Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of low cardiac output syndrome after open heart surgery in children with congenital heart disease.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a predictor in determining low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) has not been widely reported. The aim of this study was to explore the role of pre-surgery, 0-, 4-, and 8-hour post-surgery NLR as predictors of LCOS incidence after open heart surgery in children with congenital heart disease (CHD). This study used a prognostic test with a prospective cohort design and was conducted from December 2020 until June 2021 at the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) of Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia. The subject consisted of children aged one month to 18 years who underwent open heart surgery using a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) machine. A receiver operating characteristic curve was applied to identify the predictive performance of NLR for poor outcomes (LCOS incidence). Out of 90 patients included in the study, 25 (27.8%) of them developed LCOS between 3 to 53 hours post-surgery. All NLR values (pre-surgery and 0-, 4-, and 8-hours post-surgery) were associated with the incidence of LCOS. Pre-surgery NLR (cut-off value ≥0.88) had a fair predictive value (area under curve (AUC) 70; 95%CI: 57-83) for predicting LCOS incidence with sensitivity and specificity of 64% and 64.62%, respectively. NLR 0-hour post-surgery (cut-off value ≥4.73) had a good predictive value (AUC 81; 95%CI: 69-94) for predicting LCOS incidence, with 80% sensitivity and 80% specificity. NLR 4- and 8-hours post-surgery had very good predictive values (AUC 97%; 95%CI: 92-100 and 98; 95%CI: 94-100, respectively), with cut-off values ≥6.19 and ≥6.78, had the same 92% sensitivity and the same 96% sensitivity. The presence of LCOS was associated with mortality (odds ratio of 5.11 with 95%CI: 3.09-8.46). This study highlights that pre-surgery, 0-, 4-, and 8-hours post-surgery NLR can be predictors of LCOS after open heart surgery in children with CHD.

Predicting Factors for Mortality in Patients After the Modified Blalock-Taussig Shunt Procedure in Developing Countries: A Retrospective Study.

Background: Blalock-Taussig (BT) is a palliative procedure that preserves blood circulation to the lungs and alleviates cyanosis in patients with congenital heart diseases and reduced pulmonary blood flow. BT shunt remains a routinely performed procedure in developing countries before definitive surgery. However, evidence on predictor factors of mortality after this procedure is still scarce in Indonesia. This study evaluated the predictive factors of mortality after the BT shunt procedure. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated the medical record data of all postoperative BT shunt patients at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia, from 2016 to 2020. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses to identify the predictors of in-hospital mortality. Results: The total subjects in this study were 197 children, 107 (54.3%) boys and 90 (45.7%) girls. The median values for age and body weight at the time of surgery were 20 months (11 days - 32 years) and 7.9 (2.7-42) kg. The most prevalent diagnosis was the Tetralogy of Fallot, found in 80 (40.6%) patients. In-hospital postoperative mortality was 20.8% (41 patients). Based on multivariate analysis, predictors associated with mortality were weight <4.25 kg (OR 20.9; 95% CI 7.4-59.0; p < 0.0001) and emergency procedures (OR 3.5; 95% CI 1.3-9.5; p = 0.016). Conclusion: The mortality rate after BT shunt at PJT Rumah Sakit Cipto Mangunkusumo was 20.8%. Based on multivariate analysis, weight <4.25 kg and emergency procedures are two predictors of mortality in BT shunt.

Oral Triiodothyronine Supplementation Decreases Low Cardiac Output Syndrome After Pediatric Cardiac Surgery.

The oral triiodothyronine for infants and children undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (OTICC) trial showed that Triiodothyronine (T3) supplementation improved hemodynamic and clinical outcome parameters. We tested the validity of low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS), derived using clinical parameters and laboratory data, by comparing the LCOS diagnosis with objective parameters commonly measured in a cardiac intensive care unit (CCU) setting. OTICC, a randomized, placebo-controlled trial included children younger than 3 years with an Aristotle score between 6 and 9. We used the existing trial data set to compare the LCOS diagnosis with echocardiographic hemodynamic parameters. Additionally, we determined if LCOS, prospectively assigned during a clinical trial, served as an early predictor of clinical outcomes. All LCOS subjects at 6 and 12 h after cross-clamp release later showed significantly lower pulse pressure, stroke volume and cardiac output, and higher systemic vascular resistance. These LCOS patients also had significantly longer time to extubation (TTE) and higher mortality rate. LCOS incidence was significantly lower in the T3 treatment group [n = 86 vs. 66, respectively, p < 0.001; OR (95% CI) 0.43 (0.36-0.52)] particularly at 6 h. Also, LCOS patients in the placebo group had significantly lower FT3 serum levels over time. These analyses confirm that early clinically defined LCOS successfully predicts cardiac dysfunction determined later by objective hemodynamic echocardiographic parameters. Furthermore, early LCOS significantly impacts TTE and mortality. Finally, the data support prior clinical trial data, showing that oral T3 supplementation decreases early LCOS in concordance with reducing TTE.

Outcome of pediatric cardiac surgery and predictors of major complication in a developing country.

BACKGROUND: Evaluating outcome and identifying predictors of major complications among children undergoing cardiac surgery are essential to improve care. We evaluated short-term outcomes of postcardiac surgery and predictors of major complications in a national referral hospital in Indonesia. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted from April 2014 to March 2015 on all children undergoing cardiac surgery. Participants were followed up from the time of surgery until hospital discharge and 30-day mortality. We performed univariate and multivariate logistic regression using STATA 12-1 to identify predictors of postsurgical major complications. RESULTS: A total of 257 patients (median age: 36 months) were recruited; 217 (84.1%) had complications, including low cardiac output syndrome (19.8%), arrhythmia (18.6%), sepsis (17.4%), and pleural effusion (14.8%). Forty-nine (19%) patients had major complications, including cardiac arrest (5%), need for emergency chest opening (3.9%), and multiple organ failure (7.4%). 12.8% died during hospital stay, and 30-day mortality was 13.6%. Predictors of major complications were cyanotic congenital heart disease (odds ratio [OR]: 4.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5-14.2), longer duration of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB, OR: 4.4, 95% CI: 1.5-13.4), high inotropes (OR: 13.1, 95% CI: 3.2-54.2), and increase in lactate >0.75 mmol/L/h or more in the first 24 h (OR: 37.1, 95% CI: 10.1-136.3). CONCLUSION: One-fifth of children undergoing cardiac surgery experienced major complications with around 13% mortality. Cyanotic congenital heart disease, longer duration of CPB, high inotropes on leaving operating theater, and increase in blood lactate are associated with major complications in children after cardiac surgery.

Effects of paediatric HIV infection on electrical conduction of the heart.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of HIV infection in children on heart electrical conduction, particularly to delineate the effects of HIV infection from treatment. METHODS: On a 12-lead ECG, available for 37 antiretroviral therapy (ART) naïve, 42 ART-exposed vertically-acquired HIV-infected and 50 healthy children in Jakarta, Indonesia, we measured cardiac conduction parameters: PR, QRS, and QTc (corrected using Bazett's formula) intervals. The associations between HIV infection/treatment status and ECG intervals were evaluated using general linear modelling with further adjustment for potential confounders or intermediary variables. Findings are presented as (adjusted) mean differences between each of the two HIV groups and healthy children. RESULTS: Although not exceeding the clinical threshold for long QT (QTc >460 ms for girls and >440 ms for boys) compared to healthy children, mean QTc intervals were longer in ART-naïve (difference 18.2 ms, 95% CI 7.0 to 29.3) and, to greater extent, in ART-exposed HIV-infected children (difference 28.9 ms, 19.3 to 38.5). Following adjustment for RR interval, age and height, prolongation of PR interval was seen only in ART-naïve HIV-infected children (difference 12.9 ms, 2.4 to 23.3). Cardiac mass/function, high-sensitive C reactive protein, cholesterol and glycated haemoglobin levels, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, or postnatal parental smoking exposure did not affect these associations. No difference in the QRS interval was observed between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Prolongation of the QTc interval occurs in ART-naïve HIV-infected children and, to a greater extent, in the ART-exposed children, whereas a longer PR interval appears to be seen only among ART-naïve HIV-infected children.

The role of curcumin as an inhibitor of oxidative stress caused by ischaemia re-perfusion injury in tetralogy of Fallot patients undergoing corrective surgery.

BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary bypass during tetralogy of Fallot corrective surgery is associated with oxidative stress, and contributes to peri-operative problems. Curcumin has been known as a potent scavenger of reactive oxygen species, which enhances the activity of antioxidants and suppresses phosphorylation of transcription factors involved in inflamation and apoptosis. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of curcumin as an antioxidant by evaluating the concentrations of malondialdehyde and glutathione, activity of nuclear factor-kappa B, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, caspase-3, and post-operative clinical outcomes. METHODS: Tetralogy of Fallot patients for corrective surgery were randomised to receive curcumin (45 mg/day) or placebo orally for 14 days before surgery. Malondialdehyde and glutathione concentrations were evaluated during the pre-ischaemia, ischaemia, re-perfusion phases, and 6 hours after aortic clamping-off. Nuclear factor-kappa B, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and caspase-3, taken from the infundibulum, were assessed during the pre-ischaemia, ischaemia, and re-perfusion phases. Haemodynamic parameters were monitored until day 5 after surgery. RESULTS: In all the observation phases, malondialdehyde and glutathione concentrations were similar between groups. There was no significant difference in nuclear factor-kappa B activity between the groups for three observations; however, in the curcumin group, c-Jun N-terminal kinase significantly decreased from the pre-ischaemia to the re-perfusion phases, and caspase-3 expression was lower in the ischaemia phase. Patients in the curcumin group had lower temperature and better ventricular functions, but no significant differences were found in mechanical ventilation day or length of hospital stay in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Cardioprotective effects of curcumin may include inhibition of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway and caspase-3 in cardiomyocytes, particularly in the ischaemia phase.

Transcatheter Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Adolescents and Adults: A Case Series.

During 11 years period from January 2005 to December 2015 there were 18 adolescent and adult patients  who underwent transcatheter closure of PDA using PDA Amplatzer Duct Occluder (ADO). There were 9 cases with age of 14 to 18 years and 9 cases with age of more than 18 years where the oldest case was 46 years old. Two cases were male and 16 cases were female. Prior to procedures, clinical assessment, ECG, chest x-ray and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) were performed to confirm the diagnosis of PDA. The procedures of device implantation was performed under conscious sedation in adults and using general anesthesia in adolescents.The size of PDA ranged from 1.6 mm to 11.1 mm. Based on Kritchenko classification, the type of PDA were 15 type A1 and 3type A2. Flow ratio between pulmonary to systemic circulation was between 1.1 and 5.9. The procedure time ranged from 60-189 minutes and the fluoroscopic time 7.1-77.3 minutes. The PA pressure ranged from 22 to 63 mmHg. Immediate results after procedures as seen in angiography showed complete closure in 14 cases and smoky residual shunt or minimal residual shunts in 4 cases, which probably due to the temporary leaking through the devices. In 24 hours, complete closure was achieved in all cases (100%) and continued until 1months. At 6 month follow up, there was no residual shunts detected and also there was no significant complications, such as device embolization or recanalization. This case series suggest that transcatheter closure of PDA in adolescents and adults using Amplatzer duct occluder (ADO) is effective and has excellent resultswithout significant complication. However, long-term follow up is required to assess long term efficacy and safety.

Transcatheter Closure of Atrial Septal Defects in a Center With Limited Resources: Outcomes and Short Term Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects (ASD) has been accepted world-wide as an alternative to surgical closure with excellent results. This interventional, non-surgical technique plays an important role in the treatment of ASD mostly in the developing world where resources are limited. OBJECTIVES: To report the outcomes and short term follow-up of transcatheter closure of ASD over a 12-year period at our institution with limited resources. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included all patients with the diagnosis of secundum ASD and significant shunting (Qp/Qs > 1.5:1) as well as dilated right atrium and right ventricle who had transcatheter closure at Integrated Cardiovascular Center (PJT), Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital between October 2002 and October 2014. One hundred fifty-two patients enrolled in this study were candidates for device closure. Right and left heart cardiac catheterization was performed before the procedure. All patients underwent physical examination, ECG, chest X-ray and transthoracal echocardiography (TTE) prior to device implantation. RESULTS: A total of 152 patients with significant ASD underwent device implantation. Subjects' age ranged from 0.63 to 69.6 years, with median 9.36 years and mean 16.30 years. They consisted of 33 (21.7%) males and 119 (78.3%) females, with mean body weight of 29.9 kg (range 8 to 75; SD 18.2). The device was successfully implanted in 150 patients where the majority of cases received the Amplatzer septal occluder (147/150; 98%) and the others received the Heart Lifetech ASD occluder (3/150, 2%), whereas two other cases were not suitable for device closure and we decided for surgical closure. The mean ASD size was 19.75 (range 14 - 25) mm. During the procedure, 5 (4.9%) patients had bradycardia and 3 (2.9%) patients had supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), all of which resolved. CONCLUSIONS: In our center with limited facilities and manpower, transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect was effective and safe as an alternative treatment to surgery. The outcome and short-term follow-up revealed excellent results, but long-term follow-up is needed.

Transcatheter closure of post-operative residual ventricular septal defect using a patent ductus arteriosus closure device in an adult: a case report.

Transcatheter closure of perimembranous and muscular ventricular septal defect (VSD) has been performed widely and it has more advantages compare to surgery. However, transcatheter closure of residual VSD post operation of complex congenital heart disease is still challenging because of the complexity of anatomy and concern about device stability, so the operator should meticulously choose the most appropriate technique and device. We would like to report a case of transcatheter closure of residual VSD post Rastelli operation in a patient with double outlet right ventricle (DORV), sub-aortic VSD, severe infundibulum pulmonary stenosis (PS) and single coronary artery. The patient had undergone operations for four times, but he still had intractable heart failure that did not response to medications. On the first attempt. we closed the VSD using a VSD occluder, unfortunately the device embolized into the descending aorta, but fortunately we was able to snare it out. Then we decided to close the VSD using a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA occluder). On transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and angiography evaluation, the device position was stable. Post transcatheter VSD closure, the patient clinical condition improved significantly and he could finally be discharged after a long post-surgery hospitalization. Based on this experience we concluded that the transcatheter closure of residual VSD in complex CHD using PDA occluder could be an effective alternative treatment.

Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects in adolescents and adults: technique and difficulties.

AIM: to evaluate the results of transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) in adolescents and adult. METHODS: a case series of patients undergoing transcatheter closure of ASD in RS Cipto Mangunkusumo, Jakarta during 2002 -2013. Transesophageal echocardiography, hemodynamic study, and angiography were performed before the procedure. Oxygen test was done if PA pressure was more than 2/3 of aortic pressure, followed by an occlusion test if no response observed to determine whether the device could be released. RESULTS: we enrolled 54 patients, of whom 26% were adolescents and 3% were males. Median body weight was 49 (26-75) kg and ASD size was 21 (9.4-39.6) mm. The procedure was done under general anesthesia in 26% of patients. Oxygen test was applied in 11% patients and occlusion test in 2% of patient. Transcatheter closure of ASD was successful in all patients using common technique (31%), right pulmonary vein-assisted (65%), left pulmonary assisted (2%), and cutting long sheath (2%). There was neither residual ASD nor complications observed. Mean fluoroscopy and procedure time were 29 (SD 18) and 109 (SD 36) minutes, respectively. Median hospital stay was 1 (1-3) day. CONCLUSION: transcatheter closure of ASD in adolescents and adults is safe and effective.

Correlation between T2* cardiovascular magnetic resonance with left ventricular function and mass in adolescent and adult major thalassemia patients with iron overload.

AIM: to assess for a correlation between T2*CMR with LV function and mass in thalassemic patients with iron overload. METHODS: a cross-sectional study on thalassemic patients was conducted between July and September 2010 at Cipto Mangunkusumo and Premier Hospitals, Jakarta, Indonesia. Clinical examinations, review of medical charts, electrocardiography, echocardiography, and T2*CMR were performed. Cardiac siderosis was measured by T2*CMR conduction time. Left ventricle diastolic and systolic functions, as well as LV mass index were measured using echocardiography. Correlations between T2*CMR and echocardiography findings, as well as serum ferritin were determined using Pearson's and Spearman's tests. RESULTS: thirty patients aged 13-41 years were enrolled, of whom two-thirds had -thalassemia major and one-third had HbE/-thalassemia. Diastolic dysfunction was identified in 8 patients, whereas systolic function was normal in all patients. Increased LV mass index was found in 3 patients. T2*CMR conduction times ranged from 8.98 to 55.04 ms and a value below 20 ms was demonstrated in 14 patients. There was a statistically significant moderate positive correlation of T2*CMR conduction time with E/A ratio (r = 0.471, P = 0.009), but no correlation was found with LV mass index (r=0.097, P=0.608). A moderate negative correlation was found between T2*CMR and serum ferritin (r = -0.514, P = 0.004), while a moderate negative correlation was found between serum ferritin and E/A ratio (r = -0.425, P = 0.019). CONCLUSION: T2*CMR myocardial conduction time has a moderate positive correlation with diastolic function, moderate negative correlation with serum ferritin, but not with LV mass index and systolic function.