Direct and indirect vaccination effects on SARS-CoV-2 infection in day-care centres: Evaluating the policy for early vaccination of day-care staff in Germany, 2021.

To mitigate the known high transmission risk in day-care facilities for children aged 0-6 years, day-care staff were given priority for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, in March 2021. This study assessed direct and indirect effects of early vaccination of day-care staff on SARS-CoV-2 transmission in daycares with the aim to provide a basis for the prioritisation of scarce vaccines in the future. Data came from statutory infectious disease notifications in educational institutions and from in-depth investigations by the district public health authorities. Using interrupted time series analyses, we measured the effect of mRNA-based vaccination of day-care staff on SARS-CoV-2 infections and transmission. Among 566 index cases from day-care centres, the mean number of secondary SARS-CoV-2 infections per index case dropped by -0.60 case per month after March 2021. The proportion of staff among all cases reported from daycares was around 60% in the pre-interruption phase and significantly decreased by 27 percentage points immediately in March 2021 and by further 6 percentage points each month in the post-interruption phase. Early vaccination of day-care staff reduced SARS-CoV-2 cases in the overall day-care setting and thus also protected unvaccinated children. This should inform future decisions on vaccination prioritisation.

Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in educational institutions, August to December 2020, Germany.

This study aims at providing estimates on the transmission risk of SARS-CoV-2 in schools and day-care centres. We calculated secondary attack rates (SARs) using individual-level data from state-wide mandatory notification of index cases in educational institutions, followed by contact tracing and PCR-testing of high-risk contacts. From August to December 2020, every sixth of overall 784 independent index cases was associated with secondary cases in educational institutions. Monitoring of 14 594 institutional high-risk contacts (89% PCR-tested) of 441 index cases during quarantine revealed 196 secondary cases (SAR 1.34%, 0.99-1.78). SARS-CoV-2 infection among high-risk contacts was more likely around teacher-indexes compared to student-/child-indexes (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 3.17, 1.79-5.59), and in day-care centres compared to secondary schools (IRR 3.23, 1.76-5.91), mainly due to clusters around teacher-indexes in day-care containing a higher mean number of secondary cases per index case (142/113 = 1.26) than clusters around student-indexes in schools (82/474 = 0.17). In 2020, SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk in educational settings was low overall, but varied strongly between setting and role of the index case, indicating the chance for targeted intervention. Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in educational institutions can powerfully inform public health policy and improve educational justice during the pandemic.

Duration of SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection in COVID-19 patients in home isolation, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, 2020 - an interval-censored survival analysis.

We analysed consecutive RT-qPCR results of 537 symptomatic coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients in home quarantine. Respectively 2, 3, and 4 weeks after symptom onset, 50%, 25% and 10% of patients had detectable RNA from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). In patients with mild COVID-19, RNA detection is likely to outlast currently known periods of infectiousness by far and fixed time periods seem more appropriate in determining the length of home isolation than laboratory-based approaches.

Non-invasive Hemodynamic CMR Parameters Predicting Maximal Exercise Capacity in 54 Patients with Ebstein's Anomaly.

BACKGROUND: Exercise capacity is a well-defined marker of outcome in congenital heart disease. We analyzed seventeen cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) derived parameters and their correlation to exercise capacity in patients with Ebstein's anomaly (EA). METHODS: Fifty-four surgery free patients, age 5 to 69 years (median 30 years) prospectively underwent CMR examination and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). The following volume/flow parameters were compared with peak oxygen uptake as the percentage of normal (peakVO2%) using univariate and multivariate analysis: right and left ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF and LVEF), the indexed end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes (RVEDVi, RVESVi, LVEDVi, and LVESVi), the indexed stroke volumes (RVSVi and LVSVi), the total normalized right and left heart volumes; the total right to left heart volume ratio (R/L-ratio). The indexed antegrade flow (ante), indexed net flow (net) as well as cardiac index (CI) in the aorta (Ao) and pulmonary artery (PA) were used. RESULTS: RVEF (R2 0.2788), indexed flow PA net (R2 0.2330), and PA ante (R2 0.1912) showed the best correlation with peakVO2% (all p < 0.001) in the univariate model. Further significant correlation could also be demonstrated with CI-PA, LVEF, LVSVi, Aorta net, RVESVi, and Aorta ante. Multivariate analysis for RVEF and indexed net flow PA revealed a R2 of 0.4350. CONCLUSION: Functional CMR parameters as RVEF and LVEF and flow data of cardiac forward flow correlate to peakVO2%. Evaluation of the indexed net flow in the pulmonary artery and the overall function of the right ventricle best predicts the maximal exercise capacity in patients with EA.

No evidence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in stool samples of 1,544 asylum seekers arriving in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, April 2016 to March, 2017.

INTRODUCTION: Since 2015, increased migration from Asia and Africa to Europe has raised public health concerns about potential importation of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE), specifically those producing carbapenemases (C-PE), into European hospitals. AIMS: To inform infection control practices about ESBL-PE prevalence in asylum seekers and to investigate whether C-PE prevalence exceeds that in the German population. METHODS: Cross-sectional study from April 2016-March 2017. Routinely collected stool samples from asylum seekers were tested for antibiotic resistant Enterobacteriaceae. Country/region of origin and demographic characteristics were explored as risk factors for faecal colonisation. RESULTS: Of 1,544 individuals, 294 tested positive for ESBL-PE colonisation (19.0%; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 17.0-21.0). Asylum seekers originating from Afghanistan/Pakistan/Iran had a prevalence of 29.3% (95% CI: 25.6-33.2), from Syria 20.4% (95% CI: 16.1-25.2) and from Eritrea/Somalia 11.9% (95% CI: 8.7-15.7). CTX-M-15 (79%) and CTX-M-27 (10%) were the most common ESBL determinants. Highest ESBL-PE prevalences were observed in boys under 10 years and women aged 20-39 years (interaction: p = 0.03). No individuals tested positive for C-PE. Faecal C-PE colonisation prevalence in asylum seekers was not statistically significantly different from prevalence reported in German communities. CONCLUSION: In absence of other risk factors, being a newly arrived asylum seeker from a region with increased faecal ESBL-PE colonisation prevalence is not an indicator for C-PE colonisation and thus not a reason for pre-emptive screening and isolation upon hospital admission.

Negligible import of enteric pathogens by newly-arrived asylum seekers and no impact on incidence of notified Salmonella and Shigella infections and outbreaks in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, January 2015 to May 2016.

IntroductionThe 2015 refugee crisis raised concerns about an import of infectious diseases affecting the German population. Aims: To evaluate public and individual health benefits of stool screening, and explore whether importation of enteric pathogens by newly-arrived asylum seekers impacts on the host population. Methods: We used data from mandatory stool screening to determine the overall, age, sex, and country-specific prevalence of enteric bacteria and helminths. We used surveillance data to assess whether the number of incoming asylum seekers influenced notifications of salmonellosis and shigellosis in Rhineland-Palatinate. Results: Salmonella were found in 0.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2-0.3%) of 23,410 samples collected from January 2015 to May 2016. Prevalence was highest in children under 5 years (0.8%; 95% CI: 0.5-1.3%). No Shigella or invasive Salmonella spp. were detected. In a subset of 14,511 samples, the prevalence of helminth infestation was 2.4% (95% CI: 2.1-2.6%), with highest proportions detected in adolescents (4.6%; 95% CI 3.8-5.4%) and among Eritreans (9.3%; 95% CI: 7.0-12.0%); in the latter particularly Schistosoma mansoni and Taenia spp. The increase in asylum applications did not increase notifications of salmonellosis and shigellosis. No transmission from asylum seekers to German residents was notified. Conclusion: Public health risk associated with imported enteric pathogens is very low overall. Addressing individual and public health risks, we recommend replacing stool screening of all newly-arrived asylum seekers by a targeted approach, with target groups and approaches being adapted if necessary. Target groups supported by our data are children, adolescents, and Eritreans.

[Hepatitis C virus seroprevalence and dependency on country of origin of refugees in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany in 2015]. / Hepatitis-C-Virus Seroprävalenz und Abhängigkeit vom Herkunftsland bei Flüchtlingen in Rheinland-Pfalz/Deutschland im Jahr 2015.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C, a liver disease transmitted by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), can result in liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). According to WHO estimates for 2015, approximately 71 million people worldwide are chronically infected with HCV, representing 1% of the world population. Worldwide migration movements lead to immigration from HCV high- to low-prevalence countries. There are, however, no published data available on HCV seroprevalence and its correlation with the country of origin in current unselected larger refugee populations (>1000 people) having entered Europe/Germany. OBJECTIVES: Documentation and evaluation of hepatitis C seroprevalence and its correlation with the country of origin of refugees in Rhineland-Palatinate/Germany in 2015. METHODS: As part of routine diagnostics during the initial medical examination, 12,880 refugees in Rhineland-Palatinate were screened for HCV antibodies in 2015. The data have been analyzed retrospectively and anonymously. RESULTS: The collective comprising 12,880 refugees showed a HCV seroprevalence of 1.5%. This is higher than the HCV prevalence of the general German population (0.5%). In particular, a correlation between HCV seroprevalence and the country of origin could be demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: To reach the 2030 HCV-elimination target of the WHO, national and international recommendations to screen refugees/migrants from HCV high-prevalence countries for HCV should be emphasized. The chronically infected should be treated in accordance with HCV-guidelines. National, easily accessible information on HCV high-prevalence countries is required by attending physicians.

Management of a Lassa fever outbreak, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, 2016.

Due to rapid diagnosis and isolation of imported cases, community outbreaks of viral haemorrhagic fevers (VHF) are considered unlikely in industrialised countries. In March 2016, the first documented locally acquired case of Lassa fever (LF) outside Africa occurred, demonstrating the disease's potential as a cross-border health threat. We describe the management surrounding this case of LF in Rhineland-Palatinate - the German federal state where secondary transmission occurred. Twelve days after having been exposed to the corpse of a LF case imported from Togo, a symptomatic undertaker tested positive for Lassa virus RNA. Potential contacts were traced, categorised based on exposure risk, and monitored. Overall, we identified 21 contact persons with legal residency in Rhineland-Palatinate: seven related to the index case, 13 to the secondary case, and one related to both. The secondary case received treatment and recovered. Five contacts were quarantined and one was temporarily banned from work. No further transmission occurred. Based on the experience gained during the outbreak and a review of national and international guidelines, we conclude that exposure risk attributable to corpses may currently be underestimated, and we present suggestions that may help to improve the anti-epidemic response to imported VHF cases in industrialised countries.

Tick survey for prevalent pathogens in peri-urban recreation sites in Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate (Germany).

Ixodid ticks are important vectors of human pathogens in Central Europe. Despite this fact, prevalence studies are scarce, especially with regard to much-frequented peri-urban recreation sites. In this pilot study, 4.014 larvae, nymphs and adult ticks sampled monthly during the active seasons in 2011 and 2012 from 14 distinct collection sites in two German states (Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate) were screened for Borrelia spp., Anaplasma spp. and tick-borne encephalitis virus. Mean prevalence rates were 19.8 % for Borrelia spp., 1.9 % for Anaplasma spp. and 0.1 % for tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), which are in accordance with those reported from other regions in Germany and neighbouring countries. Nevertheless, the detection of TBEV-infected ticks is the first positive result after several unsuccessful efforts over the previous years in official "TBE-risk" zones of Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate which supports the presumption of the origin of observed local infection. Besides ixodid ticks a non-engorged adult female tick of the invading species Dermacentor reticulatus has been found reflecting the appearance of another vector eventually jeopardising the health of host animals as well as humans.

Myocardial blood flow in patients with transposition of the great arteries ­ risk factor for dysfunction of the morphologic systemic right ventricle late after atrial repair.

BACKGROUND: Dysfunction of the morphologic systemic right ventricle (RV) is a sequela in long-term survivors with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) after atrial switch operation (AtSO). Impairment of myocardial blood flow (MBF) and coronary flow reserve (CFR) are hypothesized as predisposing factors. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study group comprised 20 patients after AtSO (22.7 ± 5.03 years) and 15 individuals with congenitally corrected transposition (ccTGA) (30.6 ± 19.4 years). MBF was quantified by positron emission tomography; controls for coronary flow were 11 healthy volunteers (26.2 ± 5.1 years). Exercise capacity, ventricular mass, function and end-diastolic volume assessed by coronary magnetic resonance (CMR), hemodynamic parameters assessed by cardiac catheterization and echocardiography, and B-type natriuretic peptide levels correlated with MBF. At rest, MBF did not differ between patients and healthy volunteers (MBFrestml·100 g(-1)·min(-1); ccTGA: 75 ± 14 vs. AtSO: 73 ± 16 vs. controls: 77 ± 15; NS). After vasodilatation, MBF increased significantly, but was significantly lower in ccTGA and AtSO groups compared with controls (MBFstressml·100 g(-1)·min(-1); ccTGA: 198 ± 38 vs. AtSO: 167 ± 46 vs. controls 310 ± 74; P<0.001). In ccTGA, CFR correlated significantly with clinical, CMR, echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters, but for AtSO patients no significant correlation could be calculated. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ccTGA, maximal coronary blood flow is attenuated and significantly correlated with ventricular function, whereas dysfunction of the morphologic systemic RV after AtSO is a multifactorial problem.

Conversion to Total Cavopulmonary Connection Improves Functional Status Even in Older Patients with Failing Fontan Circulation.

BACKGROUND: Facing longer follow-up of patients after Fontan operation, Fontan conversion was proposed to treat failing Fontan circulation. We reviewed our patients who reached up to 42 years of age. METHODS: Fifteen consecutive patients underwent Fontan conversion to extracardiac conduit combined with biatrial maze procedure between October 2006 and January 2014. Mean age at conversion was 30.9 ± 5.6 years and mean interval from primary Fontan palliation to conversion was 23.2 ± 3.3 years. RESULTS: There was one early death. Ten of 14 survivors were extubated within 24 hours, and 11 were discharged from intensive care unit (ICU) within 7 days. The impaired left ventricular function, presented in four patients prior to surgery, improved from EF 43.8 to 54.8% (p = 0.02). During follow-up time of 3.6 ± 2.3 years after conversion, there was no late death and no reoperation. Two patients developed recurrent atrial arrhythmia. Older age at Fontan procedure, lower left ventricular function, higher New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, and anatomy other than tricuspid atresia emerged as risk factors for longer ICU stay. CONCLUSION: Fontan conversion improved the functional status in almost all patients. A concomitant maze procedure effectively eliminated atrial arrhythmia. This procedure provides a benefit even for older patients if all additional cardiac pathologies are addressed.

Ventricular sympathetic innervation in patients with transposition of the great arteries after arterial switch operation and Rastelli procedure: impact of arterial dissection and coronary reimplantation.

BACKGROUND: Coronary flow reserve (CFR) is reduced in patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) after the arterial switch operation (ASO). Dissection of the great arteries and coronary reimplantation may result in sympathetic denervation, with a negative effect on myocardial perfusion. METHODS AND RESULTS: 18 patients with TGA participated in the study; 9 had ASO (20.8±5.8 years). Controls were 9 patients after Rastelli procedure (22.1±6.8 years). Sympathetic innervation was measured by positron emission tomography using(11)C epinephrine (EPI). Left ventricular EPI-retention ranged from 6.1% to 15.9%/min. Patients undergoing more than 1 operation had significantly reduced EPI-retention (P<0.001). EPI-retention and time interval after surgery correlated significantly (r=0.81, P<0.001) and was higher in patients undergoing surgery at an earlier age (P<0.001). No significant difference could be found between patients after ASO or Rastelli repair. Aortic cross-clamp time inversely correlated with EPI-retention (r=-0.72; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The ASO procedure had a negative effect on sympathetic innervation of the myocardium, but because of reinnervation myocardial perfusion is not essentially altered by this mechanism. Heart surgery and prolonged aortic cross-clamp time have a negative effect on the norepinephrine content of cardiac sympathetic nerve terminals. Parameters such as ventricular performance and cardiopulmonary exercise capacity were unaffected by the degree of EPI-retention.

Pregnancy-related obstetric and cardiologic problems in women after atrial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries.

BACKGROUND: The number of women with congenital heart disease reaching reproductive age has increased due to therapeutic advances. The aim of this study was to examine obstetric and cardiac problems during pregnancy after Mustard/Senning repair for transposition of the great arteries. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixty pregnancies in 34 women from 3 centers were studied. The women were interviewed, and their records reviewed for clinical status and diagnostic evaluation. Age range was 16-34 years during first pregnancy, and all were in a low functional class. There were 11 miscarriages and 5 abortions. Of 44 successful pregnancies, 20 were vaginal deliveries and 24, cesarean sections. A total of 25% were delivered prematurely. Thirteen babies had birth weight <2,500g. Deterioration in functional class occurred in 7 pregnancies, without recovery in 5. Deterioration in systolic function occurred in 4 of 44 echocardiographically documented pregnancies, without recovery in 75%. In 2 women resuscitation was necessary during delivery, in 1, supraventricular tachycardia occurred during labor. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancy is usually well-tolerated, but outcome is unforeseeable and life-threatening problems can occur. These women belong in cardiac care conducted by experienced congenital cardiologists, who systematically check for typical residua. The pregnancy should be planned and gynecologists/obstetricians with special expertise integrated into the consultations. During delivery a congenital cardiologist, and an anesthetist experienced in congenital cardiology, should be present for possible severe cardiac events.

Elastic properties of the ascending aorta in healthy children and adolescents. Age-related reference values for aortic wall stiffness and distensibility obtained on M-mode echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Compliance of the aorta is important in maintaining normal cardiovascular physiology. Pathological conditions can induce changes in elastic properties, having profound effects on their prognosis. The aim of this study was to establish age-related reference values for distensibility and wall stiffness index of the ascending aorta. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 165 normal subjects (mean age, 11.92±4.0 years) were investigated on transthoracic echocardiography. Ascending aortic diameter was recorded in M-mode above the sinotubular junction. Blood pressure was measured simultaneously at the right arm. Aortic pulse pressure, distensibility and aortic wall stiffness index were calculated offline. Distensibility decreased significantly with age (r=-0.462, P<0.001); the regression line indicated an average decrease of 5.1 10(-3)kPa(-1) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.9-6.8 10(-3)kPa(-1)) per year. Significant correlations could be found between distensibility and weight, height, body surface area (BSA) and body mass index (BMI) (P<0.001). Stiffness index increased significantly with age (r=0.399, P<0.001); the regression line indicated an average increase of 0.066 (95% CI: 0.047-0.085) per year; significant correlations could be found between wall stiffness index and weight, height, BSA and BMI (P<0.001). The 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles of the distribution of distensibility and stiffness index related to age, weight, height, BSA and BMI were calculated. CONCLUSIONS: Normal values of arterial elastic properties throughout childhood and adolescence have been provided, and might serve as a reference for individuals with cardiovascular and metabolic disease.

The Munich Triathlon Heart Study: ventricular function, myocardial velocities, and two-dimensional strain in healthy children before and after endurance stress.

Intense exercise has been shown to have negative effects on systolic and diastolic ventricular function in adults. Very little is known about the normal reaction of the growing heart to endurance stress. For this study, 26 healthy children (18 males) with a mean age of 12.61 years (range, 7.92-16.42 years) took part in an age-adapted triathlon circuit. The athletes were investigated by two-dimensional (2D) echocardiographic/speckle tracking, M-mode, pulse-wave Doppler, color Doppler, and color-coded tissue Doppler at 2-4 weeks before and immediately after the race. After the competition, cardiac output increased, mediated by an increase in heart rate and not by an elevated preload, according the Frank-Starling mechanism. Two-dimensional speckle tracking showed a reduced longitudinal strain in the right and left ventricles and additionally reduced circumferential strain in the left ventricle. The late diastolic inflow velocities were increased in both ventricles, indicating reduced diastolic function due to an impairment of myocardial relaxation. Immediately after endurance exercise, systolic and diastolic functions were attenuated in children and adolescents. In contrast to adult studies, this study could show a heart rate-mediated increase in cardiac output. The sequelae of these alterations are unclear, and the growing heart especially may be more susceptible to myocardial damage caused by intense endurance stress.

Right Ventricular Electromechanical Dyssynchrony and Its Relation to Right Ventricular Remodeling, Dysfunction, and Exercise Capacity in Ebstein Anomaly.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal atrioventricular and intraventricular electrical conduction and dysfunction of the functional right ventricle (fRV) are common in Ebstein anomaly (EA). However, fRV mechanical dyssynchrony and its relation to fRV function are poorly characterized. We evaluated fRV mechanical dyssynchrony in EA patients in relation to fRV remodeling, dysfunction, and exercise intolerance. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from nonoperated EA patients and age-matched controls who underwent echocardiography, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing to quantify right ventricular (RV) remodeling, dysfunction, and exercise capacity. The relation of these to fRV dyssynchrony was retrospectively investigated. Right ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony was defined by early fRV septal activation (right-sided septal flash), RV lateral wall prestretch/late contraction, postsystolic shortening, and intra-RV delay using two-dimensional strain echocardiography. The SD of time to peak shortening among the fRV segments was calculated as a parameter of mechanical dispersion. RESULTS: Thirty-five EA patients (10 of whom were <18 years of age) and 35 age-matched controls were studied. Ebstein anomaly patients had worse RV function and increased intra-RV dyssynchrony versus controls. Nineteen of 35 (54%) EA patients had early septal activation with simultaneous stretch and consequent late activation and postsystolic shortening of RV lateral segments. Intra-fRV mechanical delay correlated with fRV end-diastolic volume index (r = 0.43, P < .05) and fRV end-systolic volume index (r = 0.63, P < .001). The fRV ejection fraction was lower in EA with versus without right-sided septal flash (44.9 ± 11.0 vs 54.2 ± 8.2, P = .012). The fRV mechanical dispersion correlated with the percentage of predicted peak VO2 (r = -0.35, P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: In EA, fRV mechanical dyssynchrony is associated with fRV remodeling, dysfunction, and impaired exercise capacity. Mechanical dyssynchrony as a therapeutic target in selected EA patients warrants further study.

Periventricular closure of a perimembranous VSD: treatment option in selected patients.

Ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are a common congenital heart disease. Usually, surgical repair with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is the treatment of choice, whereas percutaneous techniques have technical limitations, predominantly a mismatch of catheter size and body weight. A 7-year-old girl underwent periventricular closure of a perimembranous VSD on the beating heart. Echocardiography guided implantation through a minimally invasive sternotomy was uneventful. The described approach adds favorably to the current practice avoiding the use of CPB. Cosmetic aspect and rapid early postoperative recovery are convincing.

Independent risk factors for cardiac operations in adults with congenital heart disease: a retrospective study of 543 operations for 500 patients.

Adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) are an increasing population requiring cardiac operations. To date, the perioperative risk factors for this group have not been identified. This study aimed to identify clinical, morphologic, and hemodynamic risk factors for an adverse outcome. This study retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 500 patients (ages >16 years) who underwent 543 operations between January 2004 and December 2008 at a single center. The composite end point of an adverse outcome was in-hospital death, a prolonged intensive care exceeding 4 days, or both. The composite end point was reached by 253 of the patients (50.6%). Of the 500 patients, 13 (2.6%) died within 30 days after the operation. After logistic regression analysis, the following eight items remained significant: male gender (P = 0.003; odds ratio [OR] 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-2.6), cyanosis (P > 0.006; OR 3.7; 95% CI 1.5-9.4), functional class exceeding 2 (P = 0.004; OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.3-3.7), chromosomal abnormalities (P = 0.004; OR 3.3; 95% CI 1.4-7.7), impaired renal function (P = 0.019; OR 3.8; 95% CI 1.2-11.5), systemic right ventricle (RV) in a biventricular circulation (P = 0.027; OR 3.3; 95% CI 1.1-9.5), enlargement of the systemic ventricle (P = 0.011; OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1-2.6), and operation with extracorporeal circulation (P = 0.002; OR 4.3; 95% CI 1.7-11.4). Early mortality in the current adult CHD population is low. Morbidity, however, is significant and influenced by the patients' conditions (male gender, chromosomal abnormalities), history (cyanosis, New York Hospital Association [NYHA] class), and underlying morphology (systemic RV). This information for a large cohort of patients could help progress toward more adequate counseling for adults with a congenital heart defect.

Assessment of interventricular and right-intraventricular dyssynchrony in patients with surgically repaired tetralogy of Fallot by two-dimensional speckle tracking.

AIMS: We aimed to assess interventricular and right-intraventricular dyssynchrony in patients after tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair by two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking and to identify factors associated with dyssynchrony. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-two patients after TOF repair with a mean age of 19.8 years and 42 age-matched healthy controls were studied. Longitudinal myocardial deformation (strain) and time-to-peak intervals were assessed by 2D speckle tracking and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) in an apical four-chamber view. Dyssynchrony was defined as delay above 3 standard deviations of mean values in the control group. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed for evaluation of ventricular function. Using 2D speckle tracking, 22 patients (52%) showed interventricular dyssynchrony and 16 (38%) had right-intraventricular dyssynchrony. The interventricular delay correlated significantly with right ventricular (RV) strain (r = 0.687, P < 0.001), RV systolic pressure (r = 0.535, P = 0.001), QRS duration (r = 0.466, P = 0.002), RV end-diastolic (r = 0.377, P = 0.018), and RV end-systolic volumes (r = 0.452, P = 0.004) as well as RV ejection fraction (r = -0.378, P = 0.018). Similarly, the right-intraventricular delay correlated significantly with RV strain (r = 0.534, P < 0.001), QRS duration (r = 0.428, P = 0.005), RV end-systolic volume (r = 0.34, P = 0.038), and RV systolic pressure (r = 0.413, P = 0.015). In multivariate regression analysis, reduced RV strain and prolonged QRS duration remained the main determinant factors predicting dyssynchrony. Moreover, 2D speckle tracking and TDI showed a significant correlation in the assessment of the interventricular (r = 0.738, P < 0.001) and right-intraventricular delay (r = 0.747, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Interventricular and right-intraventricular dyssynchrony are detectable in patients after TOF repair by 2D speckle tracking. Reduced RV myocardial deformation and QRS prolongation are the main factors associated with the observed dyssynchrony.