Underwent Patent Ductus Arteriosus Ligation Research Articles

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.

Comparative Study of PDA Ligation in the OR versus in the NICU: A 10-Year Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective: This study aimed to compare the outcomes of PDA (patent ductus arteriosus) ligation performed in NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) versus OR (operating room) and identify relevant influencing factors. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective review, spanning a decade (2012-2021) of NICU patients at Siriraj Hospital who underwent PDA ligation, patients were categorized into two groups: OR and NICU. Baseline clinical characteristics, operative details, and postoperative results (including hospital mortality, cause of death, and complications) were collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 118 patients were included, with 52 patients in the OR group and 66 patients in the NICU group. There were no statistically significant differences in postoperative outcomes between the two groups. The hospital mortality rates were 1.9% (1/52) and 10.6% (7/66), respectively (p = 0.08). Post hoc multivariable binary logistic regression analysis further confirmed that the location of PDA ligation was not associated with hospital mortality. However, higher oxygen requirements and lower postmenstrual age (PMA) were found to be independently associated with hospital mortality (OR 1.10, p =0.02 and OR 0.82, p&lt;0.01 respectively). Hypothermia, defined as a body temperature less than 36C, was more prevalent in the OR group (30.8% vs 16.7%, p=0.07). Other postoperative complications were not statistically different between the two groups. Lastly, no case of surgical site infection was observed in the NICU group. Conclusion: PDA ligation can be safely and effectively performed in the NICU with comparable hospital mortality, potentially offering better temperature control, and without an increased risk of complications, including surgical site infection.

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.

Targeted neonatal echocardiography for patent ductus arteriosus in neonates reduces the surgical ligation rate without affecting healthcare outcomes.

Surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) can be associated with long-term morbidity and adverse outcomes in neonates. Targeted neonatal echocardiography (TNE) has been increasingly used to improve the hemodynamic management. We aimed to evaluate the preoperative assessment impacts of the hemodynamic significance of PDA using TNE on PDA ligation rates and neonatal outcomes. This observational study included preterm infants who underwent PDA ligation during two epochs (Epoch I: January 2013 to December 2014; Epoch II: January 2015 to June 2016). During Epoch II, a comprehensive TNE assessment was performed preoperatively to evaluate the hemodynamic significance of PDA. Primary outcome was the incidence of PDA ligation. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of postoperative cardiorespiratory instabilities, individual morbidities, and the composite outcome of death. A total of 69 neonates underwent PDA ligation. No difference in baseline demographics was found between the epochs. The incidence of PDA ligation in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants was lower during Epoch II than Epoch I [7.5% vs. 14.6%, rate ratio =0.51 (95% confidence interval =0.30-0.88)]. No differences were observed between epochs in the proportion of VLBW infants who developed post-operative hypotension or oxygenation failure. The composite outcome of death or major morbidity did not significantly differ between Epoch I and Epoch II (91.1% vs. 94.1%, P=1.000). Incorporating TNE into a standardized hemodynamic assessment program, we demonstrated a 49% reduction in PDA ligation rate without any increase in postoperative cardiopulmonary instability or short-term neonatal morbidities in a cohort of VLBW infants.

Long-term Outcomes of Vocal Fold Paralysis Following Patent Ductus Arteriosus Ligation in Neonates.

In patients undergoing patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation there is a significant risk of left vocal fold paralysis (LVFP) particularly in premature neonates who are small for gestational age. The objective of this study is to determine the incidence of LVFP in infants following PDA ligation and report on long-term outcomes in patients with LVFP. We performed a prospective study of patients undergoing PDA ligation in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU) between April 2004 and May 2014. Following PDA ligation, flexible laryngoscopy was performed to assess vocal fold mobility. Patients were then followed longitudinally to determine long-term outcomes. A total of 163 infants underwent PDA ligation. Thirty-six patients (22%) developed LVFP following the procedure. Twenty-five percent of neonates <1500 g experienced LVFP versus 5% of patients >1500 g (p=0.033). Patients with LVFP were more likely to require a feeding tube (64% vs. 19.6%; p < 0.05) and spent more time in the NICU (135 days vs. 106 days; p < 0.05). Twenty-four patients received long-term follow-up. Six (25%) had complete resolution of LVFP, 10 (42%) were compensated, and 8 (33%) demonstrated persistent LVFP with no improvement. The incidence of LVFP after PDA ligation is high especially in extremely low birth weight children. The majority of patients recovered well with time, but further surgical intervention was required in uncompensated cases. Long-term follow-up of these patients is needed to ensure improvement. Laryngoscope, 133:1257-1261, 2023.

Cerebral Hemodynamics and Regional Oxygen Metabolism during Ductus Arteriosus Ligation in Preterm Infants

Introduction: Neurodevelopmental impairment is a growing concern for preterm infants who received surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). We aimed to explore the cerebral hemodynamics during the critical period of PDA ligation. Methods: Very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) preterm infants who underwent PDA ligation were prospectively enrolled. Patients were monitored preoperatively and until 72 h post-ligation. Middle cerebral artery (MCA) flow, regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rcSO₂), and cardiac output were measured through Doppler ultrasound, near-infrared spectroscopy, and electrical cardiometry, respectively. Using rcSO₂ <55% indicating cerebral hypoxia, the duration (% of time) and burden (cumulative negative quantity of rsSO₂ <55% × the period [minutes]) were estimated. An abnormal MCA was defined as an MCA flow of <10th percentile of flow velocity or >90th percentile of pulsatility or resistance index. Poor outcomes were defined as in-hospital death or neurologic disorders, either neuroimaging or functional abnormalities, upon discharge. Results: Thirty-two VLBW infants were examined, and 15 (46.9%) had poor outcomes. Infants with poor outcomes had significantly longer duration of cerebral hypoxia (5.4 [2.2–32.3] vs. 1.8 [0.4–5.6] %, p = 0.033) and worse hypoxic burden (2,118 [684–13,549] vs. 622 [88–1,669] %minutes, p = 0.027). In a linear mixed model, rcSO₂ was positively correlated with arterial saturation (β 0.860, 95% CI: 0.649–1.070) and negatively correlated with abnormal MCA flow (β −5.287, 95% CI: −8.238 to −2.335). Conclusion: Longer duration of cerebral hypoxia and worse hypoxic burden post-ligation was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality or neurologic disorders upon discharge in VLBW preterm infants.

Is early patent ductus arteriosus ligation helpful in premature neonates? A 10-year retrospective study.

To compare short and long outcomes between early (≤ 28days) (EL) and late ligation (LL) groups. To explore factors predicting early extubation (≤ 7days) after patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation. We conducted a single center, retrospective cohort study of preterm infants < 32weeks who underwent surgical ligation over a 10-year period (2009-2019). A total of 133 infants underwent PDA ligation, in the study period. Both groups had similar short-term outcome such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or death (96% vs. 98%, P = 0.64) and long-term clinical outcomes including Bayley's assessment at 2 years corrected age. Fewer infants in the EL group developed severe BPD (63% vs. 81%, P = 0.02). Age at ligation had adjusted odds ratio of 1.04 with over lapping confidence interval (95% CI 1.0-1.1, P = 0.02) for severe BPD/death. There was no difference in day of extubation between the EL and LL group (8days vs. 7days, P = 0.85). Left atrium/aortic root ratio of ≥ 1.75 would give sensitivity of 41% and 80% specificity for early extubation (area under the curve of 0.61). There was marginal reduction of hospital stay in the EL group [113 (105-121) days vs. 115 (107-123) days; log rank P = 0.026]. EL can be delivered safely with a clinically important lower incidence of severe BPD and shorter duration of hospital stay compared to LL.

The clinical value of ultrasonic cardiac output monitor in very-low birth-weight and extremely-low-birth-weight infants undergoing PDA ligation

BackgroundCardiorespiratory instability occurs very often in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) and extremely-low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants undergoing patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation during the early postoperative period. This study aimed to investigate ultrasonic cardiac output monitor (USCOM) as a bedside tool by evaluating the hemodynamic changes in preterm infants following PDA ligation and assessing factors that may influence these changes. MethodsThis was a single-center prospective observational study at a third-level neonatal intensive care unit. A total of 33 infants, including 21 VLBW and 12 ELBW infants, were involved. Hemodynamic measurements were performed in these infants using a USCOM preoperatively as well as 0–1 h, 8–10 h, and 24 h postoperatively. ResultsThe PDA ligation was associated with reductions of the left ventricular cardiac output (LVCO) (P < 0.001), cardiac index (P < 0.001), flow time corrected (FTC) (P < 0.001), Smith–Madigan inotropy index (SMII) (P < 0.001), oxygen delivery (DO2) (P < 0.001), and oxygen delivery index (DO2I) (P < 0.001) and an increase of the systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) (P < 0.001) at 0–1 h, 8–10 h, and 24 h post-ligation compared with the respective preoperative values. Compared with the respective values at 0–1 h post-ligation, there was no significant difference in the CI, SMII, or FTC at 8–10 h and 24 h post-ligation. However, the SVRI decreased at 8–10 h and 24 h post-ligation. Moreover, the DO2I increased at 8–10 h and 24 h post-ligation, and the LVCO and DO2 increased at 24 h post-ligation. ConclusionOur study confirmed that the hemodynamic changes measured by the USCOM were similar to those measured by echocardiography in previous reports. Thus, USCOM is a useful and convenient bedside tool for assessing hemodynamic changes to guide the use of fluids, inotropic agents, and vasopressors and help modify the post-ligation course, and they may be a surrogate for repeated echocardiography during the early post-ligation period in preterm infants or a preliminary screening method.

Trends in patent ductus arteriosus ligation in neonates and changes in outcomes: A 10-year multicenter experience.

The management of neonates with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) has changed over time. We conducted a single-city, retrospective review of neonates who underwent PDA ligation over a 10-year time period and compared infants from the first 5 years to the second 5 years to evaluate how clinical characteristics changed over this time. Infants from the second 5-year epoch were older at time of ligation (38 vs. 30 days), had a higher ligation weight (1432 vs. 1121 g) and a lower incidence of postligation cardiac syndrome (1.9% vs. 11.5%). No differences in mortality, length of hospital-stay or major morbidities were seen. Compared to neonates who underwent PDA ligation at ≤28 days of life, those with a ligation age >28 days had a higher ligation weight (1421 vs. 1039 g), a higher proportion of COX inhibitor use (92.5% vs. 83.8%), and a higher incidence of moderate-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (60.4% vs. 44.4%). Only 10.7% (25/233) patients were evaluated by laryngoscopy, in which the incidence of vocal cord paralysis (VCP) was 36.0%; 2 patients were clinically diagnosed with VCP for a total 4.7% incidence of VCP (11/233). Over the 10 years examined, neonates underwent PDA ligation at an older age in the second 5-year time period; this change was not associated with a change in the incidence of major morbidities. Ligation age >28 days was associated with an increase incidence of moderate-severe BPD. The overall incidence of documented VCP post-PDA ligation was relatively low but was seen in over 1/3 who were evaluated by laryngoscopy.

Surgical management of patent ductus arteriosus in pre-term infants - a british paediatric surveillance study

BackgroundThis study aimed to provide UK data describing the incidence of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) surgery in the neonatal population, including: pre-ligation management, and outcomes until discharge. We used British Paediatric Surveillance Unit (BPSU) methodology; collecting data via questionnaires for preterm neonates undergoing PDA ligation (PDAL) between 1st Sept 2012 – 30th Sept 2013. Infants born less than 37 weeks gestation, who underwent PDAL prior to discharge home, with no other structural cardiac abnormality, were included. Information collected included: patient demographics, pre and post-operative clinical characteristics, pre-operative medical management, post-operative complications and outcome.ResultsOver the study, 263 infants underwent PDAL an incidence of 3.07 per 10,000 live births. 88% were born extremely preterm (< 28 weeks) and 60% were male. The commonest reasons for ligation were inability to wean respiratory support (83.7%) and haemodynamically significant PDA (87.8%). Pre-operatively 65.7% received medical therapy. Surgery was performed at a median age of 33 days (range 9-260, IQR 24-48); the corrected age was less than 31 + 6 week in 50.6% babies at PDAL. Most, (90%), of procedures were open ligation; only 9 (3.4%) were catheter occlusions (PDACO). 20.5% of patients had post-operative complications. The 30-day mortality was 3%, with 93.5% surviving to hospital discharge.ConclusionThis study showed there was little consensus over medical and surgical management of the PDA or timing of surgery.

Ductal ligation timing and neonatal outcomes: a 12-year bicentric comparison

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is common among extremely preterm infants. In selected cases, surgical PDA ligation may be required. The timing for PDA ligation may depend upon a variety of factors, with potential clinical implications. We aimed to investigate the impact of different surgical PDA managements on ligation timing and neonatal outcomes. Inborn infants < 32 weeks of gestation and < 1500 g admitted at two tertiary Neonatal Intensive Care Units that underwent PDA ligation between 2007 and 2018 were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study and split into the following groups based on their surgical management: on-site bedside PDA ligation (ONS) vs. referral to an off-site pediatric cardiac surgery (OFS). Neonatal characteristics, surgical timing, and clinical outcomes of the enrolled infants were compared between the groups. Multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of PDA ligation timing on significantly different outcomes. Seventy-eight neonates (ONS, n = 39; OFS, n = 39) were included. Infants in the ONS group underwent PDA ligation significantly earlier than those in the OFS group (median age 12 vs. 36 days, p < 0.001) with no increase in postoperative mortality and complications. The multivariate analysis revealed a significant association between PDA ligation timing, late-onset sepsis prevalence (OR 1.045, 0.032), and oxygen need at discharge (OR 1.037, p = 0.025).Conclusions: Compared with off-site surgery, on-site bedside ligation allows an earlier surgical closure of PDA, with no apparent increase in mortality or complications. Earlier PDA ligation may contribute to reduced rates of late-onset sepsis and post-discharge home oxygen therapy, with possible cost-benefit implications.What is known:• Ineffective or contraindicated pharmacological closure of a hemodynamically significant PDA may require a surgical ligation.• Available literature comparing the effect of early vs. late PDA ligation on the main neonatal morbidities has yield contrasting results.What is new:• The availability of a cardiac surgery service performing bedside PDA ligation allows an earlier intervention compared to patient referral to an off-site center, with no difference in postoperative mortality and complications compared to off-site surgery.• Earlier PDA ligation was associated with a lower prevalence of late-onset sepsis and of oxygen need at discharge, with possible cost-benefit implications.

Ligation of patent ductus arteriosus through anterior thoracotomy in preterm infants: a 10-year experience.

The aim of this study is to report on the short-term and mid-term outcomes of preterm infants who underwent patent ductus arteriosus ligation through anterior mini-thoracotomy. Data for 103 preterm infants who underwent patent ductus arteriosus clipping through an anterior mini-thoracotomy at the 2nd intercostal space between 2009 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups according to their weight at the time of surgery. The complications, morbidity, and mortality rates of each group were compared at postoperative day 30 and at the end of 1 year after surgery. During the operation, the median weight of the patients was 900 g (IQR 800-1125 g), the median age was 21 days (IQR 14.5-29 days). The lowest body weight was 460 g. In three patients (3%), there was intraoperative bleeding from the patent ductus arteriosus that required transition to median sternotomy. In one patient (1%) a residual patent ductus arteriosus that required reoperation was observed. Twelve patients (12%) died in the first 30 days postoperatively. Six patients (6%) died between the postoperative day 30 and 1 year. There was no statistically significant difference in the rates of mortality, morbidity, and complication between the groups. Based on our observations of over a hundred preterm infants with patent ductus arteriosus over a decade, ligation through anterior mini-thoracotomy is the main surgical procedure of choice for this patient group in our clinic. Our findings demonstrate the safety of this approach and we believe that it can be successfully replicated in other institutions.

Intraventricular Hemorrhage and Patent Ductus Arteriosus Ligation Association with Infant Mortality

BackgroundPractice patterns for the management of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature infants are changing with advances in medical management. We sought to determine the increased mortality for premature infants who had a PDA ligation with a co-existing diagnosis of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). MethodsPremature neonates (<1 y old with known gestational week ≤36 wk) with a diagnosis of IVH were identified within the Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID) for the years 2006, 2009, and 2012. Diagnoses and procedures were analyzed by ICD-9 codes and stratified by a diagnosis of PDA and procedure of ligation. Case weighting was used to make national estimations. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to adjust for confounders. ResultsWe identified 7567 hospitalizations for premature neonates undergoing PDA ligation. The population was predominately male (51.6%), non-Hispanic white (41.1%), were from the lowest income quartile (33.1%), had a gestational week of 25-26 wk (34.0%), and a birthweight between 500 and 749 g (37.3%). There was an increased mortality (10.7% versus 6.3%, P < 0.01) and an increased length of stay (88.2 d versus 74.4 d, P < 0.01) in those with any diagnosis of IVH compared with those without. Adjusted multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that high-grade IVH (III or IV) was associated with a significantly increased risk of mortality in those undergoing PDA ligation (aOR 2.59, P < 0.01). Specifically, grade III and IV were associated with an increased odds of in-hospital mortality (aOR 1.99 and 3.16, respectively, P < 0.01). ConclusionsAttitudes regarding the need for surgical intervention for PDA have shifted in recent years. This study highlights that premature neonates with grade III or IV IVH are at significantly increased risk of mortality if undergoing PDA ligation during the same hospitalization. Level of EvidenceIII.

Predictors of Respiratory Improvement 1 Week after Ligation of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Infants

To characterize preterm infants that demonstrates respiratory improvement 7 days after ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). We performed a 2-phase study of preterm infants (birthweight <1500 g between 2010 and 2016). We first did a retrospective analysis using regression modeling of ligation population. We then performed a case-control study comparing a ligation group with infants matched by gestational age, postnatal age, and preligation respiratory condition (ventilator mode, mean airway pressure [MAP], and fraction of inspired oxygen [FiO2]). Respiratory improvement was defined as either extubation, downgrading of ventilatory mode, reduction in MAP >25%, or decrease in FiO2 >25%. Forty-five (42%) of 107 preterm infants (gestational age 25.5 ± 1.7 weeks) with ligation showed respiratory improvement at 7 days. Infants on high frequency ventilation (HFV) were more likely to have respiratory improvement (aOR 5.03, 95% CI [1.14-22.18]). In matched-control analysis of 89 pairs, there was no difference in respiratory improvement. Among infants on HFV, the ligation group had an increase in MAP during 3 days prior to ligation. For infants on conventional ventilation, the ligation group had higher MAP and FiO2 than the control group during the first 2-3 postoperative days. Among infants undergoing PDA ligation, those on HFV were more likely to have respiratory improvement in the first week, possibly because of the prevention of further respiratory deterioration. For infants on conventional ventilation, ligation was associated with higher respiratory support in the immediate postligation period without respiratory benefits at 7 days. As HFV was used as a rescue mode, our findings suggest that those with worse lung disease may achieve greater short term benefit from PDA ligation.

Post-ligation cardiac syndrome is associated with increased morbidity in preterm infants.

The influence of post-ligation cardiac syndrome (PLCS), a complication of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligations, on neonatal outcomes is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the risks of PLCS on severe pulmonary morbidity and severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Retrospective cohort study of infants who underwent a PDA ligation between 2006 and 2015. Data were collected on patients with and without PLCS. The primary outcome was the difference in severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) between groups. Secondary outcomes included discharge with home oxygen and severe ROP. A total of 100 infants that underwent PDA ligation during the study period were included in the study; 31 (31%) neonates developed PLCS. In adjusted analysis, PLCS was associated with increased risk for severe BPD (RR 1.67, 95% CI: 1.15-2.42) and home oxygen therapy (RR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.09-1.99) only. No association with severe ROP was seen (RR: 1.48; 95% CI: 0.87-2.52). PLCS is associated with severe neonatal pulmonary morbidity, but not with severe ROP. Further investigation is warranted to validate these results.

Resolution of vocal fold immobility in preterm infants

IntroductionVocal fold immobility (VFI) is an important sequela of preterm birth due to patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation and invasive ventilation. A minority of these patients experience VFI resolution. The purpose of this study is to determine factors associated with VFI resolution in preterm infants. MethodsThis is a case control study of preterm (<37 weeks gestation) infants admitted to a metropolitan Level IV neonatal intensive care unit from 2006 to 2012. All patients diagnosed with VFI by flexible nasolaryngoscopy were divided into 2 cohorts: those with and without laryngoscopic resolution of VFI during follow-up. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine factors associated with VFI resolution. ResultsOf 71 patients with VFI and adequate follow-up, 17 (23.9%) experienced resolution. Median (range) follow-up was 25.7 (0.4–91.3) months and time to resolution 4.4 (0.4–38.8) months. Compared to the ongoing-VFI cohort, those who experienced resolution had higher median gestational age (31 vs 25 weeks, p = 0.006) and birth weight (1550 vs 765 g, p = 0.02), and lower likelihood of undergoing PDA ligation (47.1% vs 77.8%, p = 0.02). On multivariate analysis, history of PDA ligation remained independently associated with a lower likelihood of VFI resolution (p = 0.02, OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1–0.8). Among PDA ligation patients, birth weight >1000 g was more common in the resolution cohort compared to the ongoing-VFI cohort (62.5% vs 24.4%, p = 0.047). ConclusionWhile lower birth weight and gestational age are known risk factors for VFI following PDA ligation, in this study, these factors were also associated with a decreased likelihood of VFI resolution. Furthermore, PDA ligation appears to be a risk for both the development and persistence of VFI. This evidence should inform prognosis and intervention decisions for preterm infants with VFI.

Neonatal Patent Ductus Arteriosus Ligation Operations Performed by Adult Cardiac Surgeons.

BackgroundPatent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation is usually performed by congenital cardiac surgeons. However, due to the uneven distribution of congenital cardiac surgeons in South Korea, many institutions depend solely on adult cardiac surgeons for congenital cardiac diseases. We report the outcomes of PDA ligations performed by adult cardiac surgeons at our institution.MethodsThe electronic medical records of 852 neonates at Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea from November 2010 to May 2014 were reviewed to identify patients with PDA.ResultsOf the 111 neonates with a diagnosis of PDA, 26 (23%) underwent PDA ligation. PDAs were ligated within 28 days of birth (mean, 14.5±7.8 days), and the mean gestational age of these patients was 30.3±4.6 weeks (range, 26 to 40 weeks) with a mean birth weight of 1,292.5±703.5 g (range, 480 to 3,020 g). No residual shunts through the PDA were found on postoperative echocardiography. There was 1 case of 30-day mortality (3.8%) due to pneumonia, and 6 cases of in-hospital mortality (23.1%) after 30 days, which is comparable to results from other centers with congenital cardiac surgery programs.ConclusionAlthough our outcomes may not be generalizable to all hospital settings without a congenital cardiac surgery program, in select centers, PDA ligations can be performed safely by adult cardiac surgeons if no congenital cardiac surgery program is available.

Unilateral vocal cord paralysis after surgical closure of a patent ductus arteriosus in extremely preterm infants.

Left vocal cord paralysis (LVCP) is variably reported post ligation of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Our objective was to determine the incidence of LVCP and identify predictive factors and associated morbidities in preterm infants post PDA ligation. This is a retrospective cohort study of infants less than 29 weeks gestational age from 2006 to 2014 who underwent PDA ligation. Infants with laryngeal symptoms underwent flexible fibreoptic nasopharyngolaryngoscopy to evaluate vocal cord function. We compared short- and long-term morbidities among infants with and without symptomatic LVCP. A total of 35 infants underwent PDA ligation in the study period, of which 11 infants (31%) developed symptomatic LVCP. Dysphonia was the presenting symptom in all neonates with LVCP and stridor was present in 46% (5/11) of them. The median (interquartile range) gestation (25 weeks (24-27) vs. 25 weeks (23-28)), birthweight (810 g (550-1180) vs. 825 g (550-1220)) and age at surgery (19 days (9-27) vs. 20 (5-69)) were similar in infants with and without LVCP, respectively. Infants with LVCP took significantly longer to reach suck feeds (128 vs. 90 days, P = <0.001), stayed longer in hospital (119 vs. 95 days, P = 0.01) and were more likely to go home on oxygen (73 vs. 27%; P = 0.024). Neurodevelopmental outcomes were similar in the two groups. LVCP was noted in 31% of infants post PDA ligation and was associated with prolonged hospital stay, a longer time to reach suck feeds and a need for home oxygen. No predictive factors for development of LVCP were identified.

Preoperative echocardiographic measures of left ventricular mechanics are associated with postoperative vasoactive support in preterm infants undergoing patent ductus arteriosus ligation

ObjectivePreoperative risk factors associated with poor outcomes after patent ductus arteriosus ligation in preterm infants have not been well defined. The aim of this study was to determine the association between preoperative echocardiographic measures of left ventricular mechanics and postoperative clinical outcomes after patent ductus arteriosus ligation. MethodsPreterm infants less than 90 days of age with no other significant congenital anomalies who underwent patent ductus arteriosus ligation between 2007 and 2015 were considered for retrospective analysis. The primary outcome was peak postoperative vasoactive inotropic score. Conventional echocardiographic measures of ventricular size, function, and patent ductus arteriosus size were performed. Echocardiographic single-beat, pressure-volume loop analysis estimates of contractility (end-systolic elastance) and afterload (arterial elastance) were calculated. Ventriculoarterial coupling was assessed using the arterial elastance/end-systolic elastance ratio. Multivariable linear regression was performed using clinical and echocardiographic data. ResultsEchocardiograms from 101 patients (42.5% male) were analyzed. We found a statistically significant association between vasoactive inotropic score and both end-systolic elastance and arterial elastance. No patient with arterial elastance/end-systolic elastance greater than 0.78 (n = 32) had a vasoactive inotropic score 20 or greater. Analysis of our secondary outcomes found associations between preoperative end-systolic elastance and postoperative urine output less than 1 mL/kg/h at 24 hours, creatinine change greater than 0.5 mg/dL, and time to first extubation. ConclusionsEnd-systolic elastance and arterial elastance were the only predictors of postoperative vasoactive inotropic score after patent ductus arteriosus ligation in preterm infants. Those neonates with increased contractility and low afterload were at highest risk for elevated inotropic support. These findings suggest a role for echocardiographic end-systolic elastance and arterial elastance in the preoperative assessment of preterm infants undergoing patent ductus arteriosus ligation.