[Screening for heart disease in kids and adolescents (Prevencar Program)]. / Screening de cardiopatías en niños y adolescentes (Prevencar Program).

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to develop a screening for heart disease detection in primary care, to identify pathological electrocardiographic changes and underlying heart disease in adolescents. DESIGN: The study was carried out for one year using multistage sampling. SITE: Primary care centers in a health area that had digital ECG equipment (12 centers) were selected. PARTICIPANTS: Initially, 718 (16.6%) 14-year-old adolescents were recruited and those with a previous diagnosis of heart disease were excluded. INTERVENTIONS: Screening consisted of including a health questionnaire in the mandatory 14-year-old check-up. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Screening included a questionnaire, cardiac auscultation, ECG and echocardiography. Abnormality criteria were established to refer for a second evaluation by a cardiologist. RESULTS: Finally, the sample was made up of 698 adolescents, with a mean age of 13.7±0.5 years, and 354 (50.7%) were boys. A total of 149 (21.3%) were selected for a second review by cardiology: 88 (12.6%) due to a positive questionnaire, 11 (2.2%) due to abnormal cardiac auscultation, and 66 (9.5%) due to ECG findings. Adolescents with evidence of heart disease were 24 (3.4%). Of these, 14 (2.0%) had suggestive alterations and follow-up was recommended, 6 (0.9%) had a definitive diagnosis of heart disease, and 4 (0.6%) had other pathological findings related to the cardiovascular system. CONCLUSIONS: The screening allowed us to identify 1% of adolescents with heart disease and another 2% will remain in follow-up. The ECG detected more pathological cases than the questionnaire.

[Las cardiopatías congénitas en el 2018].

We present an update of the most relevant advances of three-dimensional echocardiography for the diagnosis of congenital heart diseases. The evolution of its treatment is analyzed, showing the results obtained in recent years. The functional and structural changes experienced in women with congenital heart disease during pregnancy are discussed, as well as the main health risks and the importance of teamwork in healthcare to treat these patients. Finally, we provide a review on the current situation in Mexico and outline some improvement recommendations.

Se presenta una actualización de los avances más relevantes de la ecocardiografía tridimensional para el diagnóstico de las cardiopatías congénitas. Se analiza la evolución de su tratamiento y se describen los resultados obtenidos en los últimos años. En el tema de la mujer embarazada con cardiopatía congénita se subrayan los cambios funcionales y estructurales durante el embarazo, así como los riesgos por considerar y la importancia del trabajo en equipo para tratar a estas enfermas. Finalmente se aportan datos de la situación en México y las medidas recomendadas para mejorarla.

[Infective endocarditis in adult patients with congenital heart disease. Experience from a reference centre]. / Endocarditis infecciosa en adultos con cardiopatía congénita. Experiencia en un centro de referencia.

INTRODUCTION: A growing number of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) will reach adulthood. Infective endocarditis (IE) is a major complication in this population. The aim of this study was to describe the features of IE in adults with CHD treated in a reference centre. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on a cohort of patients over 16 years of age with CHD who presented with IE (defined by the modified Duke criteria) between 1996 and 2014. Only the first episode from each patient was considered for the descriptive analysis. RESULTS: IE was observed in 27 patients. The median age at diagnosis of IE was 27.7 years, and 63% were male. Comorbidity was low (median Charlson index was 0). IE was mostly community-acquired (78%). The most frequent CHD were ventricular septal defect (33%). A repair was performed in 48% of patients, and 19% received palliative treatment. Forty-one percent of patients had some type of prosthesis. A residual defect was observed in 81%. The IE was detected in the right side of 44% of the patients. The most frequent aetiological agents were viridans group streptococci (41%) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (30%). Surgery was required to treat IE in 37% of patients. There were five re-infections and three relapses. Two patients died, both as a result of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: IE in adults with CHD occurred in young patients, and almost all of them carried some prosthetic material or a residual defect. The IE is frequently right-sided. Although surgical treatment was required in many cases, mortality was low, except in the case of relapses.

[Comparative results of Fontan surgery in patients with and without hypoplastic left heart syndrome]. / Resultados comparativos de cirugía de Fontan en pacientes con y sin hipoplasia de corazón izquierdo.

INTRODUCTION: During the last few years, numerous patients with univentricular heart disease have been treated surgically with total cavopulmonary anastomosis according to a staged surgery protocol in our institution. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the perioperative outcomes and survival of patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) after the Fontan procedure and compare them with other types of univentricular heart disease. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A total of 102 patients underwent a Fontan procedure between April 1996 and March 2014, 25 with HLHS (group I), and 77 patients with other types of univentricular heart disease (group II). Groups survival, demographics, hemodinamic studies, morbimortality, mechanical ventilation, surgical drains, post-operative stay, isotopes score, pacemaker use, and requiriment of Fontan takedown were analyzed. RESULTS: Intraoperative mortality was 4% (n=1) for group I, and 7.8% (n=6) for group II (P=.451). A difference was only found in hospital length of stay (LOS), being 17 days (6-47) for group I and 12 days (5-103) for group II (P=.017). Mean follow-up was 4.24±2.08 years for group I, and 8.7±4.67 for group II. Survival rate at 8 years for both groups was 88%, and 81% at 10 years for group II. CONCLUSIONS: The Fontan procedure had similar mortality, but longer LOS, in patients with HLHS compared to those with another types of single ventricle anatomy. Long term survival was comparable between both groups.

[Hypoplastic left heart syndrome: 10 year experience with staged surgical management]. / Síndrome de hipoplasia de corazón izquierdo: experiencia de 10 años de un programa de etapificación quirúrgica.

UNLABELLED: Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a lethal congenital heart disease in 95% of non-treated patients. Surgical staging is the main form of treatment, consisting of a 3-stage approach, beginning with the Norwood operation. Long term survival of treated patients is unknown in our country. OBJECTIVES: 1) To review our experience in the management of all patients seen with HLHS between January 2000 and June 2012. 2) Identify risk factors for mortality. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective analysis of a single institution experience with a cohort of patients with HLHS. Clinical, surgical, and follow-up records were reviewed. RESULTS: Of the 76 patients with HLHS, 9 had a restrictive atrial septal defect (ASD), and 8 had an ascending aorta ≤2mm. Of the 65 out of 76 patients that were treated, 77% had a Norwood operation with pulmonary blood flow supplied by a right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit, 17% had a Norwood with a Blalock-Taussig shunt, and 6% other surgical procedure. Surgical mortality at the first stage was 23%, and for Norwood operation 21.3%. For the period between 2000-2005, surgical mortality at the first stage was 36%, and between 2005-2010, 15% (P=.05). Actuarial survival was 64% at one year, and 57% at 5years. Using a multivariate analysis, a restrictive ASD and a diminutive aorta were high risk factors for mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Our immediate and long term outcome for staged surgical management of HLHS is similar to that reported by large centres. There is an improvement in surgical mortality in the second half of our experience. Risk factors for mortality are also identified.

What radiologists need to know about the pulmonary-systemic flow ratio (Qp/Qs): what it is, how to calculate it, and what it is for.

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) provides abundant morphological and functional information in the study of congenital heart disease. The functional information includes pulmonary output and systemic output; the ratio between these two (Qp/Qs) is the shunt fraction. After birth, in normal conditions the pulmonary output is practically identical to the systemic output, so Qp/Qs = 1. In patients with « shunts ¼ between the systemic and pulmonary circulations, the ratio changes, and the interpretation of these findings varies in function of the location of the shunt (intracardiac or extracardiac) and of the associated structural or postsurgical changes. We review the concept of Qp/Qs; the methods to calculate it, with special emphasis on cMRI; and the meaning of the results obtained. We place special emphasis on the relevance of these findings depending on the underlying disease and the treatment the patient has undergone.

Very long-term follow-up after aortic stenting for coarctation of the aorta.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Stent implantation is the preferred treatment in older children and adults with aortic coarctation (CoA). We aimed to determine the incidence of very late events after CoA stenting. METHODS: We analyzed a cohort of CoA patients who underwent stent implantation at our center between 1993 and 2018. Patients were periodically followed up in outpatient clinics, including computed tomography (CT) and fluoroscopy assessment. RESULTS: A total of 167 patients with CT and fluoroscopy data were included: 83 (49.7%) were aged ≤ 12 years and 46 (28%) were female. The mean clinical follow-up time was 17±8 (range 4-30) years and the mean time to CT/fluoroscopy was 11±7 years. Aortic aneurysm was present in 13% and was associated with the PALMAZ stent (OR, 3.09; 95%CI, 1.11-9.49; P=.036) and the stented length (OR, 0.94; 95%CI, 0.89-0.99; P=.039). Stent fracture was frequent (34%), but was not related to the presence of aneurysm. Stent fracture was associated with young age (OR, 3.57; 95%CI, 1.54-8.33; P=.003), male sex (OR, 4.00; 95%CI, 1.51-12.5, P=.008) and inversely with the PALMAZ stent (OR, 0.29; 95%CI, 0.12-0.67, P=.005). Reintervention was lower in adults (10%), mainly related to aneurysms. Those treated when aged ≤ 12 years had higher reintervention rates (43%) due to recoarctation somatic growth. CONCLUSIONS: This long-term follow-up study of CoA patients treated with stenting revealed a significant incidence of late events. Reintervention rates were higher in patients treated at younger ages. Periodic imaging surveillance appears to be advisable.

2024 SIAC guidelines on cardiorespiratory rehabilitation in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease.

The 2024 Interamerican Society of Cardiology (SIAC) guidelines on cardiorespiratory rehabilitation (CRR) in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease aim to gather and evaluate all relevant evidence available on the topic to unify criteria and promote the implementation of CRR programs in this population in Latin America and other parts of the world. Currently, there is no unified CRR model for the pediatric population. Consequently, our goal was to create these CRR guidelines adapted to the characteristics of congenital heart disease and the physiology of this population, as well as to the realities of Latin America. These guidelines are designed to serve as a support for health care workers involved in the care of this patient group who wish to implement a CRR program in their workplace. The guidelines include an easily reproducible program model that can be implemented in any center. The members of this Task Force were selected by the SIAC on behalf of health care workers dedicated to the care of pediatric patients with congenital heart disease. To draft the document, the selected experts performed a thorough review of the published evidence.

Univentricular hearts not undergoing Fontan: the type of palliation matters.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: There is scarce information on patients with single ventricle physiology (SVP) and restricted pulmonary flow not undergoing Fontan circulation. This study aimed to compare survival and cardiovascular events in these patients according to the type of palliation. METHODS: SVP patient data were obtained from the databases of the adult congenital heart disease units of 7 centers. Patients completing Fontan circulation or developing Eisenmenger syndrome were excluded. Three groups were created according to the source of pulmonary flow: G1 (restrictive pulmonary forward flow), G2 (cavopulmonary shunt), and G3 (aortopulmonary shunts±cavopulmonary shunt). The primary endpoint was death. RESULTS: We identified 120 patients. Mean age at the first visit was 32.2 years. Mean follow-up was 7.1 years. Fifty-five patients (45.8%) were assigned to G1, 30 (25%) to G2, and 35 (29.2%) to G3. Patients in G3 had worse renal function, functional class, and ejection fraction at the first visit and a more marked ejection fraction decline during follow-up, especially when compared with G1. Twenty-four patients (20%) died, 38 (31.7%) were admitted for heart failure, and 21 (17.5%) had atrial flutter/fibrillation during follow-up. These events were more frequent in G3 and significant differences were found compared with G1 in terms of death (HR, 2.9; 95%CI, 1.14-7.37; P=.026) and atrial flutter/fibrillation (HR, 2.9; 95%CI, 1.11-7.68; P=.037). CONCLUSIONS: The type of palliation in patients with SVP and restricted pulmonary flow not undergoing Fontan palliation identifies distinct profiles. Patients palliated with aortopulmonary shunts have an overall worse prognosis with higher morbidity and mortality.

NT-proBNP in systemic right ventricles: a new cutoff level for risk stratification?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The role of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in the risk prediction of patients with systemic right ventricles (sRV) is not well defined. The aim of this study was to analyze the prognostic value of NT-proBNP in patients with an sRV. METHODS: The prognostic value of NT-proBNP was assessed in 98 patients from the SERVE trial. We used an adjusted Cox proportional hazards model, survival analysis, and c-statistics. The composite primary outcome was the occurrence of clinically relevant arrhythmia, heart failure, or death. Correlations between baseline NT-proBNP values and biventricular volumes and function were assessed by adjusted linear regression models. RESULTS: The median age [interquartile range] at baseline was 39 [32-48] years and 32% were women. The median NT-proBNP was 238 [137-429] ng/L. Baseline NT-proBNP concentrations were significantly higher among the 20 (20%) patients developing the combined primary outcome compared with those who did not (816 [194-1094] vs 205 [122-357]; P=.003). In patients with NT-proBNP concentrations> 75th percentile (> 429 ng/L), we found an exponential increase in the sex- and age-adjusted hazard ratio for the primary outcome. The prognostic value of NT-proBNP was comparable to right ventricular ejection fraction and peak oxygen uptake on exercise testing (c-statistic: 0.71, 0.72, and 0.71, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with sRVs, NT-proBNP concentrations correlate with sRV volumes and function and may serve as a simple tool for predicting adverse outcomes.

Epidemiology and outcomes of pediatric cardiac arrest in a cardiovascular unit at a public hospital in Argentina.

BACKGROUND: Children with congenital heart disease present a higher frequency of cardiorespiratory arrest (CRA) than the general pediatric population. The epidemiology of CRA is not exactly known in our setting, nor are the mortality risk or the neurological evolution factors. OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiology and outcomes associated with pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a cardiovascular recovery unit. The primary endpoint was the survival to discharge and the secondary endpoints were the return to spontaneous circulation, the survival at 24 hours and the remote neurological condition. METHODS: Descriptive, prospective, longitudinal cohort study in children under 18 years of age who required cardiopulmonary resuscitation between 2016 and 2019. Demographic variables, characteristics of cardiopulmonary arrest, resuscitation and outcome were analyzed. An uni- and multivariate analysis was performed comparing survivors and deceased. RESULTS: Out of 1,842 hospitalized patients, 4.1% presented CRA. Fifty patients with complete records were analyzed. Seventy-eight percent (39) returned to spontaneous circulation with a high survival rate of 46%. Resuscitation > 6 min and the use of vasoactive drugs were predictors of mortality; 16/23 patients were followed up, 10 of them with normal development for age at 6 months, six had pervasive developmental disorder. CONCLUSIONS: 4.1% of patients presented CRA, with a rate of 3.4 CRA per 1,000 patient-days. Survival at hospital discharge (n = 50) was 46%. Resuscitation > 6 min and the use of vasoactive drugs were independent predictors of mortality. At six months, 63% had normal neurological development for age.

ANTECEDENTES: Los niños con cardiopatías congénitas experimentan paro cardiorrespiratorio (PCR) con mayor frecuencia que la población pediátrica general. Se desconoce la epidemiología exacta del PCR en nuestro medio, al igual que el riesgo de mortalidad y los factores que influyen en la evolución neurológica. OBJETIVO: Describir la epidemiología y los resultados asociados con la reanimación cardiopulmonar pediátrica en una unidad de recuperación cardiovascular. El criterio de valoración primario fue la supervivencia al momento del alta hospitalaria; los secundarios fueron el retorno de la circulación espontánea, la supervivencia a las 24 horas y la condición neurológica en el largo plazo. MÉTODO: Estudio de cohorte longitudinal, descriptivo, prospectivo, en menores de 18 años que requirieron reanimación cardiopulmonar entre 2016 y 2019. Se analizaron las variables demográficas y las características del paro cardiorrespiratorio y de la reanimación, así como su resultado. Se realizaron análisis de una y múltiples variables para comparar a los pacientes sobrevivientes con los fallecidos. RESULTADOS: De los 1,842 pacientes internados, el 4.1% experimentó PCR. Se analizaron 50 pacientes con expedientes completos. Se logró el retorno de la circulación espontánea en el 78% (39), con una supervivencia alta del 46%. La reanimación > 6 min y el uso de fármacos vasoactivos fueron factores predictivos de mortalidad; se realizó el seguimiento de 16/23 pacientes, 10 de ellos con desarrollo normal para la edad luego de seis meses, seis tenían trastorno generalizado del desarrollo. CONCLUSIONES: El 4.1% de los pacientes presentó un PCR, con una tasa de 3.4 PCR por 1,000 días-paciente. La supervivencia al egreso hospitalario (n = 50) fue del 46%. La reanimación > 6 min y la utilización de fármacos vasoactivos fueron factores predictivos independientes de mortalidad. Luego de seis meses, el 63% tenía desarrollo neurológico normal para la edad.

Prognosis factors in heart-lung transplantation: 30 years experience in a reference center.

INTRODUCTION: Heart-lung transplantation has shown a progressive decrease in the number of procedures. There is a lack of information about this field in Spain. The main goal of this study is to analyze the experience of a national reference hospital. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of a historical cohort of heart-lung transplanted patients in a single center, during a 30 years period (from 1990 to 2021). The associations between variables were evaluated using the χ2 test or Fisher's exact test. Survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Differences were evaluated using the log-rank test and multivariate analysis with the Cox method. RESULTS: A decrease in the number of procedures performed in the last decade was observed [2000-2009: 19 procedures (44.2%); 2010-2021: 15 procedures (34.8%)]. Early postoperative mortality was 23.3%, falling to 13.3% from 2010. In-hospital mortality was 41%, falling to 33% from 2010. Main factors related to higher mortality: previous thoracic surgery, corticosteroid therapy, extracorporeal circulation (ECLS) greater than 200 min, ischemia time greater than 300 min, and tracheal dehiscence (p < 0.005). Overall survival at one, five, and ten years was 58%, 44.7%, and 36.1%, respectively. Factors associated with lower survival rates: previous thoracic surgery, male donor, extracorporeal circulation greater than 200 min, ischemia time greater than 300 min, tracheal dehiscence and weight difference (p < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: There has been a progressive decrease in the number of heart-lung transplantations, being more evident in the last decade, but showing an improvement in both mortality and survival.

[Small infundibulectomy versus ventriculotomy in tetralogy of Fallot]. / Infundibulectomía mínima adversus ventriculotomía clásica en tetralogía de Fallot.

BACKGROUND: the surgical correction of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is standardized on the way to close the septal defect, but differs in the way of expanding the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). The aim was to compare the early postoperative clinical course of the RVOT obstruction enlargement in classical ventriculotomy technique and the small infundibulectomy (SI). METHODS: We analyzed the database of the pediatric heart surgery service from 2008 to 2011. Patients with non-complex TOF undergoing complete correction by classical ventriculotomy or SI were selected. Anova, χ(2) and Fisher statistical test were applied. RESULTS: the data included 47 patients, 55 % (26) male, mean age 43 months (6-172), classical ventriculotomy was performed in 61.7 % (29). This group had higher peak levels of lactate (9.07 versus 6.8 mmol/L) p = 0049, and greater magnitude in the index bleeding/kg in the first 12 hours (39.1 versus 20.3 mL/kg) p = 0.016. Death occurred in 9 cases (31.03 %) versus one (5.6 %) in the SI group with p = 0.037; complications exclusive as acute renal failure, hemopneumothorax, pneumonia, permanent AV-block and multiple organ failure were observed. CONCLUSIONS: morbidity and mortality was higher in classical ventriculotomy group in comparison with SI. This is possibly associated with higher blood volume.

Introducción: en la corrección quirúrgica de la tetralogía de Fallot existe uniformidad en la forma de cerrar el defecto septal, pero variedad en cómo ampliar el tracto de salida del ventrículo derecho, por lo que se compara la evolución clínica posoperatoria temprana de la ampliación del tracto de salida del ventrículo derecho con ventriculotomía clásica e infundibulectomía minima. Métodos: análisis de la base de datos de un servicio de cardiocirugía pediátrica de 2008 a 2011. Se eligieron pacientes con tetralogía de Fallot no compleja sometidos a corrección completa mediante ventriculotomía clásica o infundibulectomía minima. Para el análisis estadístico se obtuvo Anova, χ2 y prueba exacta de Fisher. Resultados: 55 % fue del sexo masculino, la edad media fue de 43 meses, la ventriculotomía clásica se realizó en 61.7 %, con la que se tuvo mayor nivel máximo de lactato (9.07 adversus 6.8 mmo/L), de magnitud en el índice hemorragia/kg en las primeras 12 horas (39.1 adversus 20.3 mL/kg), de mortalidad (31.03 adversus 5.6 %), de complicaciones exclusivas como insuficiencia renal aguda, hemoneumotórax, neumonía, bloqueo auriculoventricular permanente y falla orgánica múltiple. Conclusiones: la morbimortalidad fue mayor con la ventriculotomía clásica, relacionada posiblemente con el mayor volumen de sangrado.

Prevalence of congenital heart disease in relation to height above sea level in a region of Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital heart diseases are the most common congenital disorders in the world population, they generally manifest after birth. Altitudes between 2,500-3,500 meters above sea level have been linked to the high incidence of congenital heart diseases such as patent ductus arteriosus, atrial septum defects, and ventricular septum defects. OBJETIVES: To characterize clinically and sociodemographically the patients diagnosed with congenital heart disease from low, moderate and high altitudes in a regional hospital in Colombia. METHODOLOGY: Observational, descriptive retrospective study. All patients under 18 years of age with a diagnosis of congenital heart disease, treated at the San Rafael de Tunja University Hospital between 2015 and 2021, were included. RESULTS: 51.9% of the patients were male, 16.3% had a history of prematurity and 9.1% had a diagnosis of Down syndrome. The most frequent heart diseases were: persistent ductus arteriosus 35.1%, followed by ventricular communication representing 21.6% and intra-atrial communication with 19.7%). CONCLUSIONS: They must eestablish strategies such as screening and timely diagnosis of congenital heart disease in at-risk populations in order to improve the life prognosis of patients and the outcome of the disease.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las cardiopatías congénitas son los trastornos congénitos más frecuentes en la población mundial, se manifiestan generalmente después del nacimiento. Las altitudes entre 2,500 y 3,500 metros sobre el nivel del mar se han relacionado con la alta incidencia de cardiopatías congénitas como el ductus arterioso persistente, los defectos del septum auricular y los defectos del septum ventricular. OBJETIVO: Caracterizar clínica y sociodemográficamente los pacientes con diagnóstico de cardiopatías congénitas procedentes de altitudes bajas, moderadas y altas en un hospital regional de Colombia. METODOLOGÍA: Estudio observacional, descriptivo retrospectivo. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes menores de 18 años con diagnóstico de cardiopatías congénitas, atendidos en el Hospital Universitario San Rafael de Tunja entre el 2015 y 2021. RESULTADOS: El 51.9% de los pacientes eran de sexo masculino, el 16.3% tenían antecedente de prematurez y el 9.1% tenían diagnóstico de síndrome de Down. Las cardiopatías más frecuentes fueron: ductus arterioso persistente (35.1%), seguido de comunicación interventricular (21.6%) y comunicación intrauricular (19.7%). CONCLUSIONES: Se deben establecer estrategias como el tamizaje y diagnóstico oportuno de las cardiopatías congénitas en poblaciones de riesgo con el fin de mejorar el pronóstico de vida de los pacientes y desenlace de la enfermedad.

Perioperative stress and anxiety in parents of children operated on for congenital heart disease.

INTRODUCTION: Levels of stress and anxiety suffered by parents of children with congenital heart disease (PCUCS) during their children's admission for cardiac surgery may be higher than those suffered by other parents who go through the same experience. OBJECTIVE: General objective of this study was to measure the stress and anxiety suffered by PCUCS and parents of children undergoing renal surgery (PCURS) in relation to the intervention of their children. The specific objective of the quantitative study was to compare global stress and anxiety according to sex, time of the perioperative period, and cohort. The general objective of the qualitative section is to explore the experience that PCUCS and PCURS have during their hospital stay and to identify the specific factors that influence the genesis of stress and anxiety. METHOD: A cohort study was carried out in which PCURS and PCUCS were included. The quantitative part was performed by comparing the scores of three questionnaires that measure stress levels (PSS-14), state anxiety (STAIE) and trait anxiety (STAIR) throughout three perioperative moments. At the same time, a qualitative study was carried out with semi-structured interviews and collection of diaries on which a descriptive phenomenological analysis was carried out, according to Munhall. The analysis of the text was carried out according to Colaizzi. RESULTS: Stress and anxiety levels were significantly higher in PCUCS compared to PCURS. Mothers in the cardiac cohort were those with the highest scores on all scales. In the qualitative study, four themes emerged: "stress and anxiety from the moment of diagnosis", "surgical intervention as a critical moment", "harshness of the postoperative period in the Intensive Care Unit" and "joy and gratitude versus dependence and fear for the future". CONCLUSIONS: PCUCS suffer higher levels of stress and anxiety than PCURS, being the mothers of the cardiac cohort those who suffer these disorders with greater intensity. This study can constitute a starting point to develop strategies that cover these parental needs.

Cardiac tomography-echocardiography imaging fusion: a new approach to congenital heart disease.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Diagnosis, management, and surgical decision-making in children and adults with congenital heart disease are largely based on echocardiography findings. A recent development in cardiac imaging is fusion of different imaging modalities. Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility of computed tomography (CT) and 3-dimensional (3D) transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) fusion in children and adults with congenital heart disease. METHODS: We prospectively included 14 patients, 13 of whom had congenital heart disease, and who underwent both CT and 3D TTE as part of their usual follow-up. We described the steps required to complete the fusion process (alignment, landmarks, and superimposition), navigation, and image evaluation. RESULTS: Median age was 9.5 [2.7-15.7] years, 57% were male, and median body surface area was 0.9 m2 [0.6-1.7]. Congenital heart disease was classified as simple (n=4, 29%), moderate (n=4, 29%), or complex (n=6, 42%). 3D TTE-CT fusion was successful in all patients. Median total time to complete the fusion process was 735 [628-1163] seconds, with no significant difference according to the degree of complexity of the defects. Landmarks were significantly modified in complex congenital heart disease. CONCLUSIONS: We established the feasibility and accuracy of 3D TTE-CT fusion in a population of children and adults with a variety of congenital heart diseases. The simultaneous visualization of many intracardiac structures may help to understand the anatomical features of congenital heart disease without limitations regarding age, weight, or complexity of the congenital defects.

Central venous-to-arterial CO2 difference as a biomarker of outcome in children who underwent surgery for congenital heart disease.

BACKGROUND: In congenital heart surgery, low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) is a major cause of morbidity in the immediate post-operative period. A decrease in cardiac output leads to an increase in tissue oxygen consumption. Several biomarkers such as venous oxygen saturation (SvO2), arteriovenous oxygen difference (DavO2), and lactate can assess tissue perfusion in the presence of LCOS. Recently, central venous to arterial CO2 difference (ΔCO2) has been proposed as a biomarker of tissue ischemia that could be used as a predictor of death in neonatal patients. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between ΔCO2 and immediate post-operative outcomes in pediatric patients undergoing congenital heart surgery and its correlation with DavO2, SvO2, and lactate. METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal study of patients aged 0-18 years who underwent congenital heart surgery with or without cardiopulmonary bypass at the Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, from March 2019 to March 2021. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients were included; the median age was 17 months. About 59% had a ΔCO2 ≥ 6 mmHg. Patients with ΔCO2 ≥ 6 mmHg had a vasoactive-inotropic score > 5 (p < 0.001), DavO2 > 5 mL/dL (p = 0.048), and lactate > 2 mmol/L (p = 0.027), as well as a longer hospital stay (p = 0.043). Patients with ΔCO2 > 6 mmHg and vasoactive-inotropic score ≥ 10 were 12.6 times more likely to die. CONCLUSION: ΔCO2 is a good marker of tissue hypoperfusion and outcome in the post-operative period of congenital heart surgery.

INTRODUCCIÓN: En la cirugía cardiaca de malformaciones congénitas, el síndrome de bajo gasto cardiaco (SBGC) es una de las principales causas de morbilidad en el postoperatorio inmediato. La caída del gasto cardiaco aumenta el consumo de oxígeno en los tejidos. Varios biomarcadores, como la saturación venosa de oxígeno (SvO2), la diferencia arteriovenosa de oxígeno (DavO2) y el lactato han sido utilizados como indicadores hipoperfusión tisular en presencia de SBGC. Recientemente, la diferencia arteriovenosa de CO2 (ΔCO2) se ha propuesto como otro biomarcador de isquemia tisular que podría utilizarse como predictor de muerte en pacientes en edad neonatal. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la relación entre la ΔCO2 y la evolución postoperatoria de pacientes pediátricos operados de cardiopatías congénitas y correlacionarlo con la DavO2, SvO2 y lactato. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio longitudinal en pacientes de 0 a 18 años operados de corazón con empleo de bomba de circulación extracorpórea en el Instituto Nacional de Pediatría. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 82 pacientes; la mediana de edad fue de 17 meses. El 59% presentó un ΔCO2 > 6 mmHg. Los pacientes con un ΔCO2 > 6 mmHg mostraron un puntaje de inotrópicos > 5 (p < 0.001), DavO2 > 5 mL/dL (p = 0.048) y lactato > 2 mmol/L (p = 0.027), así como mayor estancia hospitalaria (p = 0.043). Los pacientes con ΔCO2 > 6 mmHg y un puntaje de inotrópicos ≥ 10 presentaron una probabilidad de muerte 12.6 veces mayor. CONCLUSIONES: El ΔCO2 en el periodo postoperatorio de una cirugía cardiaca congénita es un buen marcador de hipoperfusión tisular y de desenlace.

Nutrition in congenital heart disease: consensus document.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of malnutrition among infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) is high. Early nutritional assessment and intervention contribute significantly to its treatment and improve outcomes. Our objective was to develop a consensus document for the nutritional assessment and management of infants with CHD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We employed a modified Delphi technique. Based on the literature and clinical experience, a scientific committee prepared a list of statements that addressed the referral to paediatric nutrition units (PNUs), assessment, and nutritional management of infants with CHD. Specialists in paediatric cardiology and paediatric gastroenterology and nutrition evaluated the questionnaire in 2 rounds. RESULTS: Thirty-two specialists participated. After two evaluation rounds, a consensus was reached for 150 out of 185 items (81%). Cardiac pathologies associated with a low and high nutritional risk and associated cardiac or extracardiac factors that carry a high nutritional risk were identified. The committee developed recommendations for assessment and follow-up by nutrition units and for the calculation of nutritional requirements, the type of nutrition and the route of administration. Particular attention was devoted to the need for intensive nutrition therapy in the preoperative period, the follow-up by the PNU during the postoperative period of patients who required preoperative nutritional care, and reassessment by the cardiologist in the case nutrition goals are not achieved. CONCLUSIONS: These recommendations can be helpful for the early detection and referral of vulnerable patients, their evaluation and nutritional management and improving the prognosis of their CHD.

Multiparametric evaluation of right ventricular function in pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Outcome in patients with congenital heart diseases and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is closely related to right ventricular (RV) function. Two-dimensional echocardiographic parameters, such as strain imaging or RV end-systolic remodeling index (RVESRI) have emerged to quantify RV function. METHODS: We prospectively studied 30 patients aged 48±12 years with pretricuspid shunt and PAH and investigated the accuracy of multiple echocardiographic parameters of RV function (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity, RV systolic-to-diastolic duration ratio, right atrial area, RV fractional area change, RV global longitudinal strain and RVESRI) to RV ejection fraction measured by cardiac magnetic resonance. RESULTS: RV ejection fraction <45% was observed in 13 patients (43.3%). RV global longitudinal strain (ρ [Spearman's correlation coefficient]=-0.75; P=.001; R2=0.58; P=.001), right atrium area (ρ=-0.74; P <.0001; R2=0.56; P <.0001), RVESRI (ρ=-0.64; P <.0001; R2=0.47; P <.0001), systolic-to-diastolic duration ratio (ρ=-0.62; P=.0004; R2=0.47; P <.0001) and RV fractional area change (ρ=0.48; P=.01; R2=0.37; P <.0001) were correlated with RV ejection fraction. RV global longitudinal strain, RVESRI and right atrium area predicted RV ejection fraction <45% with the greatest area under curve (0.88; 95%CI, 0.71-1.00; 0.88; 95%CI, 0.76-1.00, and 0.89; 95%CI, 0.77-1.00, respectively). RV global longitudinal strain >-16%, RVESRI ≥ 1.7 and right atrial area ≥ 22 cm2 predicted RV ejection fraction <45% with a sensitivity and specificity of 87.5% and 85.7%; 76.9% and 88.3%; 92.3% and 82.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: RVESRI, right atrial area and RV global longitudinal strain are strong markers of RV dysfunction in patients with pretricuspid shunt and PAH.

Fluid overload as a predictor of morbidity and mortality in pediatric patients following congenital heart surgery.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing congenital heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass frequently require the administration of intravenous fluids and blood products due to hemodynamic instability. Correctly performed fluid resuscitation can revert the state of tissue hypoperfusion in the different organs. However, excessive fluid administration and acute kidney injury may promote fluid overload (FO) and increase the risk of complications, hospital stay, and mortality. METHODS: We conducted a prospective longitudinal study of pediatric patients with congenital heart surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass in the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU), Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, from July 2018 to December 2019. Fluid overload was quantified every 24 hours during the first 3 days of stay at the PCICU and expressed as a percentage. We recorded PCICU stay, days of mechanical ventilation, and mortality as outcome variables. RESULTS: We included 130 patients. The main factors associated with fluid overload were age < 1 year (p < 0.001), weight < 5 kg (p < 0.001), and longer cardiopulmonary bypass time (p = 0.003). Patients with fluid overload ≥ 5% had higher inotropic score (p < 0.001), higher oxygenation index (p < 0.001), and longer mechanical ventilation time (p < 0.001). Fluid overload ≥ 5% was associated with higher postoperative mortality (odds ratio 89, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Fluid overload can be used as a prognostic factor in the evolution of pediatric patients undergoing congenital heart surgery since it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los pacientes con cirugía cardiaca congénita en la que se emplea una bomba de circulación extracorpórea frecuentemente requieren la administración de líquidos intravenosos y hemoderivados por inestabilidad hemodinámica. La resucitación con volumen realizada adecuadamente puede revertir el estado de hipoperfusión tisular en los diferentes órganos. Sin embargo, el ingreso excesivo de líquidos y la falla renal aguda pueden favorecer la sobrecarga hídrica (SH) e incrementar el riesgo de complicaciones, la estancia hospitalaria y la mortalidad. MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo un estudio prospectivo longitudinal de pacientes pediátricos con cirugía del corazón y empleo de bomba de circulación extracorpórea en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Cardiovasculares (UCICV), Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, de julio 2018 a diciembre 2019. La SH, registrada como porcentaje, fue cuantificada cada 24 horas durante los primeros 3 días de estancia en UCICV. Como variables de desenlace se registraron la estancia en UCICV, el tiempo de ventilación mecánica y la mortalidad. ­. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 130 pacientes. Los principales factores asociados con la SH fueron la edad < 1 año (p < 0.001), peso < 5 kg (p < 0.001) y mayor tiempo de circulación extracorpórea (p = 0.003). Los pacientes con SH ≥ 5% presentaron mayor puntaje inotrópico (p < 0.001), mayor índice de oxigenación (p < 0.001) y mayor tiempo de ventilación mecánica (p < 0.001). La SH ≥ 5% se asoció con una mayor probabilidad de muerte en el periodo posoperatorio (razón de momios: 89, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONES: La SH puede utilizarse como factor pronóstico en la evolución de los pacientes pediátricos operados de corazón, ya que se asocia con una mayor morbimortalidad.