Outcomes and Associated Extracardiac Malformations in Neonates from Colombia with Severe Congenital Heart Disease.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a common structural anomaly, affecting ~ 1% of live births worldwide. Advancements in medical and surgical management have significantly improved survival for children with CHD, however, extracardiac malformations (ECM) continue to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Despite clinical significance, there is limited literature available on ECM in neonates with CHD, especially from Latin America. A cross-sectional study of neonates with severe CHD evaluated by the medical-surgical board team at Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia from 2014 to 2019 was completed to characterize morbidity, mortality, surgical outcomes, and ECM. Demographics and surgical outcomes were compared between neonates with and without ECM. Medical record data were abstracted and descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Of 378 neonates with CHD, 262 had isolated CHD (69.3%) and 116 had ECM (30.7%). The most common ECM was gastrointestinal (n = 18, 15.5%) followed by central nervous system (n = 14, 12%). Most neonates required a biventricular surgical approach (n = 220, 58.2%). Genetic testing was performed more often for neonates with ECM (n = 65, 56%) than neonates with isolated CHD (n = 14, 5.3%). Neonates with ECM had lower birth weight, longer hospital stays, and higher postsurgical complications rates. There was no difference in survival between groups. Overall, Screening for ECM in neonates with CHD is important and identification of ECM can guide clinical decision-making. These findings have important implications for pediatric healthcare providers, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of CHD is high and resources for managing CHD and extracardiac malformations may be limited.

Diferencias diagnósticas en los trazados de electroencefalografía pre y post operatorios en niños después de cirugía cardíaca en una institución de referencia de Bucaramanga (Colombia) / Diagnostic differences in pre and postoperative electroencephalography tracings in children after cardiac surgery in a reference institution in Bucaramanga (Colombia)

Objetivo: determinar la presencia de cambios en los diagnósticos electroencefalográficos pre y post operatorios de niños de cero a 17 años llevados a cirugía de corazón en una institución de referencia en Colombia entre los meses de agosto a noviembre del año 2017. Materiales y métodos: se tomó electroencefalograma una hora previa al procedimiento quirúrgico cardíaco y otros siete días después procedimiento; se recolectaron datos clínicos asociados a presencia de anormalidades en el electroencefalograma. Los datos fueron sometidos a análisis descriptivo, bivariado y multivariado. Resultados: se encontraron cambios en los trazados electroencefalográficos del preoperatorio al post operatorio de dos maneras. una con deterioro de los trazados de normales a anormales y la otra con empeoramiento del trazado anormal. Conclusiones: los pacientes son intervenido presentan trazados electroencefalográfico alterados. La población llevada a cirugía cardiaca en el centro del estudio es muy diversa lo que ocasiona resultados neurológicos variados e influyen en los cambios en los trazados post operatorios..(Au)

Objective: to determine the presence of changes in the pre and postoperative electroencephalographic diagnoses of children from zero to 18 years of age who underwent heart surgery in a reference institution in Colombia between the months of August to November of 2017. Materials and methods: electroencephalogram was taken one hour prior to the cardiac surgical procedure and another seven days after the procedure, clinical data were collected associated with the presence of abnormalities in the electroencephalogram. The data were subjected to descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analysis. Results: changes in electroencephalographic traces were found from preoperative to postoperative in two ways, one with deterioration of normal to abnormal traces and the other with worsening of the abnormal tracing. Conclusions: patients are taken to surgery despite having altered paths. The population taken to cardiac surgery at the center of the study is very diverse, which causes varied neurological results and influences changes in post-operative traces..(Au)

Disfunción muscular respiratoria en pacientes llevados a cirugía cardiovascular / Respiratory muscle dysfunction in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery

Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar la presencia de las alteraciones en la fuerza muscular respiratoria en pacientes programados para la cirugía cardiovascular, el impacto de la cirugía sobre la función muscular respiratoria y su relación con las alteraciones ventilatorias en el postoperatorio mediato. Métodos: Estudio observacional prospectivo. Se realizaron pruebas de funcionalismo respiratorio (espirometría) y pruebas de fuerza muscular respiratoria (inspiratoria: presión inspiratoria máxima y espiratoria: presión espiratoria máxima) en dos momentos: preoperatorio inmediato (2 ± 1 días precirugía) y postoperatorio mediato (2 ± 1 días, antes del alta). Las complicaciones respiratorias incluyeron: la ventilación mecánica prolongada, el tromboembolismo pulmonar, el neumotórax, el hemotórax, la neumonía, el derrame pleural, el edema pulmonar y las atelectasias. Resultados: Se evaluaron 30 pacientes adultos (n = 30) (62 ± 12 años). En el preoperatorio la capacidad espirométrica disminuyó en un 54% (35% alteración obstructiva, 19% no- obstructiva) y la debilidad inspiratoria y espiratoria fue confirmada en un 67 y 100%, respectivamente. Las complicaciones respiratorias estuvieron presentes en un 93% (con mayor frecuencia la atelectasia y el derrame pleural). El deterioro postoperatorio grave de la presión inspiratoria máxima incrementó 10 veces el riesgo de atelectasia (OR = 10, IC 95% 0,85-117,02; p = 0,067). Al alta, la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo fue 29% menor, la capacidad vital forzada -32%, la presión inspiratoria máxima -32% y la presión espiratoria máxima -32% con respecto al valor inicial. Conclusiones: Los pacientes llevados a la cirugía cardiovascular tienen una insospechada disfunción de los músculos respiratorios que empeora con la cirugía y la hospitalización, que se asocia a un incremento del riesgo de complicaciones respiratorias.

Abstract Motivation: To assess the presence of alterations in respiratory muscle strength in patients with a programmed cardiovascular surgery, the impact of the surgery on respiratory muscle function and their relationship with ventilatory alterations during mediate postoperative period. Methods: Prospective observational study. Respiratory function tests (spirometry) and respiratory muscle strength tests (inspiratory: maximum inspiratory pressure, and expiratory: maximum expiratory pressure) were conducted in two moments: immediate preoperative (2 ± 1 days before surgery) and mediate postoperative period (2 ± 1, before being discharged). Respiratory complications included prolonged mechanical ventilation, pulmonary thromboembolism, pneumothorax, hemothorax; pneumonia; pleural effusion; pulmonary edema and atelectases. Results: 30 adult patients were assessed (n = 30) (ages 62 ± 12). Spirometry performance decreased by 54% in the preoperative period (35% obstructive alteration, 19% non-obstructive) and inspiratory and expiratory weakness was confirmed at 67 and 100% respectively. Respiratory complications were present in 93% (more frequently atelectasis and pleural effusion). Severe postoperative deterioration of maximum inspiratory pressure increased by 10-fold the risk of atelectasis (OR = 10, IC 95% 0.85-117.02; p = 0.067). Upon discharge, ejection fraction of the left ventricle was 29% lower, forced vital capacity -32%, maximum inspiratory pressure -32% and maximum expiratory pressure -32% with regards to baseline values. Conclusion: Patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery suffer an unsuspected respiratory muscle dysfunction that worsens with surgery and hospitalisation, associated to a increase of the risk of respiratory complications.

Hospital survival upon discharge of ill-neonates transported by ground or air ambulance to a tertiary center / Sobrevida hospitalar após a alta de neonatos doentes transportados por ambulância terrestre ou aérea para um centro terciário

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the differences in hospital survival between modes of transport to a tertiary center in Colombia for critically ill neonates. Methods: Observational study of seriously ill neonates transported via air or ground, who required medical care at a center providing highly complex services. Data on sociodemographic, clinical, the Transport Risk Index of Physiologic Stability (TRIPS), and mode of transport were collected. Patients were described, followed by a bivariate analysis with condition (live or dead) at time of discharge as the dependent variable. A multiple Poisson regression with robust variance model was used to adjust associations. Results: A total of 176 neonates were transported by ambulance (10.22% by air) over six months. The transport distances were longer by air (median: 237.5 km) than by ground (median: 11.3 km). Mortality was higher among neonates transported by air (33.33%) than by ground (7.79%). No differences in survival were found between the two groups when adjusted by the multiple model. An interaction between mode of transport and distance was observed. Live hospital discharge was found to be associated with clinical severity upon admittance, birth weight, hemorrhaging during the third trimester, and serum potassium levels when admitted. Conclusions: Mode of transport was not associated with the outcome. In Colombia, access to medical services through air transport is a good option for neonates in critical condition. Further studies would determine the optimum distance (time of transportation) to obtain good clinical outcomes according type of ambulance.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar as diferenças na sobrevida hospitalar entre os modos de transporte para um centro terciário na Colômbia para neonatos gravemente doentes. Métodos: Estudo observacional de neonatos gravemente doentes transportados por ar ou terra que precisam de cuidados médicos em um centro que oferece serviços altamente complexos. Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos, clínicos, sobre o Índice de Risco da Estabilidade Fisiológica no Transporte (TRIPS) e o meio de transporte. Os pacientes foram descritos e submetidos a uma análise bivariada e a variável dependente foi a condição (vivo ou morto) no momento da alta. Uma regressão múltipla de Poisson com modelo de variância robusta foi usada para ajustar as associações. Resultados: Foram transportados 176 neonatos por ambulância (10,22% pelo ar) ao longo de seis meses. As distâncias foram maiores pelo ar (mediana: 237,5 km) do que por terra (mediana: 11,3 km). A mortalidade foi mais alta entre neonatos transportados pelo ar (33,33%) do que por terra (7,79%). Não foram encontradas diferenças na sobrevida entre os dois grupos após o ajuste com o modelo múltiplo. Foi observada uma interação entre o meio de transporte e a distância. A alta hospitalar com vida foi associada à gravidade clínica na internação, ao peso ao nascer, à hemorragia durante o terceiro trimestre e aos níveis de potássio sérico na internação. Conclusões: O meio de transporte não foi associado ao resultado. Na Colômbia, o acesso a serviços médicos por transporte aéreo é uma boa opção para neonatos em condições críticas. Estudos adicionais determinariam a distância ideal (tempo de transporte) para obter bons resultados clínicos de acordo com o tipo de ambulância.

Setting Up an ECMO Program in a South American Country: Outcomes of the First 104 Pediatric Patients.

BACKGROUND: Less than 1% of the extracorporeal life support organization (ELSO) registry patients are from South America. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an expensive therapy not only in terms of direct financial cost but also with respect to technical and human resources. Finding a successful ECMO model that developing countries can afford is critical to the expansion of therapy to include the availability of this technology for patients in the developing world. METHODS: We retrospectively studied the first 104 pediatric ECMO patients in the Fundacion Cardiovascular de Colombia between May 2007 and May 2013. We collected the ELSO registry data from electronic medical records to determine the survival rate, mortality risk factors, and complications in pediatric patients who received ECMO support for cardiac failure, respiratory failure, or ECMO for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the setting of refractory cardiopulmonary resuscitation. We describe our model of ECMO care regarding staff, training process, care protocol, ECMO circuit, and costs. RESULTS: Of 104 patients, 82 were diagnosed with congenital heart disease. Of those, 50 had biventricular and 32 had univentricular physiology, with a significantly higher survival rate at discharge in the biventricular group (44% vs 18.7%, odds ratio [OR] 3.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.28-10.52, P = .01). Pediatric patients with a cardiac indication had survival rates of 76.3% at weaning and 52.6% at discharge, which is roughly comparable to those reported by the ELSO in 2013. Univentricular physiology, ECPR, severe pre-ECMO acidosis, ECMO-associated renal failure, and duration of ECMO support were factors associated with increased mortality. CONCLUSION: Despite limited availability of technical and economic resources, ECMO therapy can be done successfully in a developing country. A model of care based on nurses as ECMO specialists, supported by a multidisciplinary team, is cost-effective.

Patient Outcomes of an International Telepediatric Cardiac Critical Care Program.

BACKGROUND: An optimal model for telemedicine use in the international care setting has not been established. Our objective was to describe variables associated with patient outcome during the implementation of an international pediatric cardiac critical care (PCCC) telemedicine program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of clinical records and a telemedicine database of patients admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) at the Fundacion Cardiovascular de Colombia, Bucaramanga, Colombia, during the initial 10 months of our program, compared with patients admitted during a previous period. Information collected included demographic data, cardiac diagnosis and associated factors, Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery (RACHS)-1 classification, and perioperative events. Primary outcome was composed of CICU and hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were CICU and hospital length of stay (LOS). RESULTS: Of the 553 patients who were included, teleconsultation was done for 71 (12.4%), with a total of 156 encounters, including 19 for patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Three hundred twenty-one recommendations were given, and 42 real-time interventions were documented. RACHS-1 distribution was similar between study periods (p=0.427). Teleconsulted patients were significantly younger (44 versus 24 months; p=0.03) and had higher surgical complexity than nonteleconsulted patients (p=0.01). RACHS-1 adjusted hospital survival was similar between study periods. CICU and hospital LOS intervals were significantly shorter in the telemedicine period (10 versus 17 days [p=0.02] and 22 versus 28 days [p<0.001]). In surgical cases, preoperative CICU LOS was significantly shorter (3 versus 6 days; p<0.001). Variables associated with hospital mortality were higher RACHS-1 categories, lower weight, bypass time longer than 150 min, and use of circulatory arrest, as well as the presence of sepsis or necrotizing enterocolitis. Those associated with increased LOS were lower weight, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and cross-clamp time longer than 60 min. CONCLUSIONS: An international telemedicine service in PCCC was associated with lower CICU and hospital LOS. Prospective telemedicine interventions aimed to decrease mortality and LOS should focus on patients with higher RACHS-1 categories, lower-weight infants, and those with prolonged operative time and selective perioperative complications.