in the utilization of surgical shunts versus ductal stents and compare associated outcomes. Methods: Using data from the Pediatric Health Information System, we retrospectively analyzed neonates with CCHD who underwent surgical shunt or ductal stent placement to establish stable PBF between January 2016 and December 2021. Neonates with CCHD with ductal-dependent PBF were identified by ICD-10 diagnosis codes and stratified by surgical shunt or ductal stent using ICD-10 procedure codes. The primary outcome was post-intervention length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes were rate of reintervention on the ductal stent, surgical shunt, atrial septum, right ventricular outflow tract, or branch pulmonary arteries and adjusted hospital charges per admission. Results: Of the 931 patients included, 65.4% underwent a surgical shunt over the 5-year period. The proportion who underwent a ductal stent increased from 18.9% to 53.5% from 2016 to 2021. There was no significant difference in mortality (surgical shunt 6.1% vs ductal stent 4.4%, P=0.27). The median adjusted difference in LOS was 11 days greater for the surgical shunt cohort (95% CI: 8.5-13.5, P<0.001). The likelihood of reintervention was significantly greater in the ductal stent group (30 days: adjusted OR=2.19, 95% CI: 1.02-4.71, P=0.044; 3 months: adjusted OR=4.85, 95% CI: 3.13-7.52, P<0.011). Median adjusted total hospital charges were $572,400 (367,600-967,900) versus $302,500 (214,000-523,000) for the surgical shunt and ductal stent groups, respectively (P<0.001). Conclusions: Ductal stenting has become an increasingly utilized palliative approach to secure PBF in neonates with CCHD across various centers in the United States. Ductal stenting is associated with decreased LOS and reduced overall charges for the index hospitalization but also with a greater reintervention rate than surgical shunting.

Ductus Arteriosus Stenting in Neonates with Pulmonary Valve Atresia: Outcomes and Considerations

Background: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) stenting was invented particularly for congenital heart diseases with ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow, and newer techniques are constantly being introduced. Objectives: In this study, we investigate the one-year results of this procedure and describe some of our periprocedural considerations. Methods: The neonates with pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect (VSD) who underwent PDA stenting in our center from February 2016 to December 2019 were included in this retrospective study. Spo2 and McGoon ratios were recorded before and a year after stenting and compared to each other. Results: In 26 neonates, PDA stenting was performed; 20 procedures (77%) were successful, and six procedures (23%) were unsuccessful. Two of these unsuccessful cases died during the procedure, and two of them died as a result of neonatal sepsis following the procedure. A total of 18 PDAs (70%) were accessed via the axillary artery, 6 (23%) via the femoral artery, and 2 (7%) via the antegrade inferior vena cava route. The comparison between the results before and one year after stenting revealed the increase of O2 saturation from 53.78 ± 7.35 to 84.33 ± 6.5 (P-value = 0.032) and McGoon ratio from 1.16 ± 0.25 to 1.65 ± 0.34 (P-value = 0.041). Additionally, we discussed some technical considerations of PDA stenting, including the access point, management of pulmonary artery bifurcation stenosis, stent diameter, stenting of long and tortuous PDAs, thrombosis, and anticoagulation. Conclusions: Ductal stenting increases SpO2 and McGoon ratio and could be a less-invasive option for securing pulmonary blood circulation. However, further studies are required to advance PDA stenting techniques for specific anatomical features.

O-5 | Development of a Technical Performance Score for Stenting of the Ductus Arteriosus in Infants with Ductal-Dependent Pulmonary Blood Flow

Transcatheter stenting of the ductus arteriosus (DA) is a palliation strategy for ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow (PBF). This study aims to develop a Technical Performance Score (TPS) to assess procedural success and validate it with retrospective single-center outcome data.

O-2 | Development of a 3D Modeling Tool for Procedural Planning of Ductal Stenting

Ductus arteriosus stenting (DAS) is an important palliative option for infants with ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow (DD-PBF). However, assessment of patient candidacy and pre-procedural planning are complicated by complex PDA anatomy that is difficult to characterize by standard echocardiography. We aimed to develop a novel tool for 3D modeling and quantification of PDA structure using CT angiographic (CTA) images to inform interventional planning.

Abstract 45: Trends In Ductal Arteriosus Stent Versus Blalock-Thomas-Taussig Shunt Utilization In Neonates With Ductal-dependent Pulmonary Blood Flow

Background: Neonates with cyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD) and ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow require a life-saving intervention soon after birth. The modified Blalock-Thomas-Taussig shunt (BTTS) is a well-established palliative intervention for securing pulmonary blood flow. More recently, development of the ductus arteriosus stent (DAS) has presented an alternative option. There is no consensus regarding the optimal strategy. Observational studies have not demonstrated clear differences in mortality or unplanned reintervention for cyanosis between DAS and BTTS, with DAS associated with shorter length of stay but greater likelihood of other reinterventions. Objective: To examine trends in DAS versus BTTS utilization in a cohort of US neonates with cyanotic CHD. Methods: An observational study of neonates undergoing DAS or BTTS within 30 days of birth discharged 1/2017-12/2020 was performed using the Pediatric Health Information Systems database. Mixed-effects multivariate regression was used to adjust for patient characteristics and center-level covariance. Results: A total of 2143 subjects from 39 centers were studied (29% DAS). The proportion of DAS increased over the study period (PANEL A). Prematurity (OR 2.0, p<0.001), genetic anomalies (OR 1.2, p=0.02), and pulmonary atresia (OR 2.1, p<0.001) were associated with increased odds of performing DAS over of BTTS. Adjusting for measurable confounders, the odds of DAS increased significantly over time (OR 1.3 per year, p<0.001, PANEL B). However, there was significant intra-hospital practice variation not explained by differences in case-mix (MOR 3.48, 95% CI 2.58-5.15). Conclusion: Utilization of DAS is increasing overall. However, there remains significant variability in practice across US pediatric hospitals. Studies guiding optimal patient selection for DAS and BTTS are warranted.

Feasibility, safety, and efficacy of iron bioresorbable scaffold in neonates with duct-dependent pulmonary circulation.

Introduction:Bioresorbable stent has the theoretical advantage in the pediatric age group; however, experience in the literature is very limited.Objectives:This pilot study sought to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and performance of iron bioresorbable scaffold (IBS Angel™) as short-term palliation in lesions with noncomplex patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).Materials and Methods:Nine neonates with duct dependent but dual-source pulmonary blood flow (PBF) were included. Major stent-related complications, in-hospital course, stent patency up to 6 months, and unplanned re-interventions were studied, as well the percentage of stent material resorbed in patients in whom the stents were explanted at the surgery.Results:IBS Angel™ was successfully implanted in all nine patients (mean weight range 3.4 ± 0.4 kg). Six were pulmonary atresia with an intact ventricular septum and 1 critical pulmonary stenosis patients where PDA stenting was done together or after balloon dilation. The mean procedure and fluoroscopy times were 89 ± 39 min and 16.3 ± 6.9 min, respectively. There were no major complications such as stent thrombosis or embolization and there were no in-hospital deaths. Post procedure overshunting and prolonged ventilatory support was a prominent feature. The median ventilation days was 3 (1–11 days). One patient died after 1 month due to respiratory syncytial virus pneumonia at the referring hospital. At 6 months follow-up, four had patent stents and four had blocked or restrictive stent flow. One patient received re-stenting at 4 months for restrictive stent flow. In three patients where microcomputed tomography of explanted stent was available, resorption of iron was 15% at 6 months and >65% at 16 months.Conclusions:Ductal stenting with IBS Angel™ is feasible and safe in selected patients. Because of early luminal loss, its use may be recommended for lesions with dual-source PBF with noncomplex PDA morphology that requires a short duration of palliation.

Ductus Arteriosus Stent Compared with Surgical Shunt for Infants with Ductal-Dependent Pulmonary Blood Flow: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ductus arteriosus stent (DAS) compared with surgical systemic-pulmonary artery shunt (SPS) in patients with ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases from their inception to December 2020. Two reviewers independently screened the articles, evaluated the quality of the articles, and collected the data. Meta-analyses were conducted using fixed and random effects models. We used the I-square (I2 ) test to examine heterogeneity and the funnel plot Egger’s test was used to test for publication bias. We analyzed nine studies including 842 patients were included in the present study (DAS: n = 295; SPS: n = 547). There was a benefit in favor of DAS group for medium-term mortality (RR, 0.63; 95% CI, [0.40, 0.99]; P = 0.91, I2 = 0%). DAS group demonstrated a reduced risk for complications compared with SPS (RR, 0.46; 95% CI, [0.29, 0.72]; P = 0.78, I2 = 0%). There was an increased risk for unplanned reintervention for DAS (RR, 1.77; 95% CI, [1.42, 2.20]; P = 0.61, I2 = 0%). DAS demonstrated shorter mean intensive care unit length of stay (MD, –5.12; 95% CI, [–7.33, –2.91]; P = 0.005, I2 = 76%). There was also demonstrated higher postprocedure oxygen saturation for SPS over DAS (MD, 1.78; 95% CI, [0.92, 2.64]; P = 0.46, I2 = 0%). There was no difference between the two groups in terms of mortality within 30 days, Nakata Index, and hospital length of stay. Conclusions: In terms of initial palliative surgical in the ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow, DAS demonstrated a lower risk of medium-term mortality, lower risk of complications, higher risk of unplanned reintervention, shorter ICU length of stay, and higher postprocedure oxygen saturation compared with SPS.

Некротизирующий энтероколит у новорожденных с врожденными пороками сердца: частота и факторы риска

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious complication in newborns with critical congenital heart disease (CHD), prolonging hospital stay, worsening neurological prognosis, and increasing mortality. The leading role in the pathogenesis of NEC in these infants is the violation of mesenteric perfusion. A decrease in arterial blood oxygenation may be an additional risk factor for intestinal hypoxia. Objective. To assess the incidence and risk factors for NEC in full-term newborns with CHD born in 2019–2021 at the Perinatal Center of Almazov National Research Medical Center. Patients and methods. The article presents an analysis of the frequency and risk factors of NEC in children with CHD born at the Almazov National Medical Research Centre in 2019–2021. In the group of critical and duct-dependent CHD (n = 264), the overall incidence of NEC was 15.9% (42 cases). The frequency of surgical stages of NEC (IIIA) was 1.1% (3 cases). In the preoperative period, there was a trend towards a higher frequency of inotropic therapy in a subgroup of children who subsequently developed NEC. NEC in newborns with duct-dependent CHD developed mainly in the early postoperative period after cardiac surgery. In children with duct-dependent pulmonary blood flow, a higher incidence of NEC after surgery was noted compared to children with duct-dependent systemic blood flow. Conclusion. Risk factors for NEC in the postoperative period were arterial hypotension and hemodynamically significant cardiac arrhythmias. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and changes in microbial metabolism may be additional risk factors for NEC in children with CHD. Key words: necrotizing enterocolitis, risk factors, congenital heart disease, cardiopulmonary bypass, intestinal microbiome, metabolomics

Factors Influencing Reintervention Following Ductal Artery Stent Implantation for Ductal-Dependent Pulmonary Blood Flow: Results From the Congenital Cardiac Research Collaborative.

Stenting of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is an established palliative option for infants with ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow. Following initial palliation, reintervention on the PDA stent is common, but risk factors have not been characterized. Infants with ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow palliated with PDA stent between 2008 and 2015 were reviewed within the Congenital Cardiac Research Collaborative. Rates and risk factors for reintervention were analyzed. Among 105 infants who underwent successful PDA stenting, 41 patients (39%) underwent a total of 53 reinterventions on the PDA stent, with all but one occurring within 6 months of the initial intervention. Stent redilation constituted the majority of reintervention (n=35; 66%) followed by additional stent placement (n=11; 21%) and surgical shunt placement (n=7; 13%). The majority of reintervention was nonurgent, and there were no deaths during the reintervention procedure. All but one reintervention occurred within 6 months of the initial procedure. On univariate analysis, risk factors for reintervention included anticipated single-ventricle physiology, lack of prior balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty, use of drug-eluting stent, and increased ductal tortuosity. In infants with ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow palliated with PDA stent implantation, reintervention is common, can be performed safely, and is associated with both anatomic/procedural factors and anticipated final physiology.

Abstract 10383: Patent Ductus Arteriosus Stent versus Blalock-Thomas-Taussig Shunt for Initial Palliation of Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease with Ductal Dependent Pulmonary Blood Flow: Results of a Meta-Analysis

Introduction: In patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD) and ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow (DDPBF), initial palliation may include patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) stent or Blalock-Thomas-Taussig shunt (BTTS). This meta-analysis aimed to compare outcomes after PDA stent and BTTS. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed and Embase databases was performed. Newcastle-Ottawa tool assessed risk of bias in observational studies. Odds ratios and hazard ratios were pooled. Adjusted hazard ratios controlled for covariates and assessed time to event in survival analysis. Meta-analysis was performed using DerSimonian-Laird random-effects models. Results: Six retrospective observational studies were included, all low risk of bias. Of 757 patients, 243 (32.1%) had PDA stent and 514 (67.9%) had BTTS. There was no significant difference in mortality between PDA stent (HR 0.71; 95% CI: 0.26-1.93, p=0.50; I 2 =54%) and BTTS. PDA stent was associated with lower risk of complications (OR 0.45; 95% CI: 0.25-0.81, p=0.008; I 2 =0%) and post-procedural mechanical circulatory support (OR 0.27; 95% CI: 0.09-0.79, p=0.02; I 2 =0%). PDA stent was associated with shorter intensive care unit (-4.03 days; 95% CI: -5.99 to -2.07, p<0.001; I 2 =66%) length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS (-5.54 days; 95% CI: -9.20 to -1.88, p=0.003; I 2 =78%) and duration of mechanical ventilation (-3.41 days; 95% CI -5.29 to -1.52, p<0.001; I 2 =88%). There were no differences in pulmonary artery growth or hazard of unplanned reinterventions to treat cyanosis between groups. Conclusions: In this large meta-analysis of cyanotic CHD and DDPBF, initial palliation with PDA stent or BTTS demonstrated similar risks of mortality and unplanned reintervention to treat cyanosis. PDA stent was associated with fewer complications and shorter hospital LOS. Given limitations inherent to observational study, this analysis supports the development of a randomized clinical trial in this population.

Pre-procedural CT imaging aids neonatal PDA stenting for ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow with reduction in overall procedural morbidity.

Patent ductus arteriosus stenting for ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow is a technically challenging neonatal procedure to maintain a stable pulmonary circulation. Pre-procedural computed tomography imaging aids in outlining ductal origin, insertion, size, course and curvature. Computed tomography imaging may add value to procedural outcomes and reduce overall procedural morbidity in neonatal patent ductus arteriosus stenting. We conducted a single centre retrospective chart review of neonates with ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow who underwent patent ductus arteriosus stenting between January 1, 2014 and June 31, 2020. We compared patients variables between patients who underwent pre-procedural computed tomography imaging to those who did not. A total of 64 patients were referred for patent ductus arteriosus stenting with 33 (52%) obtaining pre-procedural computed tomography imaging. Average age [19 days; range 1-242 days (p = 0.85)] and weight [3.3 kg (range 2.2-6.0 kg; p = 0.19)] was not significantly different between the groups. A diagnosis of pulmonary atresia was made in 42 out of 64 (66%) patients prior to patent ductus arteriosus stenting. The cohort with pre-intervention computed tomography imaging had a significant reduction in the total number of access sites (1.2 versus 1.5; p = 0.03), contrast needed (5.9 versus 8.2 ml/kg; p = 0.008), fluoroscopy (20.7 versus 38.8 minutes; p = 0.02) and procedural time (83.4-128.4 minutes; p = 0.002) for the intervention. There was no significant difference in radiation burden between the groups (p = 0.35). Pre-procedural computed tomography imaging adds value by aiding interventional planning for neonatal patent ductus arteriosus stenting. A statistically significant reduction in the number of access sites, contrast exposure, as well as fluoroscopic and procedural time was noted without significantly increasing the cumulative radiation burden.

Comparison of Patent Ductus Arteriosus Stent and Blalock-Taussig Shunt as Palliation for Neonates with Sole Source Ductal-Dependent Pulmonary Blood Flow: Results from the Congenital Catheterization Research Collaborative.

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) stenting is an accepted method for securing pulmonary blood flow in cyanotic neonates. In neonates with pulmonary atresia and single source ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow (SSPBF), PDA stenting remains controversial. We sought to evaluate outcomes in neonates with SSPBF, comparing PDA stenting and surgical Blalock-Taussig shunt (BTS). Neonates with SSPBF who underwent PDA stenting or BTS at the four centers of the Congenital Catheterization Research Collaborative from January 2008 to December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Reintervention on the BTS or PDA stent prior to planned surgical repair served as the primary endpoint. Additional analyses of peri-procedural complications, interventions, and pulmonary artery growth were performed. A propensity score was utilized to adjust for differences in factors. Thirty-five patients with PDA stents and 156 patients with BTS were included. The cohorts had similar baseline characteristics, procedural complications, and mortality. Interstage reintervention rates were higher in the PDA stent cohort (48.6% vs. 15.4%, p < 0.001).

Transition to Ductal Stenting for Single Ventricle Patients Led to Improved Survival: An Institutional Case Series.

The use of systemic-to-pulmonary shunts (SPS) in neonates with single ventricle heart defects and ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow (ddPBF) was historically associated with high morbidity and mortality at our center. As a result, we transitioned to the preferential use of ductus arteriosus stents (DS) when feasible. This report describes our initial results with this strategy. A single-center study of single ventricle patients that received DS or SPS from 2015 to 2019 was performed to assess whether DS was associated with decreased in-hospital morbidity and increased survival to stage II palliation. A total of 34 patients were included (DS = 11; SPS = 23). Underlying cardiac anomalies were similar between groups and included pulmonary atresia, unbalanced atrioventricular septal defect, and tricuspid atresia. Procedure success was similar between groups (82% vs 83%). Two DS patients were converted to SPS, due to ductal vasospasm or pulmonary artery obstruction, and four SPS patients required surgical shunt revision. In DS patients, postprocedure mechanical ventilation duration was shorter (one vs three days, P = .009) and fewer required postprocedure extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (9% vs 39%, P = .11). A higher proportion of DS patients survived to stage II palliation (100% vs 64%, P = .035), and the probability of one-year survival was higher in DS patients (100% vs 61%, P = .02). At our center, patients with single ventricle heart defects and ddPBF that received DS experienced reduced in-hospital morbidity and increased survival to stage II palliation compared to SPS.

Blalock-Taussig shunt versus duct stenting for congenital heart diseases with ductal-dependent pulmonary circulation: Multicenter international study (BLADE)

Ductal stenting (DS) procedure has been proposed as an alternative to aortopulmonary shunts in congenital heart disease with ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow. Most reports comparing both techniques have limited numbers of patients and describe single-centre experience. The primary aim was to compare procedural overall survival to next-stage palliative or surgical repair. The secondary objectives were: – survival to 30 days, discharge, 1-year survival and up to the present; – early hospital morbidity; – incidence of re-interventions; – risk factors for morbidity and mortality; – predictive factors of success; – pulmonary artery growth. Infants < 1 year of age with duct- dependent pulmonary blood flow palliated, either mBTS or DS, as their first procedure were included. This is a retrospective, international multicenter study conducted in tertiary European centers with paediatric and congenital cardiology activity. A total of 644 patients were included. In total, 178 patients underwent DS procedure, and in 466 patients a mBTS was attempted. All baseline characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. DS procedure was elective in 78%. DS was approached predominantly from a femoral approach (65%). Most stents placed were mounted on 3.5- to 4-mm balloon and most cases required 1 or 2 stents (45%). DS was successful in 81%. DS failed was often related to univentricular physiology and duct morphology. A slightly increased risk of reintervention DS group was observed. Subsequent analysis (including the propensity score adjustment) is currently undertaken and would be available within the next months, to be described during the congress. There is a lack of data on large paediatric cohort comparing these techniques. Experienced shared from high-volume institutions would be a major interest to better define issues and may help to better establish the risk–benefit balance of the two therapeutic options.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus Stenting for All Ductal-Dependent Cyanotic Infants: Waning Use of Blalock-Taussig Shunts.

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Abstract 16377: Cardiovascular Computed Tomography Can Predict Branch Pulmonary Artery Stenosis in Neonates With Ductal Dependent Pulmonary Blood Flow

Background: A subpopulation of neonates with ductal dependent pulmonary blood flow (PBF) are at risk for branch pulmonary artery (PA) stenosis in the PA that receives the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Identification of this population is important in planning initial and future interventions. The objective of this study was to identify novel cardiovascular computed tomography (CCT) measures in the preoperative period that are associated with the need for future branch PA surgical or catheter-based intervention. Methods: In this single center retrospective study, we identified neonates (&lt; 28 days) with ductal dependent PBF who underwent CCT prior to initial intervention from 11/2003-12/2019. A single reviewer made conventional and novel measurements of the branch PAs as well as PDA size and configuration. The primary outcome was reached if there was any initial or subsequent surgical or catheter-based intervention on the branch PA that received the PDA. Results: A total of 47 neonates (16 female, 31 male) were included. 30 (64%) reached the primary outcome. Upon multivariable regression analysis, PDA origin at the aortic isthmus [OR 7.13 (95% CI 1.01-50.4), p = 0.049] and distance to the largest diameter (DLD) (Figure 1) [OR 1.24 (95% CI 1.01-1.51), p = 0.040] were independently associated with the primary outcome. DLD is the distance of the largest diameter of the PA with the PDA from the bifurcation in confluent PAs or from the insertion of the PDA in discontinuous PAs. On receiver operating characteristic analysis, area under the curve for DLD = 0.75, p = 0.01. A DLD &gt; 6 mm displayed 82% sensitivity and 67% specificity in identifying patients who met the primary outcome. Conclusions: PDA origin at the aortic isthmus and DLD can risk stratify patients at high risk for requiring surgical or catheterization-based branch PA interventions. Further analysis is needed to determine if intervention strategies based on these measurements improve patient outcomes.

The Relationship Between Preoperative Feeding Exposures and Postoperative Outcomes in Infants With Congenital Heart Disease.

To evaluate the association of preoperative risk factors and postoperative outcomes in infants with complex congenital heart disease. Single-center retrospective cohort study. Neonatal ICU and cardiovascular ICU. Infants of all gestational ages, born at Texas Children's Hospital between 2010 and 2016, with complex congenital heart disease requiring intervention prior to discharge. None. A total of 399 patients were enrolled in the study. Preoperative risk factors included feeding, type of feeding, feeding route, and cardiac lesion. Postoperative outcomes included necrotizing enterocolitis, hospital length of stay, and days to full feeds. The occurrence rate of postoperative necrotizing enterocolitis (all stages) was 8%. Preoperative feeding, type of feeding, feeding route, and cardiac lesion were not associated with higher odds of postoperative necrotizing enterocolitis. Cardiac lesions with ductal-dependent systemic blood flow were associated with a hospital length of stay of 19.6 days longer than those with ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow (p < 0.001) and 2.9 days longer to reach full feeds than those with ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow (p < 0.001), after controlling for prematurity. Nasogastric feeding route preoperatively was associated with a length of stay of 29.8 days longer than those fed by mouth (p < 0.001) and 2.4 days longer to achieve full feeds (p < 0.001), after controlling for prematurity and cardiac lesion. Preoperative diet itself was not associated with significant change in length of stay or days to reach full feeds. Although cardiac lesions with ductal-dependent systemic blood flow are considered high risk and may increase length of stay and days to achieve full feeds, they are not associated with a higher risk of postoperative necrotizing enterocolitis. Nasogastric route is not associated with a significantly higher risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, but longer length of stay and days to reach full feeds. These findings challenge our perioperative management strategies in caring for these infants, as they may incur more hospital costs and resources without significant medical benefit.

Bronchus compression relieved by patent ductus arteriosus stenting

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) stenting is evolving as an alternative to surgical aorto-pulmonary shunts for infants with ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow. Given anatomical proximity, the PDA can compress the ipsilateral bronchus. We report a case series of four patients with bronchial compression by a tortuous PDA who underwent PDA stenting. Our four patients received PDA stents for ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow despite preprocedure imaging evidence of bronchial compression. We reviewed the cross-sectional chest imaging to assess the degree of bronchial compression and the variables that affect it, namely PDA size, PDA tortuosity, and the anatomical relationship between the compressed bronchus and the PDA. Three out of the four patients had postprocedure imaging, and all showed relief of the previously seen bronchial compression. Post-PDA stenting patients had a smaller and straight PDA with significant lateralization away from the compressed bronchus. None of the four patients developed symptoms of bronchial compression poststenting. Our study suggests that pre-existing bronchial compression does not preclude PDA stenting. Stent placement in an engorged and tortuous PDA led to significant improvement in pre-existing bronchial compression. Improvement may be attributed to PDA shrinkage, straightening, and lateralization. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Duct stenting versus modified Blalock–Taussig shunt in neonates and infants with duct-dependent pulmonary blood flow: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveThe aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate whether duct stenting is associated with better survival and other clinical outcomes compared with the modified Blalock–Taussig shunt in infants with duct-dependent pulmonary flow. MethodsA systematic search of the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases was performed by 4 independent reviewers from inception to March 2019. Meta-analysis was performed using the DerSimonian and Laird method with inverse-variance weighting. The quality of evidence was summarized using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework. ResultsSix comparative observational studies were included, of which 3 were rated low risk of bias. There was no difference in 30-day mortality between the Blalock–Taussig shunt and duct stenting groups (risk ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.46-2.27; P = .96; I2 = 0%). However, there was benefit in favor of duct stenting for medium-term mortality (risk ratio, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.40-0.99; P = .05; I2 = 0%). Duct stenting demonstrated a reduced risk for procedural complications compared with the Blalock–Taussig shunt (risk ratio, 0.50; 95% confidence interval, 0.31-0.81; P = .005; I2 = 0%). However, there was an increased risk for unplanned reintervention for duct stenting (risk ratio, 1.77; 95% confidence interval, 1.39-2.26; P < .00001; I2 = 10%). Duct stenting demonstrated shorter mean intensive care unit length of stay (mean difference, −4.69 days; 95% confidence interval, −7.30 to −2.07; P = .0004; I2 = 80%), as well as shorter hospital length of stay (mean difference, −5.78 days; 95% confidence interval, −9.27 to −2.28; P = .0009, I2 = 75%). The overall quality of evidence was rated low using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework. ConclusionsDuct stenting demonstrated comparable early mortality, lower medium-term mortality, lower risk of procedural complications, and higher risk of reintervention compared with the Blalock–Taussig shunt.

Interventional cardiac catheterization in neonatal age: results in a multicentre Italian experience

BackgroundDespite recent technical advances, interventional cardiac catheterization is still challenging in neonatal age and no specific data concerning early outcome are so far published in literature. MethodsNeonatal trans-catheter cardiac interventions performed in high-volume Italian referral centers were retrospectively analyzed. Primary outcomes were procedural major adverse events, in-hospital mortality and procedural failure. Secondary outcomes were minor adverse events and need for blood transfusion. ResultsFrom January 2000 to December 2017, 1423 newborns (mean weight 3.0 ± 0.6 kg, range 1.0–5.8; median age 2.0 days) underwent interventional cardiac catheterization. Overall, global procedure adverse event rate and in-hospital mortality were 10.2% and 5.2%, respectively. At multi-variable analysis, primary composite outcome was significantly related to low-weight (<2.5 kg) (p < 0.01) and younger age (≤7 days) (p < 0.01) at the procedure, prematurity (p < 0.01), uni-ventricular physiology (p < 0.01), associated genetic syndromes (p < 0.01) and procedure risk category (p < 0.01). No relationship between volume of activity of any single center and procedure outcome was found. Over time, a trend toward an increased number of procedures and their complexity was recorded. Trans-catheter management of cardiac malformations with critical, duct-dependent pulmonary blood flow by arterial duct stenting or right ventricular outflow tract stenting showed the highest increase. ConclusionsInterventional cardiac catheterization is relatively safe and feasible in neonatal age. Peri-natal age, low weight, uni-ventricular physiology and genetic syndromes still significantly contribute to procedural morbidity and in-hospital mortality of this approach.