Comparison of targeted next-generation sequencing and metagenomic next-generation sequencing in the identification of pathogens in pneumonia after congenital heart surgery: a comparative diagnostic accuracy study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) with metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) for pathogen detection in infants with severe postoperative pneumonia after congenital heart surgery. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study using data from the electronic medical record system of infants who developed severe pneumonia after surgery for congenital heart disease from August 2021 to August 2022. Infants were divided into tNGS and mNGS groups based on the pathogen detection methods. The primary outcome was the efficiency of pathogen detection, and the secondary outcomes were the timeliness and cost of each method. RESULTS: In the study, 91 infants were included, with tNGS detecting pathogens in 84.6% (77/91) and mNGS in 81.3% (74/91) of cases (P = 0.55). No significant differences were found in sensitivity, specificity, PPA, and NPA between the two methods (P > 0.05). tNGS identified five strains with resistance genes, while mNGS detected one strain. Furthermore, tNGS had a faster detection time (12 vs. 24 h) and lower cost ($150 vs. $500) compared to mNGS. CONCLUSION: tNGS offers similar sensitivity to mNGS but with greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness, making it a promising approach for respiratory pathogen detection.

Using cerebral regional oxygen saturation and amplitude-integrated electroencephalography in neonates on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: preliminary experience from a single center.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the application value in neurological outcome of cerebral regional oxygen saturation (CrSO2) and amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) monitoring during neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) courses. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 18 neonates receiving veno-arterial ECMO (V-A ECMO) support at our hospital from July 2021 to December 2022. Continuous monitoring of CrSO2 and brain electrical activity was conducted using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and aEEG throughout the ECMO treatment. We collected and analyzed related clinical data. RESULTS: Among the 11 survivors, 5 were categorized as the normal group (N group) and 6 as the abnormal group (AN group) based on post-ECMO brain MRI outcomes. The N group exhibited shorter time percentage of significant CrSO2 reduction (> 25% from baseline or absolute value < 40%), better fractional tissue oxygen extraction (FTOE) rates, and more stable mean percentage changes in CrSO2 compared to the AN group. Neonates in the N group predominantly showed mildly abnormal aEEG readings, with one patient displaying disrupted sleep-wake cycles. This particular patient also had more significant CrSO2 reduction and poorer FTOE compared to others in the N group. Additionally, the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP) scores indicated hypoevolutism in this patient before discharge, while others in the N group had normal TIMP scores. In the AN group, 4 exhibited moderate and 2 severe aEEG abnormalities; 5 had hypoevolutism TIMP scores, and 1 with moderate aEEG abnormalities maintained a normal TIMP score, exhibiting lesser CrSO2 reduction and improved FTOE. CONCLUSION: CrSO2 and aEEG monitoring show potential as routine assessments for neurological outcomes during neonatal ECMO. In our cohort, a tendency was observed where neonates with greater reductions in CrSO2 and more severe aEEG abnormalities experienced poorer neurological outcomes.

Effect of prone positioning ventilation on pulmonary function in neonates during venous-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Background: The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) technology has significantly decreased mortality rates associated with neonatal pulmonary hypertension and respiratory failure. Prone positioning ventilation (PPV) is a commonly used technique in critically ill infants, designed to improve thoracic pressure gradients, re-expand dorsal lung segments, and increase oxygenation in approximately 70-80% of patients suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of PPV on pulmonary function in neonates undergoing venous-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data from 17 neonates who received ECMO support in our institution, divided into two groups based on ventilation strategy: ECMO with PPV (ECMO-PPV, n=8) and ECMO with supine positioning ventilation (ECMO-SPV, n=9). Parameters such as the P/F ratio [arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2)/fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2)], oxygenation index (OI), respiratory system compliance (Crs), and airway resistance (RAW) were collected and analyzed at baseline, and at 1, 2, and 3 days post-ECMO initiation. In the ECMO-PPV group, these parameters were also assessed 3 days pre-treatment and 2 hours post-treatment initiation. Results: Initial comparisons between ECMO-PPV and ECMO-SPV groups showed no significant difference in PaO2/FiO2, OI, Crs, or RAW. Throughout the ECMO treatment, both groups demonstrated gradual improvements in PaO2/FiO2 and Crs, and reductions in OI and RAW. Notably, by day 3, the ECMO-PPV group exhibited significant improvements in Crs and RAW compared to the ECMO-SPV group (P<0.05). Specifically, in the ECMO-PPV group, Crs significantly increased and RAW decreased after 2 hours of initiating PPV, with these changes becoming statistically significant by day 3 (Crs P=0.03, RAW P=0.03). No severe PPV-related complications were noted. Conclusions: PPV during neonatal ECMO may improve respiratory compliance and reduce RAW, potentially aiding lung recovery. Our findings suggest PPV as a viable strategy for neonates under ECMO support.

Single-Lung Ventilation in Infants for Surgical Repair of Coarctation of The Aorta Without Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of improving the operative field and postoperative atelectasis of single-lung ventilation (SLV) in the surgical repair of coarctation of the aorta (CoA) in infants without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study. The clinical data of 28 infants (aged 1 to 4 months, weighing between 4.2 and 6 kg) who underwent surgical repair of CoA without CPB from January 2019 to May 2022 were analyzed. Fourteen infants received SLV with a bronchial blocker (Group S), and the other 14 infants received routine endotracheal intubation and bilateral lung ventilation (Group R). RESULTS: In comparison to Group R, Group S exhibited improved exposure of the operative field, a lower postoperative atelectasis score (P<0.001), reduced prevalence of hypoxemia (P=0.01), and shorter durations of operation, mechanical ventilation, and ICU stay (P=0.01, P<0.001, P=0.03). There was no difference in preoperative information or perioperative respiratory and circulatory indicators before SLV, 10 minutes after SLV, and 10 minutes after the end of SLV between the two groups (P>0.05). Intraoperative bleeding, intraoperative positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), and systolic pressure gradient across the coarctation after operation were also not different between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that employing SLV with a bronchial blocker is consistent with enhanced operative field, reduced operation duration, lower prevalence of intraoperative hypoxemia, and fewer postoperative complications during the surgical repair of CoA in infants without the use of CPB.

Maternal cardiovascular health in early pregnancy and the risk of congenital heart defects in offspring.

BACKGROUND: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the predominant birth defect. This study aimed to explore the association between maternal cardiovascular health (CVH) and the CHD risk in offspring. METHODS: We used the prospective data from the Fujian Birth Cohort Study, collected from March 2019 to December 2022 on pregnant women within 14 weeks of gestation. Overall maternal CVH was assessed by seven CVH metrics (including physical activity, smoking, sleep duration, body mass index, blood pressure, total cholesterol, and fasting plasma glucose), with each metric classified as ideal, intermediate or poor with specific points. Participants were further allocated into high, moderate and low CVH categories based on the cumulative CVH score. The association with offspring CHD was determined with log-binominal regression models. RESULTS: A total of 19810 participants aged 29.7 (SD: 3.9) years were included, with 7846 (39.6%) classified as having high CVH, 10949 (55.3%) as having moderate CVH, and 1015 (5.1%) as having low CVH. The average offspring CHD rate was 2.52%, with rates of 2.35%, 2.52% and 3.84% across the high, moderate and low CVH categories, respectively (P = 0.02). Adjusted relative risks (RRs) of having offspring CHD were 0.64 (95% CI: 0.45-0.90, P = 0.001) for high CVH and 0.67 (95% CI: 0.48-0.93, P = 0.02) for moderate CVH compared to low CVH. For individual metrics, only ideal total cholesterol was significantly associated with lower offspring CHD (RR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.59-0.83, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women of high or moderate CVH categories in early pregnancy had reduced risks of CHD in offspring, compared to those of low CVH. It is important to monitor and improve CVH during pre-pregnancy counseling and early prenatal care.

Application value of metagenomics next-generation sequencing in the diagnosis of respiratory virus infection after congenital heart surgery.

Background: Timely and accurate pathogen diagnosis can be challenging in children who contract a respiratory virus following congenital heart surgery (CHS). This often results in suboptimal drug use and treatment delays. Metagenomics next-generation sequencing (mNGS) is a swift, efficient, and unbiased method for obtaining microbial nucleic acid sequences. This technology holds promise as a comprehensive diagnostic tool, especially for pathogens undetectable by traditional methods. However, the efficacy of mNGS in the context of congenital heart disease infections remains uncertain. This study aimed to explore the diagnostic value of mNGS for respiratory virus infections post-CHS. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who developed respiratory tract infections post-CHS and were admitted to our cardiac center between July 2021 and December 2022. The patients were categorized into the following two groups based on the diagnostic method used: (I) the mNGS group (comprising 62 patients); and (II) the conventional microbiological test (CMT) group (comprising 70 patients). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples from these patients were tested to identify pathogens. Results: The mNGS group had significantly higher detection rates for both viral infections and mixed viral infections than the CMT group (56.45% vs. 17.14%, P<0.001, and 80.00% vs. 16.67%, P<0.001, respectively). In the mNGS group, 19.35% of the patients received antiviral therapy, and 61.29% received an anti-infective regimen adjustment. Conversely, in the CMT group, only 4.29% received antiviral therapy, and 28.57% received an anti-infective regimen adjustment. A higher percentage of patients showed improved respiratory symptoms in the mNGS group than the CMT group (74.19% vs. 44.29%, P=0.001). Additionally, the mNGS group had a shorter duration of mechanical ventilation and a reduced length of stay in the cardiac intensive care unit than the CMT group (P=0.012). Conclusions: Using mNGS for BALF enhances the detection of respiratory viral infections and coexisting viral infections post-CHS. This facilitates more precise treatment strategies and could potentially lead to improved patient outcomes.

Relationship between heart failure and intestinal inflammation in infants with congenital heart disease.

OBJECTIVE: The association between heart failure (HF) and intestinal inflammation caused by a disturbed intestinal microbiota in infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) was investigated. METHODS: Twenty infants with HF and CHD who were admitted to our hospital between October 2021 and March 2022 were included in this study. Twenty age- and sex-matched infants without HF at our hospital were selected as the control group. Faecal samples were obtained from each participant and analysed by enzyme-linked immunoassay and 16 S rDNA sequencing to assess intestinal inflammatory factors and the microbiota. RESULTS: The levels of intestinal inflammatory factors, including IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6, IL-17 A and TNF-α, were greatly increased, while the levels of IL-10 were significantly decreased in the HF group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The intestinal microbial diversity of patients in the HF group was markedly lower than that in the control group (p < 0.05). The abundance of Enterococcus was significantly increased in the HF group compared to the control group (p < 0.05), but the abundance of Bifidobacterium was significantly decreased in the HF group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The diversity of the intestinal microbiota was negatively correlated with the levels of IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6 and TNF-α in the intestinal tract but was positively correlated with that of IL-10. The abundance of Enterococcus was positively associated with the levels of IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6 and TNF-α in the intestinal tract but was negatively correlated with that of IL-10. NT-proBNP was positively associated with the levels of IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6 and TNF-α in the HF group but was negatively correlated with that of IL-10. The heart function score was positively associated with the levels of IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6 and TNF-α in the HF group but was negatively correlated with that of IL-10. CONCLUSIONS: Infants with CHD-related HF had a disordered intestinal microbiota, decreased diversity of intestinal microbes, increased levels of pathogenic bacteria and decreased levels of beneficial bacteria. The increased abundance of Enterococcus and the significant decrease in the diversity of the intestinal microbiota may exacerbate the intestinal inflammatory response, which may be associated with the progression of HF.

Comparison of high-flow nasal cannula oxygenation and non-invasive ventilation for postoperative pediatric cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of high-flow nasal cannula oxygenation (HFNC) versus non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in pediatric patients post-congenital heart surgery (CHS) through a meta-analysis. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across the Chinese biomedical literature database, Vip database, CNKI, Wanfang, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science until December 20, 2022. We selected RCTs or cohort studies that met inclusion criteria for a meta-analysis using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS: Our search yielded five publications, comprised of one randomized controlled trial and four cohort studies. Meta-analysis revealed a significant reduction in reintubation rates in children post-CHS treated with HFNC as compared to NIV [RR = 0.36, 95%CI(0.25 ~ 0.53), P < 0.00001]. There was also a notable reduction in the duration of ICU stay [MD = -4.75, 95%CI (-9.38 ~ -0.12), P = 0.04]. No statistically significant differences were observed between HFNC and NIV in terms of duration of mechanical ventilation, 24 h PaO2, and PaCO2 post-treatment (P > 0.05). Furthermore, both groups showed no significant difference in the duration of extracorporeal circulation [MD = -8.27, 95%CI(-17.16 ~ 0.62), P = 0.07]. CONCLUSIONS: For pediatric patients post-CHS, HFNC appears to be more effective than NIV in reducing reintubation rates and shortening the CICU stay.

Metagenomic Next-generation Sequencing for Pathogen Identification in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid From Neonates Receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

BACKGROUND: Neonates on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are at high risk of infection. Rapid and accurate identification of pathogens is essential to improve the prognosis of children on ECMO. Metagenome next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has been used in recent years to detect pathogenic bacteria, but evidence for its use in neonates on ECMO is lacking. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted using an electronic medical record system. We analyzed the results of mNGS and conventional microbiological tests (CMTs) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of neonates receiving ECMO support with pulmonary infections in our hospital from July 2021 to January 2023. RESULTS: We screened 18 ECMO-supported neonates with pneumonia for inclusion in the study. The median age of the included children was 2 (1-4) days, the median gestational age was 38.3 (33-40 +4 ) weeks, and the median weight was 3.3 (2.2-4.8) kg. The detection rate of mNGS was 77.8% (14/18), higher than the 44.4% (8/18) of CMT ( P = 0.04). A total of 20 pathogens were detected in mNGS, with the top 3 most common pathogens being Klebsiella pneumoniae , Acinetobacter baumannii and Escherichia coli . Mixed infections were found in 14 cases (77.8%), including 13 cases (72.2%) with mixed infections detected by mNGS and 7 cases (27.8%) with mixed infections detected by CMT. A total of 9 children underwent treatment changes based on mNGS results and all of them experienced relief of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Compared with CMT, mNGS can detect pathogens earlier and more sensitively, and may play an important role in ECMO-supported neonatal pneumonia pathogen detection and optimization of antibiotic therapy.

Effect of Optimizing Regional Cerebral Oxygen Saturation during Infant Cardiac Surgery on the Incidence of Postoperative Delirium: A Retrospective Study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of optimizing regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2) on the incidence of postoperative delirium and surgical outcome in infants with congenital heart disease. METHODS: Sixty-one infants experienced desaturation in rScO2 of 10% from baseline for more than 30 seconds during surgery between January 2020 and January 2022. Among them, 32 cases (Group A) received the corresponding treatment in the process of desaturation and 29 cases (Group B) were observed without receiving any treatment. General information, cerebral oxygen saturation, the incidence of postoperative delirium, and other relevant clinical data were collected. RESULTS: The duration and severity of intraoperative rScO2 desaturation in Group A were significantly lower than those in Group B. The incidence of postoperative delirium in Group A was significantly lower than that in Group B. There was no significant difference in the positive screening score for delirium between the two groups. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that the aortic cross-clamp time, mechanical ventilation duration, and severity of intraoperative rScO2 desaturation were significantly correlated with the occurrence of postoperative delirium. CONCLUSION: Aggressive rScO2 desaturation treatment is associated with a lower incidence of postoperative delirium and improved surgical outcomes.

Lung ultrasound score for monitoring the withdrawal of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation on neonatal acute respiratory distress syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is considered an efficient and life-saving treatment for neonatal severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Bedside lung ultrasound (LUS) is an attractive and feasible method for evaluating neonatal ARDS. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of LUS score at veno-arterial (V-A) ECMO withdrawal in neonatal patients with severe acute ARDS. METHODS: A retrospective preliminary study was conducted in our cardiac intensive care unit from June 2021 to June 2022. Eight severe ARDS neonates who received V-A ECMO were enroled in this study. LUS was measured daily during ECMO and when weaning off ECMO. The relationships between the LUS score and ECMO parameters (blood flow and the sweep gas of FiO2) were assessed. RESULTS: (1) There was a significant improvement in LUS score by ECMO treatment. And, various diagnostic signs of lung ultrasound were detected during ECMO, including pulmonary edema (7 neonates) and lung consolidation (4 neonates), followed by pleural effusion (1 neonate) and bilateral white lung (1 neonate). (2) A total of 12 trials for weaning off ECMO were carried out, of which four failed, but all eight neonates finally succeeded in passing the weaning trial. LUS score of 21 or less was defined as a cut-off value for predicting ECMO weaning success. During ECMO treatment, LUS score was positively correlated with ECMO blood flow (r = 0.866, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: LUS can be used to evaluate the various lung diagnostic signs in ARDS neonatal patients during ECMO treatment, and the LUS score under ECMO treatment decreases over time. The reduction in LUS score is associated with lower ECMO blood flow. LUS score is regarded as a predictor of ECMO weaning success.

Sternal Pin Used to Close Sternum in Infants after Cardiac Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: A retrospective study was conducted to explore the efficacy of bioabsorbable poly-L-lactic acid sternal pins in sternal closure in infants after cardiac surgery. METHODS: A total of 170 infantile patients who underwent cardiac surgery were divided into the steel wire group (group A), the PDS cord group (group B), and the steel wire + sternal pin group (group C). The occurrence of the thoracic deformity was evaluated by vertebral index (VI), frontosagittal index (FSI), and Haller index (HI) values; the stability of the sternum was evaluated by detecting sternal dehiscence and displacement. RESULTS: By comparing the absolute values of the differences in VI, FSI, and HI in the three groups, it was found that the difference values of VI and HI in group C were significantly lower than those in group B (p = 0.028 and 0.005). For the highest deformation index, the deformation rate of infants in group C before discharge and during the 1-year follow-up was lower than that in group A and group B (p = 0.009 and 0.002, respectively). The incidence of sternal displacement in group C was also significantly lower than that in groups A and B (p = 0.009 and 0.009). During the 1-year follow-up, there was no sternal dehiscence, and the sternum healed completely in the three groups. CONCLUSION: The use of "steel wire + sternal pin" for sternal closure in infants after cardiac surgery can reduce the occurrence of sternal deformity, reduce anterior and posterior displacement of the sternum, and improve sternal stability.

Single-Lung Ventilation in Infants for Surgical Repair of Coarctation of The Aorta Without Cardiopulmonary Bypass

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the effect of improving the operative field and postoperative atelectasis of single-lung ventilation (SLV) in the surgical repair of coarctation of the aorta (CoA) in infants without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. The clinical data of 28 infants (aged 1 to 4 months, weighing between 4.2 and 6 kg) who underwent surgical repair of CoA without CPB from January 2019 to May 2022 were analyzed. Fourteen infants received SLV with a bronchial blocker (Group S), and the other 14 infants received routine endotracheal intubation and bilateral lung ventilation (Group R). Results: In comparison to Group R, Group S exhibited improved exposure of the operative field, a lower postoperative atelectasis score (P<0.001), reduced prevalence of hypoxemia (P=0.01), and shorter durations of operation, mechanical ventilation, and ICU stay (P=0.01, P<0.001, P=0.03). There was no difference in preoperative information or perioperative respiratory and circulatory indicators before SLV, 10 minutes after SLV, and 10 minutes after the end of SLV between the two groups (P>0.05). Intraoperative bleeding, intraoperative positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), and systolic pressure gradient across the coarctation after operation were also not different between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that employing SLV with a bronchial blocker is consistent with enhanced operative field, reduced operation duration, lower prevalence of intraoperative hypoxemia, and fewer postoperative complications during the surgical repair of CoA in infants without the use of CPB.

Changes of Intestinal Flora and the Effect on Intestinal Function in Infants With Ventricular Septal Defect After Cardiopulmonary Bypass Surgery.

This study aimed to investigate the changes in intestinal flora in infants with ventricular septal defect (VSD) after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery and their potential relationship with postoperative gastrointestinal function recovery. Fecal samples of 20 infants with VSD were collected before and after CPB surgery at our hospital from September 2021 to March 2022. 16S rRNA was used to detect and analyze the fecal samples. The most abundant intestinal microbes in the preoperative intestinal flora were Enterococcus (37.14%), Bifidobacterium (20.71%), Shigella (8.15%), Streptococcus (5.19%), Lactobacillus (3.7%), Rothia (2.22%). However, the most abundant intestinal microbes in the postoperative intestinal flora were Enterococcus (49.63%), Bifidobacterium (12.59%), Shigella (10.37%), Streptococcus (8.14%), Rothia (4.43%). The diversity and species richness of intestinal flora after CPB surgery were significantly lower than those preoperatively. The intestinal Enterococcus content in patients with postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction was significantly higher than that in patients without gastrointestinal dysfunction (P < 0.05). Intestinal Bifidobacterium content in patients with postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction was significantly lower than that in patients without gastrointestinal dysfunction (P < 0.05). After surgery, the content of intestinal Enterococcus was negatively correlated with the full feeding time, and the content of intestinal Bifidobacterium was positively correlated with full feeding time. After CPB surgery, the diversity and richness of intestinal flora decreased, intestinal pathogenic bacteria increased, and beneficial intestinal bacteria decreased. An increase in Enterococcus and decrease in Bifidobacterium can increase the incidence of gastrointestinal dysfunction and prolong the recovery time of gastrointestinal function.

Surgical experience in repairing the right common carotid artery and the right internal jugular vein after ECMO in neonates: early clinical results.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to summarize the early clinical results and surgical experience of repairing the right common carotid artery and the right internal jugular vein after ECMO treatment in neonates. METHODS: We retrospectively collected the clinical data of 16 neonates with circulatory and respiratory failure who were treated with ECMO via the right common carotid artery and the right internal jugular vein in our hospital from June 2021 to December 2022. The effects of repairing the common carotid artery and internal jugular vein were evaluated. RESULTS: All 16 patients successfully underwent right cervical vascular cannulation, and the ECMO cycle was successfully established. Twelve patients were successfully removed from ECMO. The right common carotid artery and the right internal jugular vein were successfully repaired in these 12 patients. There was unobstructed arterial blood flow in 9 patients, mild stenosis in 1 patient, moderate stenosis in 1 patient and obstruction in 1 patient. There was unobstructed venous blood flow in 10 patients, mild stenosis in 1 patient, and moderate stenosis in 1 patient. No thrombosis was found in the right internal jugular vein. Thrombosis was found in the right common carotid artery of one patient. CONCLUSION: Repairing the right common carotid artery and the right internal jugular vein after ECMO treatment in neonates was feasible, and careful surgical anastomosis techniques and standardized postoperative anticoagulation management can ensure early vascular patency. However, long-term vascular patency is still being assessed in follow-up.

Comparison of treprostinil and oral sildenafil for the treatment of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of treprostinil and oral sildenafil in managing persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborns (PPHN). Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 42 neonates with PPHN treated with continuous intravenous treprostinil or oral sildenafil from January 2020 to October 2022 in China. Outcomes assessed included echocardiographic pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), shunt direction, and arterial blood gas measures. Results: Treprostinil lowered PASP and improved oxygenation significantly better than sildenafil on days 1, 2, and 3 of treatment (P < 0.05). Treprostinil also corrected shunt direction faster than sildenafil (P < 0.05). The duration of mechanical ventilation, length of NICU stay, and overall hospital stay did not significantly differ between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Treprostinil effectively lowers pulmonary artery pressure and improves oxygenation in neonates with PPHN, without being associated with severe complications. It may serve as a beneficial adjunct therapy for neonates with PPHN.

Computed tomography imaging-guided parasternal approach drainage for children with tension pneumomediastinum: a case series.

PURPOSE: Tension pneumomediastinum is a rare and dangerous complication in children that can be fatal, and timely detection and treatment are critical. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of computed tomography (CT) imaging-guided parasternal approach drainage for tension pneumomediastinum in children. METHODS: From June 2018 to February 2023, we consecutively enrolled 19 children with tension pneumomediastinum in our institution. A pigtail catheter was inserted into the anterior mediastinum by a CT imaging-guided parasternal approach. The catheter was connected to a negative-pressure water seal bottle to drain the pneumomediastinum. Clinical data and outcomes were summarized. RESULTS: The mean age was 3.1 ± 3.4 years, the mean weight was 15 ± 9.1 kg, the mean procedure time was 11.8 ± 2.4 min, and the drainage time was 6.7 ± 3.4 days. No major complications were identified, such as haemothorax, catheter displacement, or mediastinal infection. Effective drainage was obtained in all patients as assessed by comparing images and ventilatory parameters, and no additional surgical treatment was needed. There was no recurrence during the follow-up, which was more than 2 months. In our data, two children with COVID-19 were discharged from the hospital after effective drainage and other clinical treatment. CONCLUSION: CT-guided parasternal approach drainage is safe, minimally invasive, and effective for children with tension pneumomediastinum.

Changes of serum TSH, FT3, and FT4 levels in infants received surgical correction of congenital heart disease under cardiopulmonary bypass.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the fluctuations and clinical relevance of serum thyrotropin (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4) levels in infants undergoing surgical correction for congenital heart disease (CHD) using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). METHODS: In a retrospective design, 58 infants who underwent CHD surgical correction under CPB between January 2021 and January 2022 at our institution were incorporated. These infants were categorized into two groups: simple CHD (n = 34) and complex CHD (n = 24). TSH, FT3, and FT4 serum concentrations were assessed at four intervals: 24 h pre-surgery (T0) and 24 h (T1), 48 h (T2), and 72 h (T3) post-surgery. RESULTS: The simple CHD group displayed a significantly reduced CPB duration compared to the complex CHD group (P < 0.001). Both groups exhibited a notable decline in serum thyroid hormone concentrations at T1 compared to T0. However, from T1 to T3, an upward trend in hormone levels was observed. By T3, though the levels in both groups had risen notably from T1, they remained significantly diminished from T0 (P < 0.01). In both the simple and complex CHD cohorts, significant fluctuations in thyroid hormone levels (TSH, FT3, FT4) were noted across the different timepoints (T0, T1, T3) (P < 0.01). While no significant disparities were found between the two groups' hormone concentrations at T0 and T1 (P > 0.05), at T2 and T3, the simple CHD group manifested higher TSH, FT3, and FT4 levels compared to the complex CHD group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Infants undergoing CHD surgical correction under CPB experience significant declines in TSH, FT3, and FT4 serum levels. The post-surgery thyroid hormone recovery was more pronounced in infants with simple CHD compared to those with complex CHD. As such, vigilant monitoring of thyroid hormone levels during the perioperative phase is imperative, and timely intervention measures should be employed when necessary.

Surgical experience of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for neonates with severe respiratory failure.

OBJECTIVE: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been increasingly used for severe neonatal respiratory failure refractory to conventional treatments. This paper summarizes our operation experience of neonatal ECMO via cannulation of the internal jugular vein and carotid artery. METHODS: The clinical data of 12 neonates with severe respiratory failure who underwent ECMO via the internal jugular vein and carotid artery in our hospital from January 2021 to October 2022 were collected. RESULTS: All neonates were successfully operated on. The size of arterial intubation was 8 F, and the size of venous intubation was 10 F. The operation time was 29 (22-40) minutes. ECMO was successfully removed in 8 neonates. Surgeons successfully reconstructed the internal jugular vein and carotid artery of these neonates. Arterial blood flow was unobstructed in 5 patients, mild stenosis was present in 2 patients, and moderate stenosis was present in 1 patient. Venous blood flow was unobstructed in 6 patients, mild stenosis was present in 1 patient, and moderate stenosis was present in 1 patient. The complications were as follows: 1 case had poor neck incision healing after ECMO removal. No complications, such as incisional bleeding, incisional infection, catheter-related blood infection, cannulation accidentally pulling away, vascular laceration, thrombosis, cerebral haemorrhage, cerebral infarction, or haemolysis, occurred in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: Cannulation of the internal jugular vein and carotid artery can quickly establish effective ECMO access for neonates with severe respiratory failure. Careful, skilled and delicate operation was essential. In addition, during the cannulation process, we should pay special attention to the position of cannulation, firm fixation and strict aseptic operation.

Successful extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for postoperative cardiopulmonary failure in newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: case reports and literature reviews.

Introduction: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a structural defect caused by inadequate fusion of the pleuroperitoneal membrane that forms the diaphragm, allowing peritoneal viscera to protrude into the pleural cavity. Up to 30% of newborns with CDH require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. As with all interventions, the risks and benefits of ECMO must be carefully considered in these patients. Cardiopulmonary function has been shown to worsen rather than improve after surgical CDH repair. Even after a detailed perioperative assessment, sudden cardiopulmonary failure after surgery is dangerous and requires timely and effective treatments. Method: Three cases of cardiopulmonary failure after surgical CDH treatment in newborns have been reported. ECMO support was needed for these three patients and was successfully discontinued. We report our treatment experience. Conclusion: ECMO is feasible for the treatment of postoperative cardiopulmonary failure in newborns with CDH.