Cardiorespiratory Instability after Percutaneous Patent Ductus Arteriosus Closure: A Multicenter Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate postprocedural clinical characteristics of preterm infants undergoing transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure, including oxygenation/ventilation failure and cardiovascular compromise. STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter retrospective cohort study of preterm infants who were ≤2 kg at the time of percutaneous PDA closure between August 2018 and July 2021. Indices of cardiorespiratory stability were collected pre-closure, immediately post-closure, and subsequently averaged every 4 hours for the first 24 hours post-procedure. The primary outcome was incidence of post-transcatheter cardiorespiratory syndrome: composite of hemodynamic instability (defined by systemic hypotension, systemic hypertension, or use of new inotropes/vasopressors in the first 24 hours after catheterization) and at least one of the following: (i) ventilation failure or (ii) oxygenation failure. RESULTS: A total of 197 patients were included with a median [IQR] age and weight at catheterization of 34 [25, 43] days and 1090 [900, 1367] grams, respectively. The primary composite outcome of post-transcatheter cardiorespiratory syndrome was reported in 46 (23.3%). CONCLUSION: Post-transcatheter cardiorespiratory syndrome is characterized primarily by systemic hypertension and oxygenation failure, with a very low incidence of hypotension and need for inotropes.

Long-Term Cardiovascular Outcomes of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children Associated with COVID-19 Using an Institution Based Algorithm.

Cardiovascular involvement is a major cause of inpatient and intensive care unit morbidity related to Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). The objective of this study was to identify long-term cardiovascular manifestations of MIS-C. We included 80 consecutive patients admitted to the intensive care unit with MIS-C who were evaluated for a year in our follow-up clinic using an institution protocol. The outcome measures were cardiac biomarkers (troponin and BNP), electrocardiogram changes, echocardiographic findings cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and graded-exercise stress test (GXT) findings. The cohort included patients aged between 6 months and 17 years (median 9 years; 48.8% females). At the peak of the disease 81.3% had abnormal BNP and 58.8% had troponin leak which reduced to 33.8% and 18.8% respectively at discharge with complete normalization by 6 weeks post-discharge. At admission 33.8% had systolic dysfunction, which improved to 11.3% at discharge with complete resolution by 2 weeks. Coronary artery abnormalities were seen in 17.5% during the illness with complete resolution by 2 weeks post discharge except one (1.9%) with persistent giant aneurysm at 1 year-follow up. CMR was performed at 6 months in 23 patient and demonstrated 4 patients with persistent late gadolinium enhancement (17.4%). Normal exercise capacity with no ectopy was seen in the 31 qualifying patients that underwent a GXT. There is significant heterogeneity in the cardiovascular manifestations of MIS-C. Although majority of the cardiovascular manifestations resolve within 6 weeks, diastolic dysfunction, CAA and myocardial scar may persist in a small subset of patients warranting a structured long-term follow-up strategy.

Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in Children with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Associated with COVID-19: Institutional Protocol-Based Medium-Term Follow-up Study.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) secondary to COVID-19 infection in previously healthy children often results in subtle but persistent echocardiographic abnormalities despite complete clinical recovery. This study was done to investigate medium-term cardiovascular outcomes of patients with MIS-C using cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). This is a single-center retrospective study of patients aged less than 21 years, diagnosed with MIS-C who received an outpatient CMR, around 6 months after discharge. CMR was done in patients with significant troponin leak or depressed LVEF. CMR performed on a GE Signa HDxt 1.5 Tesla magnet with a myocarditis protocol. Diagnosis of myocarditis was determined by the original Lake Louise Criteria. There were 21 patients with a median age of 11 years, (IQR 8-13 years), who underwent CMR at median follow-up duration of 6 months (IQR 5-7 months). At the peak of illness during admission, there were 95.2% patients with abnormal Troponin I and BNP. By echocardiogram, 76.2% had left ventricular systolic dysfunction and 9.5% had coronary ectasia, which all resolved by 6 months. By CMR, there were five patients (23.8%) with abnormal left atrial volume, one patient (4.8%) with an abnormal indexed left ventricular end-diastolic volume, and three patients (15%) with abnormal LVEF. There was no evidence of myocardial edema in T2-weighted image sequence. There were three patients with persistent late gadolinium enhancement (14.3%). Follow-up CMR is a useful tool in diagnosing subtle myocardial abnormalities and guide necessity for future follow-up.

Role of Transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus closure in extremely low birth weight infants.

BACKGROUND: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is common in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. The objectives of this study were to describe our early clinical experience of transcatheter PDA closure (TCPC) in ELBW infants, compare outcomes with surgical ligation of PDA (SLP), and identify risk factors for prolonged respiratory support. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed comparing infants born <27 weeks, weighing <1 kg at birth and < 2 kg during TCPC with 2:1 propensity-score matched group of infants that underwent SLP. Change in respiratory severity scores (RSS) immediately post-procedure and the time taken for return to pre-procedure RSS for TCPC versus SLP was compared. Factors contributing to prolonged elevation of RSS were identified. RESULTS: Eighty ELBW infants (median procedure weight: 1060 [range 640-2000] grams) that underwent successful TCPC were compared with 40 infants that underwent SLP (procedure weight 650-1760 g). There was greater increase in RSS following SLP compared to TCPC (76% vs. 18%; P < 0.01). It took longer for RSS to return to pre-procedural scores post-SLP compared to post-TCPC (28 vs. 8.4 hr; P < 0.01). Elevated pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and TCPC at >8 weeks of age were associated with prolonged (>30-days) elevation of RSS ≥ 1 (OR = 5.4, 95%CI: 2.2-9.4, P < 0.01 and OR = 2.86, 95%CI: 1.5-4.2, P = 0.05 respectively). Overall complication rate for TCPC was 3.7%. CONCLUSIONS: TCPC is feasible in infants as small as 640-2000 g and can be performed safely in the majority. TCPC may offer faster weaning of respiratory support compared to SLP when performed earlier in life, and before the onset of elevated PAP.

Pulmonary hypertension during respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis: a risk factor for severity of illness.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus infection is the most frequent cause of acute lower respiratory tract disease in infants. A few reports have suggested that pulmonary hypertension is associated with increased severity of respiratory syncytial virus infection. We sought to determine the association between the pulmonary hypertension detected by echocardiography during respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis and clinical outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 154 children admitted with respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis who had an echocardiography performed during the admission. The association between pulmonary hypertension and clinical outcomes including mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, prolonged ICU stay (>10 days), tracheal intubation, and need of high frequency oscillator ventilation was evaluated. RESULTS: Echocardiography detected pulmonary hypertension in 29 patients (18.7%). Pulmonary hypertension was observed more frequently in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) (n = 11/33, 33%), chronic lung disease of infancy (n = 12/25, 48%), prematurity (<37 weeks gestational age, n = 17/59, 29%), and Down syndrome (n = 4/10, 40%). The presence of pulmonary hypertension was associated with morbidity (p < 0.001) and mortality (p = 0.02). However, in patients without these risk factors (n = 68), pulmonary hypertension was detected in five patients who presented with shock or poor perfusion. Chronic lung disease was associated with pulmonary hypertension (OR = 5.9, 95% CI 2.2-16.3, p = 0.0005). Multivariate logistic analysis demonstrated that pulmonary hypertension is associated with ICU admission (OR = 6.4, 95% CI 2.2-18.8, p = 0.0007), intubation (OR = 4.7, 95% CI 1.8-12.3, p = 0.002), high frequency oscillator ventilation (OR = 8.4, 95% CI 2.95-23.98, p < 0.0001), and prolonged ICU stay (OR = 4.9, 95% CI 2.0-11.7, p = 0.0004). CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary hypertension detected by echocardiography during respiratory syncytial virus infection was associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Chronic lung disease was associated with pulmonary hypertension detected during respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis. Routine echocardiography is not warranted for previously healthy, haemodynamically stable patients with respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis.

Right ventricular function after repair of tetralogy of Fallot: a comparison between bovine pericardium and porcine small intestinal extracellular matrix.

BACKGROUND: The porcine small intestinal extracellular matrix reportedly has the potential to differentiate into viable myocardial cells. When used in tetralogy of Fallot repair, it may improve right ventricular function. We evaluated right ventricular function after repair of tetralogy of Fallot with extracellular matrix versus bovine pericardium. METHOD: Subjects with non-transannular repair of tetralogy of Fallot with at least 1 year of follow-up were selected. The extracellular matrix and bovine pericardium groups were compared. We used three-dimensional right ventricular ejection fraction, right ventricle global longitudinal strain, and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion to assess right ventricular function. RESULTS: The extracellular matrix group had 11 patients, whereas the bovine pericardium group had 10 patients. No differences between the groups were found regarding sex ratio, age at surgery, and cardiopulmonary bypass time. The follow-up period was 28±12.6 months in the extracellular matrix group and 50.05±17.6 months in the bovine pericardium group (p=0.001). The mean three-dimensional right ventricular ejection fraction (55.7±5.0% versus 55.3±5.2%, p=0.73), right ventricular global longitudinal strain (-18.5±3.0% versus -18.0±2.2%, p=0.44), and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursions (1.59±0.16 versus 1.59±0.2, p=0.93) were similar in the extracellular matrix group and in the bovine pericardium group, respectively. Right ventricular global longitudinal strain in healthy children is reported at -29±3% in literature. CONCLUSION: In a small cohort of the patients undergoing non-transannular repair of tetralogy of Fallot, there was no significant difference in right ventricular function between groups having extracellular matrix versus bovine pericardium patches followed-up for more than 1 year. Lower right ventricular longitudinal strain noted in both the groups compared to healthy children.

Morphologic characterization of the patent ductus arteriosus in the premature infant and the choice of transcatheter occlusion device.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe and differentiate the morphology of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) seen in children born prematurely from other PDA types. BACKGROUND: PDAs are currently classified as types A-E using the Krichenko's classification. Children born prematurely with a PDA morphology that did not fit this classification were described as Type F PDA. METHODS: A review of 100 consecutive children who underwent transcatheter device closure of PDA was performed. The diameter and length (L) of the PDA and the device diameter (D) were indexed to the descending aorta (DA) diameter. RESULTS: Comparison of 26 Type F PDAs was performed against, 29 Type A, 7 Type C and 32 Type E PDAs. Children with Type F PDAs (median 27.5 weeks gestation) were younger during the device occlusion compared with types A, C, and E (median age: 6 vs. 32, 11, and 42 months; P = 0.002). Type F PDAs were longer and larger, requiring a relatively large device for occlusion than types A, C, and E (Mean L/DA: 1.88 vs. 0.9, 1.21, and 0.89, P ≤ 0.01 and Mean D/DA: 1.04 vs. 0.46, 0.87, and 0.34, P ≤0.01). The Amplatzer vascular plug-II (AVP-II) was preferred for occlusion of Type F PDAs (85%; P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Children born prematurely have relatively larger and longer PDAs. These "fetal type PDAs" are best classified separately. We propose to classify them as Type F PDAs to add to types A-E currently in use. The AVP-II was effective in occluding Type F PDAs.

Management of hypoplastic left heart syndrome with intact atrial septum: a two-centre experience.

UNLABELLED: Introduction Hypoplastic left heart syndrome with an intact atrial septum is a poor predictor of outcomes. Prenatal assessment of pulmonary venous Doppler and emergent postnatal cardiac intervention may be associated with better outcomes. Materials and methods A retrospective review of all hypoplastic left heart syndrome patients in two centres over a 5-year period was performed. Group 1 included patients with adequate inter-atrial communication. Group 2 included patients with prenatal diagnosis with an intact atrial septum who had immediate transcatheter intervention. Group 3 included patients with intact atrial septum who were not prenatally diagnosed and underwent either delayed intervention or no intervention before stage 1 palliation. Primary outcome was survival up to stage 2 palliation. RESULTS: The incidence of hypoplastic left heart syndrome with a restrictive atrial communication was 11.2% (n=19 of 170). Overall survival to stage 2 or heart transplantation was 85% and 67% for Groups 1 and 2, respectively (n=129/151, n=8/12; p=0.03), and 0% (n=0/7) for Group 3. Survival benefits were observed between Groups 2 and 3 (p<0.001). Foetal pulmonary vein Doppler reverse/forward velocity time integral ratio of ⩾18% (sensitivity, 0.99, 95% CI, 0.58-1; specificity, 0.99, 95% CI, 0.96-1) was predictive of the need for emergent left atrial decompression. CONCLUSION: Using a multidisciplinary approach and foetal pulmonary vein Doppler, time-saving measures can be instituted by delivering prenatally diagnosed neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome with intact atrial septum close to the cardiac catheterisation suite where left atrial decompression can be performed quickly and safely that may improve survival.

Inverse Relationship between Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index and Body Mass Index in Healthy Children.

OBJECTIVE: To establish reference scores for cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), a noninvasive measure of vascular function, which reflects the stiffness of arteries, in healthy children, to test for racial and ethnic differences, and to compare CAVI scores between overweight and normal weight children. STUDY DESIGN: Subjects included 292 children aged 10-18 years: 100 non-Hispanic whites, 89 non-Hispanic blacks, and 103 Hispanics. Subjects were grouped as normal weight (body mass index [BMI] <85th percentile for age) and overweight (BMI >85th percentile for age). Blood pressure (BP) and CAVI scores were measured in all subjects. RESULTS: After controlling for age, sex, and BMI, normal weight black males had a higher CAVI score (indicating stiffer arteries) in comparison with Hispanic males and white males (5.53 ± 0.15 vs 5.13 ± 0.15 vs 5.02 ± 0.15, P = .04). BMI had an inverse association on the CAVI score (r = -0.335, P < .0001). In multivariable analysis, BMI and average CAVI scores were significant predictors of each other (R(2) = 0.37, P < .0001, R(2) = 0.21, P < .0001). There was no significant correlation between CAVI scores and resting BP values, confirming that CAVI scores were independent of concurrent BP values. CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences in vascular function exist among ethnic groups of children. Overweight children had lower CAVI scores, suggestive of vascular adaptation to obesity in early life. CAVI, by providing a noninvasive measure of vascular health, may help identify children at increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

Unzipping of small diameter stents: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine if small-diameter stents can be unzipped in vitro. BACKGROUND: Small-diameter stents can relieve stenosis in infant blood vessels. As the child grows, refractory stenosis may result. If an implanted stent can be intentionally fractured along its length-"unzipped," it can be redilated to the eventual adult vessel diameter. METHODS: Stents of diameters ≤6 mm were dilated using angioplasty balloons until they fractured. The change in length-diameter (dL/dD ratio), and the yield-point-force (σy ) for each stent was calculated. RESULTS: Thirty-four coronary (CS), 11 biliary, and 10 nitinol peripheral stents (median diameter = 4, 5, and 6 mm; range = 2.75-4.5, 4-6, 6 mm, respectively) were tested. Stainless-steel (SS) CS unzipped predictably at twice their nominal diameter with minimal shortening (n = 24, median dL/dD = 0.4). Nitinol stents fractured in a disorganized fashion. The remaining stents unzipped, had disorganized fractures, and shortened significantly (dL/dD>1). A dL/dD ratio of<1 had a strong, positive correlation with the ability to unzip (Pearson rho = 0.94). By multivariate regression analysis, SS alloy, and closed-cell design were found to be significant predictors (P < 0.05) for unzipping. Optimal cut-off points for stents to unzip included, strut-thickness = 112 µm, alloy-density = 7.7 g/cm(3) , dL/dD ratio = 0.12 and σy = 108Mpa (Youden's index = 0.8, 0.4, 0.8, and 0.5, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Stainless-steel, coronary stents of a closed-cell design unzip at twice their nominal diameter without significant shortening when serially dilated. This study may encourage the implantation of small stents in infant blood vessels and aid in selection of appropriate stent type.

Lessons from the Pandemic: Role of Percutaneous ECMO and Balloon Atrial Septostomy in Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome in Children.

Multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) in the setting of COVID-19 can be associated with severe cardiopulmonary dysfunction. This clinical deterioration may sometimes necessitate veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) support. We describe an algorithmic approach including the role of balloon atrial septostomy in this cohort. This is the first reported series of percutaneous VA-ECMO in pediatric patients with MIS-C for better outcomes. The lessons from this approach can be replicated in other pediatric clinical conditions and adds to the armament of multiple pediatric specialties.

Efficacy of Sildenafil in Infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia-Associated Pulmonary Hypertension.

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common comorbidity in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Sildenafil is a widely recognized therapy for PH, but its efficacy in infants with BPD is questionable. We propose to assess the efficacy of sildenafil in BPD-associated PH as evaluated based on transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) changes and clinical measures. Methods: Data were retrospectively and prospectively collected. Inclusion criteria were gestational age (GA) < 32 weeks, birth weight (BW) < 1500 g with severe BPD, diagnosis of PH via TTE on sildenafil treatment. PH was evaluated via TTE, which was performed monthly after 36 weeks post-menstrual age (PMA) as a standard of care, and re-reviewed by a single pediatric cardiologist, who was blind to the initial reading. Results: In total, 19 patients were enrolled in the study, having a median GA of 24 3/7 weeks (IQR 23 5/7-25 5/7) and a median BW of 598 g (IQR 572-735). Sildenafil treatment was started at a median PMA of 40.4 weeks. The median respiratory severity score (RSS) at 28 d was 6.5, RSS and FiO2 showed improvement about 12 weeks after starting sildenafil treatment. Conclusions: Improvement in PH was noted via TTE, and patients had improvement in their RSS and FiO2 after prolonged therapy. However, TTE improvements did not correlate with clinical improvements.

Elevated Copeptin Levels Are Associated with Heart Failure Severity and Adverse Outcomes in Children with Cardiomyopathy.

In children with cardiomyopathy, the severity of heart failure (HF) varies. However, copeptin, which is a biomarker of neurohormonal adaptation in heart failure, has not been studied in these patients. In this study, we evaluated the correlation of copeptin level with functional HF grading, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and echocardiography variables in children with cardiomyopathy. Furthermore, we determined if copeptin levels are associated with adverse outcomes, including cardiac arrest, mechanical circulatory support, heart transplant, or death. In forty-two children with cardiomyopathy with a median (IQR) age of 13.1 years (2.5-17.2) and a median follow-up of 2.5 years (2.2-2.7), seven (16.7%) children had at least one adverse outcome. Copeptin levels were highest in the patients with adverse outcomes, followed by the patients without adverse outcomes, and then the healthy children. The copeptin levels in patients showed a strong correlation with their functional HF grading, BNP level, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Patients with copeptin levels higher than the median value of 25 pg/mL had a higher likelihood of experiencing adverse outcomes, as revealed by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (p = 0.024). Copeptin level was an excellent predictor of outcomes, with an area under the curve of 0.861 (95% CI, 0.634-1.089), a sensitivity of 86%, and a specificity of 60% for copeptin level of 25 pg/mL. This predictive value was superior in patients with dilated and restrictive cardiomyopathies (0.97 (CI 0.927-1.036), p < 0.0001, n = 21) than in those with hypertrophic and LV non-compaction cardiomyopathies (0.60 (CI 0.04-1.16), p = 0.7, n = 21).

Iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm of the innominate artery in a neonate.

A 2.8-kg infant underwent urgent repair of a large iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm of the innominate artery, which was compressing the airway and superior vena cava, creating critical respiratory instability. The pseudoaneurysm was repaired with complete resolution of all respiratory symptoms.

Echocardiographic versus Angiographic Measurement of the Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants and the Utility of Echo Guidance for Transcatheter Closure.

BACKGROUND: Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is increasingly utilized for guiding transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. The objectives of this study were to compare PDA size measurements by TTE with angiographic measurements and to describe TTE techniques used in guiding transcatheter PDA closure (TCPC) in ELBW infants. METHODS: One hundred twenty-five consecutive ELBW infants (gestational age < 27 weeks, birth weight < 1 kg) who underwent TCPC before 8 weeks of age under TTE guidance were included. Patent ductus arteriosus sizes were measured from the procedural TTE and angiograms retrospectively by blinded observers. The TTE PDA diameters at the aortic (ED1) and pulmonary end (ED2) were compared with the corresponding angiographic diameters (CD1 and CD2). The TTE PDA lengths, obtained by two techniques (EL1, a straight line between ED1 and ED2; and EL2, a curvilinear line along the PDA), were compared with the PDA length by angiography (CL). Transthoracic echocardiography was used to guide accurate device positioning within the PDA. RESULTS: The procedure weight was 600-1,460 g. The TTE and angiographic PDA diameters were comparable (mean ED1 vs CD1 = 4.5 ± 0.68 vs 4.4 ± 0.85 mm, P = .26; and mean ED2 vs CD2 = 3.1 ± 0.72 vs 3.2 ± 0.94 mm, P = .14). The angiographic length was underestimated by EL1 by 2.6 ± 1.6 mm (P < .0001), while EL2 estimated it better (mean EL2 vs CL = 11.0 ± 1.83 vs 10.8 ± 2.15 mm; P = .40). Transcatheter PDA closure was successful in 100% of the cases using TTE guidance. There were no intraprocedural complications. CONCLUSIONS: Transthoracic echocardiography guidance during TCPC in ELBW infants eliminates the need for aortograms via femoral arterial access, preventing the complications associated with it. Transthoracic echocardiography PDA measurements are comparable to angiographic measurements, thereby assisting in appropriate device size selection.

Feasibility and Safety of Percutaneous Cardiac Interventions for Congenital and Acquired Heart Defects in Infants ≤1000 g.

The transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus (TCPC) has been demonstrated to be feasible even in infants weighing ≤1000 g. However, other percutaneous cardiac interventions (PCI) for such small infants born with congenital heart defects (CHD) or acquired heart defects (AHD) have not been well described. The purpose of this study was to describe the feasibility and safety of PCI in infants ≤1000 g. A retrospective review was conducted between June 2015 and May 2021, looking at 148 consecutive PCIs performed on infants weighing ≤1000 g at the time of the procedure. The procedural success rate was 100%. The major adverse event (AE) rate for TCPC was 3%, while there were no major AEs for other PCI. It is feasible to perform PCIs in infants weighing ≤1000 g with CHD and AHD using currently available technologies.

Hemodynamic and clinical consequences of early versus delayed closure of patent ductus arteriosus in extremely low birth weight infants.

OBJECTIVES: To describe changes in hemodynamics, respiratory support, and growth associated with transcatheter PDA closure (TCPC) in ELBW infants, stratified by postnatal age at treatment. STUDY DESIGN: This is an observational study of ELBW infants who underwent TCPC at ≤4 weeks (Group-1; n = 34), 4-8 weeks (Group-2; n = 33), and >8 weeks of age (Group-3; n = 33). Hemodynamic assessment was performed during TCPC. Multivariate Cox-proportionate-hazard modeling was used to identify factors associated with respiratory severity score (RSS) > 2 for >30 days following TCPC. RESULTS: In comparison with Group-1, Group-3 infants had higher pulmonary vascular resistance (PVRi = 3.3 vs. 1.6 WU*m2; P = 0.01), less weight gain between 4 and 8 weeks of age (16 vs. 25 g/day) and took longer to achieve RSS < 2 (median 81 vs. 20 days; P = 0.001). RSS > 2 for >30 days was associated with TCPC > 8 weeks (OR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.75-5.8; p = 0.03) and PVRi ≥ 3 (OR = 4.5, 95% CI: 2.7-8.9; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: ELBW infants may benefit from PDA closure within the first 4 weeks of life in order to prevent early onset pulmonary vascular disease, promote faster growth, and for quicker weaning of ventilator and oxygen support.

Pulmonary Hypertension with Prolonged Patency of the Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Infants.

There continues to be a reluctance to close the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature infants. The debate on whether the short-term outcomes translate to a difference in long-term benefits remains. This article intends to review the pulmonary vasculature changes that can occur with a chronic hemodynamically significant PDA in a preterm infant. It also explains the rationale and decision-making involved in a diagnostic cardiac catheterization and transcatheter PDA closure in these preterm infants.

Management of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Premature Infants in 2020.

The patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is the most commonly found cardiac condition in neonates. While there have been several studies and thousands of publications on the topic, the decision to treat the PDA is still strongly debated among cardiologists, surgeons, and neonatologists. This is in part due to the shortage of long-term benefits with the interventions studied. Practice variations still exist within sub-specialties and centers. This article briefly summarizes the history, embryology and histology of the PDA. It also succinctly discusses the hemodynamic significance of a PDA which builds the framework to review all the available literature on PDA closure in premature infants, though not a paradigm shift just yet; it introduces transcatheter PDA closure (TCPC) as a possible armament to the clinician for this age-old problem.