Ligation Of Ductus Arteriosus Research Articles

High-Throughput Genomics Identify Novel FBN1/2 Variants in Severe Neonatal Marfan Syndrome and Congenital Heart Defects.

Fibrillin-1 and fibrillin-2, encoded by FBN1 and FBN2, respectively, play significant roles in elastic fiber assembly, with pathogenic variants causing a diverse group of connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome (MFS) and congenital contractural arachnodactyly (CCD). Different genomic variations may lead to heterogeneous phenotypic features and functional consequences. Recent high-throughput sequencing modalities have allowed detection of novel variants that may guide the care for patients and inform the genetic counseling for their families. We performed clinical phenotyping for two newborn infants with complex congenital heart defects. For genetic investigations, we employed next-generation sequencing strategies including whole-genome Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) microarray for infant A with valvular insufficiency, aortic sinus dilatation, hydronephrosis, and dysmorphic features, and Trio whole-exome sequencing (WES) for infant B with dextro-transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA) and both parents. Infant A is a term male with neonatal marfanoid features, left-sided hydronephrosis, and complex congenital heart defects including tricuspid regurgitation, aortic sinus dilatation, patent foramen ovale, patent ductus arteriosus, mitral regurgitation, tricuspid regurgitation, aortic regurgitation, and pulmonary sinus dilatation. He developed severe persistent pulmonary hypertension and worsening acute hypercapnic hypoxemic respiratory failure, and subsequently expired on day of life (DOL) 10 after compassionate extubation. Cytogenomic whole-genome SNP microarray analysis revealed a deletion within the FBN1 gene spanning exons 7-30, which overlapped with the exon deletion hotspot region associated with neonatal Marfan syndrome. Infant B is a term male prenatally diagnosed with isolated D-TGA. He required balloon atrial septostomy on DOL 0 and subsequent atrial switch operation, atrial septal defect repair, and patent ductus arteriosus ligation on DOL 5. Trio-WES revealed compound heterozygous c.518C>T and c.8230T>G variants in the FBN2 gene. Zygosity analysis confirmed each of the variants was inherited from one of the parents who were healthy heterozygous carriers. Since his cardiac repair at birth, he has been growing and developing well without any further hospitalization. Our study highlights novel FBN1/FBN2 variants and signifies the phenotype-genotype association in two infants affected with complex congenital heart defects with and without dysmorphic features. These findings speak to the importance of next-generation high-throughput genomics for novel variant detection and the phenotypic variability associated with FBN1/FBN2 variants, particularly in the neonatal period, which may significantly impact clinical care and family counseling.

Staged biventricular repair in a premature neonate with critical aortic stenosis, severe mitral regurgitation, and fetal hydrops: a case report

BackgroundThe surgical management of critical aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation, and left ventricular dysfunction is a significant clinical challenge. Whether left ventricular function will recover to support systemic circulation after the relief of aortic stenosis is a concern. In this setting, surgical or balloon aortic valvotomy combined with bilateral pulmonary artery banding and atrial septectomy may allow time for left ventricular adaptation, while the systemic circulation is supported by the right ventricle through the ductus arteriosus. We describe the case of a premature neonate with critical aortic stenosis, severe mitral regurgitation, and fetal hydrops who successfully underwent staged biventricular repair after bilateral pulmonary artery banding, atrial septectomy, balloon aortic valvuloplasty, and stent implantation for ductus arteriosus.Case presentationA 29-year-old female was referred to our hospital at 25 weeks of gestation with fetal echocardiography findings of critical aortic stenosis, severely impaired left ventricular function, severe mitral regurgitation, and restrictive foramen ovale. At 33 weeks of gestational age, the baby was born via cesarean delivery. Prostaglandin E1 infusion was immediately initiated, and the neonate underwent emergecy bilateral pulmonary artery banding and atrial septectomy. On the second day, a balloon aortic valvuloplasty was performed. The neonate underwent stent implantation to open the ductus arteriosus and multiple-balloon aortic valvuloplasty. At 4 months of age, he underwent biventricular repair consisting of surgical aortic valvuloplasty, atrial septal defect closure, bilateral pulmonary artery debanding, and ductus arteriosus ligation. At 1 year of age, he underwent the Ross –Konno procedure. Six years after the operation, the patient’s general condition was stable, and the patient is doing well.ConclusionsStaged biventricular repair was successfully achieved in a premature neonate with fetal hydrops and critical aortic stenosis associated with severe mitral valve regurgitation and left ventricular dysfunction.

Comparison of neurally adjusted ventilatory assist and synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation in preterm infants after patent ductus arteriosus ligation: a retrospective study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the efficacy of neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) to synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) in preterm infants requiring mechanical ventilation after patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on intubated preterm infants who underwent PDA ligation at our hospital from July 2021 to January 2023. Infants were divided into NAVA or SIMV groups based on the ventilation mode after surgery.ResultsFifty preterm infants were included. During treatment, peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) and mean airway pressure (MAP) were lower with NAVA compared to SIMV (PIP: 19.1 ± 2.9 vs. 22.4 ± 3.6 cmH2O, P < 0.001; MAP: 9.1 ± 1.8 vs. 10.9 ± 2.7 cmH2O, P = 0.002). PaO2 and PaO2/FiO2 were higher with NAVA (PaO2: 94.0 ± 11.7 vs. 84.8 ± 15.8 mmHg, P = 0.031; PaO2/FiO2: 267 [220–322] vs. 232 [186–290] mmHg, P = 0.025). Less sedation was required with NAVA (midazolam: 1.5 ± 0.5 vs. 1.1 ± 0.3 μg/kg/min, P < 0.001).ConclusionCompared to SIMV, early use of NAVA post PDA ligation in preterm infants was associated with decreased PIP and MAP. Early NAVA was also associated with reduced sedation needs and improved oxygenation. However, further studies are warranted to quantify the benefits of NAVA ventilation.

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

The detailed hemodynamics after patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation in preterm infants remain unknown. We aimed to clarify the effect of surgical ligation on left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) volume and function. Echocardiography was performed in 41 preterm infants (median gestational age: 25 weeks) before and after PDA ligation. Global longitudinal strain was determined using three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. These values were compared with those in 36 preterm infants without PDA (non-PDA). Preoperatively, the PDA group had greater end-diastolic volume (EDV) and cardiac output (CO) in both ventricles, a higher LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (53% vs 44%) and LV global longitudinal strain, and a lower RVEF (47% vs 52%) than the non-PDA group. At 4-8 h postoperatively, the two groups had a similar LVEDV and RVEDV. However, the PDA group had a lower EF and CO in both ventricles than the non-PDA group. At 24-48 h postoperatively, the RVEF was increased, but the LVEF remained decreased, and LVCO was increased. PDA induces biventricular loading and functional abnormalities in preterm infants, and they dramatically change after surgery. Three-dimensional echocardiography may be beneficial to understand the status of both ventricles. Preterm infants are at high risk of hemodynamic compromise following a sudden change in loading conditions after PDA ligation. Three-dimensional echocardiography enables quantitative and serial evaluation of ventricular function and volume in preterm infants with PDA. PDA induces biventricular loading and functional abnormalities in preterm infants, and they dramatically change after surgery.

Injection Laryngoplasty for Children with Dysphagia after Cardiac Surgery.

To determine whether injection laryngoplasty (IL) resolves thin liquid aspiration among children with unilateral vocal cord paralysis (UVCP) after cardiac surgery. Retrospective case-control. Tertiary children's hospital. Consecutive children (<5 years) between 2012 and 2022 with UVCP after cardiac surgery were included. Resolution of thin liquid aspiration after IL versus observation was determined for children obtaining videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS). A total of 32 children with left UVCP after cardiac surgery met inclusion. Initial surgeries were N = 9 (28%) patent ductus arteriosus ligations, N = 7 (22%) aortic arch surgeries, N = 9 (28%) surgeries for hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and N = 7 (22%) other cardiac surgeries. The mean age at initial surgery was 1.8 months (SD: 3.7). All children had a VFSS obtained after surgery that confirmed aspiration. There were 17 children that obtained an IL at 33.6 months (SD: 20.9) after cardiac surgery and 15 children observed without IL procedure. No surgical complications after IL were noted. The rate of aspiration resolution based on postoperative VFSS was N = 14 (82%) for the IL group and N = 9 (60%) for the control group P = .24. Documented VFSS aspiration resolution after cardiac surgery occurred by 9.6 months (SD: 10.0) in the observation group and 47.4 months (SD: 24.1) in the IL group (P < .001). IL can help treat aspiration in children with UVCP after cardiac surgery but the benefit beyond observation remains unclear. Future studies should continue to explore the utility for IL in managing dysphagia in this pediatric population.

Survival benefits of the wait-and-grow approach in small babies (≤2000 g) requiring heart surgery

ObjectiveThe best approach to minimize the observed higher mortality of newborn infants with low birth weight who require congenital heart surgery is unclear. This retrospective study was designed to review outcomes of newborn infants weighing <2000 g who have undergone cardiovascular surgery to identify patient parameters and clinical strategies for care associated with higher survival. MethodsA retrospective chart review of 103 patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery from 2010 to 2021 who were identified as having low birth weight (≤2000 g). Patients who underwent only patent ductus arteriosus ligation or weighing >3500 g at surgery were excluded. ResultsMedian age was 24 days and weight at the time of surgery was 1920 g. Twenty-six (25%) operative mortalities were recorded. Median follow-up period was 2.7 years. The 1- and 3-year overall Kaplan-Meier survival estimate was 72.4% ± 4.5% and 69.1% ± 4.6%. The 1-year survival of patients who had a weight increase >300 g from birth to surgery was far superior to the survival of those who did not achieve such a weight gain (81.4% ± 5.6% vs 64.0% ± 6.7%; log-rank P = .04). By multivariable Cox-hazard regression analysis, the independent predictor of 1-year mortality was genetic syndrome (hazard ratio, 3.54; 95% CI, 1.67-7.82; P < .001), whereas following a strategy of increasing weight from birth to surgery resulted in lower mortality (hazard ratio, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.24-0.90; P = .02). ConclusionsA strategy of wait and grow for newborn infants with very low birth weight requiring heart surgery results in better survival than immediate surgery provided that the patient's condition allows for this waiting period.

Clinical Risk Factors for Retinopathy of Prematurity Reactivation after Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Injection.

To assess the rate and risk factors for reactivation of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) after intravitreal injection (IVI) of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents. Infants who received IVI therapy between 2017 and 2022 were enrolled and divided into two groups: those with and without ROP reactivation. Information on ROP variables and patient variables were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. A total of 114 infants with 223 eyes were enrolled in the study. The ROP reactivation rate was 11.4% of infants (9.9% of eyes). The mean duration of reactivation was 84 ± 45 days. Among the 223 eyes treated with IVI, reactivation rates were 6% for bevacizumab, 13.9% for aflibercept, and 22.2% for ranibizumab. A multivariable regression model showed that ranibizumab was an independent risk factor (OR: 11.4, p=0.008) for reactivation. Other risk factors included infants with periventricular leukomalacia (OR: 13.8, p=0.003), patent ductus arteriosus ligation (OR: 10.7, p=0.032), and infants who still required invasive mechanical ventilation on the day of IVI therapy (OR: 7.0, p=0.018). All anti-VEGF agents carry a risk of ROP reactivation, with the risk being higher with ranibizumab 0.25 mg than with bevacizumab 0.625 mg. Reactivation of ROP should be assessed vigilantly, especially in those infants with increased risks. Future research to determine the optimal anti-VEGF selection and dosage in high-risk infants is warranted.

Anesthesia management experience for pediatric day-case PDA ligation under thoracoscopy assisted by a robot: a retrospective study

BackgroundTo summarize the anesthesia management experience for pediatric day-case patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation under robot-assisted thoracoscopy and explore the key points of anesthesia management for this procedure.MethodsThe clinical data of 72 pediatric patients who underwent robot-assisted thoracoscopic day-case PDA ligation at the Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from April 2021 to February 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. 0.3% ropivacaine local infiltration combined with S-ketamine 0.2 mg/kg intravenous injection was used for postoperative analgesia The patient’s basic information and intraoperative conditions were analyzed, which included gender, age, weight, surgery time, anesthesia time, extubation time, intraoperative blood loss, MAP before pneumothorax, PaCO2 before pneumothorax, etc. Postoperative conditions were also monitored, such as PACU stay time, agitation during the recovery period, pain, and the incidence of nausea and vomiting. After discharge, the recovery status was assessed.ResultsA total of 70 pediatric patients who met the criteria for day-case PDA ligation were included in this study. Before the occurrence of pneumothorax, the mean arterial pressure (MAP) of these 70 patients was 69.58 ± 12.52 mmHg, and during controlled hypotension, the MAP was 54.96 ± 11.23 mmHg. Before the occurrence of pneumothorax, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) was 38.69 ± 3.38 mmHg, and during controlled hypotension, the PaCO2 was 51.42 ± 4.05 mmHg. Three cases experienced agitation during the recovery period, and four cases had mild pain, but there was no moderate or severe pain, nausea, or vomiting. Only 1 case of postoperative respiratory tract infection and 1 case of postoperative pneumothorax occurred. Within 30 days after discharge, the unplanned revisit rate, unplanned readmission rate, and surgical wound infection rate were all 0. The residual shunt rate detected by echocardiography was 0 after 1 month.ConclusionsThe children under the robot-assisted thoracoscopic day case PDA surgeries in this study have limited trauma, little bleeding, and little postoperative pain, though still at a risk of respiratory infection and pneumothorax.

Application of Foley balloon catheter in palliative surgery for pulmonary atresia with an intact ventricular septem, with additional cases of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and tetralogy of Fallot

BackgroundPulmonary atresia and tetralogy of Fallot can require palliative surgery in the neonatal period due to severe hypoxia; however, limitations of established techniques include high failure rate and need for cardiopulmonary bypass. Herein, right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction on a beating heart using a Foley balloon catheter is described.MethodsA retrospective review of patients who underwent right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction on a beating heart using a Foley balloon catheter at our institution between September 2018 and March 2022 was completed. During the procedure, a Foley balloon catheter was used to occlude the blood from the right ventricular inflow tract.ResultsEight patients with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum underwent an off-pump right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction. One patient with pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect, and two patients with tetralogy of Fallot underwent an on-pump right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction on a beating heart. The procedures were successful in all patients. Patent ductus arteriosus ligation without modified Blalock-Taussig shunt placement was performed in three patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and two patients with tetralogy of Fallot, ductus arteriosus was left open in four patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum. All patients remained clinically well without serious complications.ConclusionsRight ventricular outflow tract reconstruction on a beating heart using a Foley balloon catheter for pulmonary atresia and tetralogy of Fallot is a feasible alternative to catheter-based interventions or traditional surgical treatment, especially in patients with muscular infundibular stenosis or hypoplastic pulmonary annulus. Further studies with more cases are needed to verify feasibility and superiority of this approach.

Abstract 15296: Incidence and Predictive Factors for Left Ventricular Dysfunction After Transcatheter Device Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants

Background: Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction is a known complication after ligation or device closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Recently, an increasing number of premature and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants undergo transcatheter device closure of PDAs. Afterload sensitivity of the immature myocardium may be expected to result in important changes in LV ejection fraction (EF) post-procedure. Aim: To evaluate incidence and magnitude of LV dysfunction after device closure of PDA in ELBW infants. Methods: Subjects undergoing PDA device closure from 2020-2022 who were ELBW (&lt;1 kg) and extremely premature (gestational age &lt;29 weeks) at birth were included. A single cardiologist reviewed each pre- and post-intervention echocardiogram and calculated LVEF. Mildly depressed function was defined as an LVEF &lt;53%, moderately depressed as LVEF &lt;40% and severely depressed as LVEF &lt;30%. Results: There were 62 subjects who met inclusion criteria. Mean gestational age and birth weight were 24.8 weeks and 646 g, respectively. Mean age and weight at intervention were 7.9 weeks and 1718 g, respectively. All patients had normal LVEF pre-procedure (mean LVEF 68%) with a significant decline post-procedure to 60% (p&lt;0.001) (Figure). Post-procedure, 80.6% of subjects maintained normal LVEF. Of 12 subjects who developed depressed function, 83% (n=10) had mildly depressed function and 17% (n=2) had moderately depressed function. There was no significant difference in post-procedure LV dysfunction in relation to pre-procedural PDA size, left atrial dilation, or LV dilation on univariate analysis. All subjects recovered function without additional inotropic support with a median time to observed normal LVEF of 5 days. Conclusions: LV dysfunction develops in 19% of ELBW infants undergoing PDA device occlusion, is usually mild in severity, and normalizes in all subjects. The size of PDA or degree of left heart dilation does not predict LV dysfunction in this population.

Unnecessity of routine chest tube drainage after patent ductus arteriosus ligation in preterm neonates

BackgroundConventionally, a chest tube drainage is placed following patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation to monitor possible bleeding and drain air or effusion postoperatively. However, the necessity of chest tube drainage after thoracotomy in PDA ligation is controversial. We evaluated the feasibility and safety of omitting chest tube drainage in preterm neonates who underwent PDA ligation via thoracotomy.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 56 preterm neonates who underwent surgical ligation of PDA via thoracotomy in the neonatal intensive care unit between January 2014 and March 2022.ResultsThe median gestational age was 26.9 (interquartile range [IQR]: 25.9–28.8) weeks and the median body weight at birth was 895 (IQR: 795–1190) g. The median age on the day of surgery was 17.0 (IQR: 10.0–22.0) days and the median body weight on the day of surgery was 1100 (IQR: 958–1410) g. The median operative time was 44.5 (IQR: 35.5–54.0) minutes. There were no intraoperative events or procedure-related deaths. On postoperative chest radiographs, no patients had major complications, such as pneumothorax or hemothorax. Nineteen patients (34%) had minor complications of subcutaneous emphysema around the thoracotomy site. No patients required additional chest tube drainage for postoperative bleeding, pleural effusion, or progressive subcutaneous emphysema. No patients had surgical wound infections. There were seven in-hospital mortalities, which were unrelated to the surgery.ConclusionsOmitting chest tube drainage is feasible and safe for the postoperative management of preterm neonates undergoing PDA ligation via thoracotomy.

Effects of Milrinone on Neonates after Patent Ductus Arteriosus Ligation: A Retrospective Nationwide Database Study

Introduction: Milrinone is administered after patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation to prevent and treat postoperative hemodynamic instability (i.e., postligation cardiac syndrome). We aimed to explore the effectiveness of milrinone on in-hospital outcomes in infants who underwent PDA ligation using a nationwide inpatient database in Japan. Methods: Using the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database, we identified patients who received milrinone after PDA ligation (n = 428) in neonatal intensive care units between July 2010 and March 2021 and those who did not (n = 3,392). We conducted a 1:4 propensity score-matched analysis with adjustment for background characteristics (e.g., gestational age, birth weight, comorbidities, preoperative treatments, and hospital background) to compare morbidities (bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, and retinopathy of prematurity), mortality, total hospitalization costs, and other outcomes. For sensitivity analysis, we performed an overlap propensity score-weighted analysis. Results: In-hospital morbidity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, and necrotizing enterocolitis occurred in 58%, 48%, 9.5%, and 7.1% of patients, respectively; the in-hospital mortality was 5.4%. After 1:4 propensity score matching, no significant difference was observed regarding mortality (7.1 vs. 5.7%), in-hospital morbidity (55 vs. 50%), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (44 vs. 41%), intraventricular hemorrhage (7.8 vs. 9.1%), necrotizing enterocolitis (8.5 vs. 8.9%), retinopathy of prematurity (21 vs. 22%), or total hospitalization costs (median: approximately 86,000 vs. 82,000 US dollars) between milrinone users (n = 425) and nonusers (n = 1,698). Sensitivity analyses yielded consistent results. Conclusions: Milrinone use after PDA ligation was not associated with improved in-hospital outcomes, such as mortality and morbidity.

Experiences in Patent Ductus Arteriosus Closure of Preterm Infants Transported to Another Center for Surgical Ligation.

The timing of surgical patent ductus arteriosus ligation in preterm infants remains controversial. Early ligation (<2 or 3 weeks of life) benefits preterm infants with a lower incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and necrotizing enterocolitis. We present patent ductus arteriosus ligation experience in premature infants who had been transported for closure to an outside centre other than the hospital they were hospitalized. We retrospectively evaluated 17 consecutive patients who had undergone surgery of premature infant patent ductus arteriosus closure during the period of March 2009-December 2020. Patent ductus arteriosus had been clipped in 17 patients. The median birth weight and age were 930 g and 28 gestation weeks, respectively. The birth age of the sub-groups were A: ≤28 weeks and B: >28 weeks and birthweight were group I: ≤800 g and group II: >800 g. The median day of PDA ligation wasa 20 days, and patients with birthweight ≤800 g were ligated later than patients weighing >800 g. Two patients had intracranial hemorrhage, 6 had bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and 2 were dead. We found that exposure to large patent ductus arteriosus and low birth age in preterm babies was associated with longer hospitalization duration, preoperative mechanical ventilation time, and sepsis. Infants exposed to moderate-to-large patent ductus arteriosus requiring intubation and resistant to medical therapy for more than 2 weeks should have surgical ligation as soon as possible.

Corrigendum: Rectal Acetaminophen Improves Shunt Volume and Reduces Patent Ductus Arteriosus Ligation in Extremely Preterm Infants.

Corrigendum: Rectal Acetaminophen Improves Shunt Volume and Reduces Patent Ductus Arteriosus Ligation in Extremely Preterm Infants.

First Ever Hybrid Procedure of Balloon Co-arctoplasty &amp; Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) Ligation in a Neonate in Bangladesh

First Ever Hybrid Procedure of Balloon Co-arctoplasty &amp; Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) Ligation in a Neonate in Bangladesh

Comparative Effectiveness of Surgical Ligation and Catheter Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Infants.

To evaluate the association, if any, between closure modality (surgical ligation SL vs. catheter CC) of a hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), after failure of or contraindication to medical therapy, and immediate procedural complications, and post-procedure physiologic status in preterm (gestational age < 32weeks) infants. In this single-center retrospective cohort study, data were accessed on infants < 32weeks gestation, who underwent SL or CC of PDA, born from 2019-2021. The choice of modality was determined by parents, after they were provided information on both procedures. Our cohort (n = 112) included 36 (32.1%) infants who underwent SL while 76 (67.9%) underwent CC. The SL group of infants were significantly more immature at birth, younger on admission to the level IV NICU and received more mean (SD) surfactant doses than the CC group. Higher proportions of infants in the SL group had 5-min Apgar scores ≤ 5, seizures, severe intracranial hemorrhage and had received medical therapy for PDA. Both procedures were highly efficacious, with 1 unsuccessful device placement attempt and had low associated adverse events. Two (2.6%) infants had device migration 24h after CC. SL was associated with a higher rate of immediate postoperative hypothermia whereas, in the CC group, mean airway pressure was significantly lower 48h after, compared to before the procedure. SL and CC are comparable in short-term efficacy and safety for PDA closure. Long-term outcomes data are needed following both procedures.

On-table Extubation Facilitated by Regional Analgesic Techniques Combined with General Anesthesia for PDA Ligation: A Case-series and Literature Review

Background: An increasing embracement of safer regional techniques as pivotal components of multimodal analgesia regimen has made fast-tracking possible following pediatric cardiac surgery. Speaking of fast-tracking in pediatrics, the feasibility of on-table extubation (OTE), and its’ potential benefits are also being ardently researched with simultaneous emphasis on appropriate patient selection and adequate perioperative safety. Case Series: We report eight consecutive pediatric cases featuring a combination of serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) or erector spinae plane block (ESPB) to general anesthesia (GA) for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation through a left thoracotomy incision. Following induction of GA, the left-sided SAPB was performed in five patients and the other three patients received left-sided ESPB, each with 0.5 mL/kg of 0.2% ropivacaine. Demonstrating a mean intraoperative fentanyl requirement of 3.25 ± 0.71 µg/kg, OTE could be successfully contemplated in all the 8 patients. Subsequently, the post-operative face, leg, activity, cry, and consolability (FLACC) score was recorded at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 h. Meanwhile, all the patients depicted acceptable pain scores till 4 h, administration of 0.5 µg/Kg rescue fentanyl was necessitated in three patients each at 6-h and 8-h postoperatively (given FLACC scores ≥4), amounting to a mean 0.375 ± 0.23 µg/kg post-operative fentanyl requirement. All patients received intravenous paracetamol at 8-h postoperatively. No block-related complication or need for reintubation was discovered. Conclusion: Incorporation of fascial plane blocks (SAPB or ESPB) to the conduct of GA for PDA ligation, allowed for safe OTE in our experience, due to an opioid-sparing potential.

Lung ultrasound score predicts patent ductus arteriosus ligation among neonates ≤25 weeks.

This prospective study aimed to investigate whether lung ultrasound score (LUSs) can predict the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation. Preterm infants ≤25 weeksof gestational age (GA) were enrolled. Alung ultrasoundwas performed on the 14th day of life. Each lung zone was given a score between 0 and 4. A receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to evaluate the ability of the LUSsfor predicting ligation. A total of 81 infants were eligible with a median GA and birth weight (BW) of 25weeks(24.1-25.2) and 710 g (645-770), respectively. The median time from birth to ligation was 35 days (32-51). Those who underwent ligation had a longer time of mechanical ventilation (34 [26-39] vs. 19 [12-30], p < 0.001), shorter time of noninvasive respiratory support (39 [32-51] vs. 50 [41.5-57], p < 0.01), higher incidence of the bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD) (p < 0.01), and severe BPD (p < 0.001). The LUSshad an area under the ROC of 0.96 (95% confidence interval: 0.93-0.99) for the prediction of ligation. ALUSscutoff of 36 has a sensitivity and specificity of 96% and 86% and positive and negative predictive values of 82% and 98%, respectively. LUSsat an early stage of life can predict PDA ligation in extremely preterm infants. It would be helpful to reduce morbidity by reducing the duration and magnitude of respiratory support.

Extreme prematurity and perinatal risk factors related to extremely preterm birth are associated with complex patterns of regional brain volume alterations at 10 years of age: a voxel-based morphometry study.

Structural brain volumetric differences have been investigated previously in very preterm children. However, children born extremely preterm, at the border of viability, have been studied to a lesser degree. Our group previously analyzed children born extremely preterm at term using voxel-based morphometry. In this study, we aimed to examine regional gray and white matter differences for children born extremely preterm derived from the same cohort during childhood. We also aimed to explore the effect of perinatal risk factors on brain volumes in the same group. At 10 years of age, 51 children born extremely preterm (before 27 weeks and 0 days) and 38 term-born controls with high-quality 3.0 Tesla magnetic resonance images were included. Statistical analyses using voxel-based morphometry were conducted on images that were normalized using age-specific templates, modulated, and smoothed. Analyses were also performed in stratified groups of children born extremely preterm in the absence or presence of perinatal risk factors that have previously been shown to be associated with volumetric differences at term. We found volumetric decreases in gray and white matter in the temporal lobes, gray matter decreases in the precuneus gyri, and white matter decreases in the anterior cingulum for children born extremely preterm (all p < 0.001, and pfwe < 0.05). Gray and white matter increases were predominantly observed in the right posterior cingulum and occipital lobe (all p < 0.001, and pfwe < 0.05). Of the examined perinatal risk factors, intraventricular hemorrhage grades I-II compared with no intraventricular hemorrhage and patent ductus arteriosus ligation compared with no treated patent ductus arteriosus or patent ductus arteriosus treated with ibuprofen led to volumetric differences at 10 years of age (all p < 0.001, and pfwe < 0.05). Children born extremely preterm exhibit volumetric alterations in a pattern overlapping that previously found at term, where many regions with differences are the main hubs of higher order networks. Some, but not all, risk factors known to be associated with structural alterations at term were associated with alterations at 10 years of age.

A tale of 2 conversions: Dichotomous decision in the spectrum of Shone syndrome is still a dilemma

A tale of 2 conversions: Dichotomous decision in the spectrum of Shone syndrome is still a dilemma