Early resection of a rare congenital pulmonary airway malformation causing severe progressive respiratory distress in a preterm neonate: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Congenital pulmonary airway malformations (CPAMs) are a heterogenous collection of congenital lung malformations, often diagnosed prenatally. The Stocker Type III CPAM is a rare CPAM sub-type, and, when large, may be associated with hydrops. Furthermore, reports of CPAM management which may include surgical resection in extreme preterm infants are limited. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a female neonate born at 28 weeks of gestation with severe respiratory distress and diffuse pulmonary opacification on the right concerning for a large congenital lung lesion. This lesion was not detected on routine antenatal imaging, and she did not have clinical findings of associated hydrops. Her respiratory status improved dramatically after surgical resection of a mass at 12 day of age. The mass was consistent pathologically with a Stocker Type III CPAM. Lung expansion showed subsequent improvement at 16 months of age. CONCLUSIONS: Our case describes a preterm neonate with severe respiratory distress that was found postnatally to have a large, unilateral congenital lung lesion despite a normal prenatal ultrasound. Additionally, this lesion required excision early in life due to severity of respiratory compromise. This case highlights that rare congenital lung lesions, like this rare sub-type of CPAM, should remain a diagnostic consideration in neonates with severe respiratory distress. Early lung resection for CPAM in preterm infants is not well described and the favorable outcomes of this case help expand perspectives on potential management strategies.

Extracardiac Fontan Fenestration Device Closure with Amplatzer Vascular Plug II and Septal Occluder: Procedure Results and Medium-Term Follow-Up.

The objective of this study was to determine medium-term morbidity and mortality of patients who have undergone device closure of an extracardiac Fontan fenestration with an Amplatzer Vascular Plug II (AVPII) or Septal Occluder (ASO). A secondary objective was to compare medium-term morbidity and mortality between these patients and other fenestrated Fontan patients. A retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent an extracardiac fenestrated Fontan procedure between 1992 and 2015 at Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center. Procedural and follow-up data were obtained and compared between those who underwent fenestration closure and those who did not. Additional outcome measures included whether the fenestration had spontaneously closed, morbidity and mortality, oxygen saturations, and hemodynamics pre- and post-closure. Fifty-nine of 118 patients (50%) with a fenestrated Fontan underwent 60 device closures of the fenestration. Thirty-two (53%) of these were with the AVPII and 28 (47%) with the ASO. There was one device embolization. At a median follow-up of 3.9 years, five patients suffered morbidity, including 2 with arrhythmias, 1 with plastic bronchitis, 1 with protein losing enteropathy, and 1 with stroke. There were no cardiopulmonary deaths in this group. Twenty-three of 118 patients (19%) had spontaneous closure. There was no difference in morbidity and mortality between patients who underwent percutaneous fenestration closure and those who either had spontaneous closure or a persistently patent fenestration. Device closure of Fontan fenestrations is a safe and effective procedure with minimal morbidity and mortality comparable to other patients with fenestrations.

Rare occurrence of Tetralogy of Fallot in dizygotic twins conceived via in vitro fertilisation.

An increased incidence of CHD has been noted in twin gestations and in infants conceived using assisted reproductive technologies. However, CHD in these populations remains understudied and the mechanisms underlying these phenomena remain unclear. We present the case of twins conceived via in vitro fertilisation both with Tetralogy of Fallot and additional cardiac and extracardiac malformations.

Factors Influencing Outcomes After Cardiac Intervention in Infants with Trisomy 13 and 18.

Cardiac intervention remains controversial in patients with trisomy 13 and 18 and little is known about factors that may affect outcomes. The goal of this study was to evaluate preoperative factors and surgical approach with respect to outcomes in these patients. Patients with congenital heart disease and trisomy 13 or 18 presenting to our institution from 2004 through 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were grouped into complete intervention, palliated intervention, and non-intervention. Pre-intervention variables, timing and type of intervention, post-intervention outcomes, and survival were recorded and comparisons were made between the groups. Of 34 patients, 18 cardiac interventions were performed. Complete repair was performed in 11(61%) and palliation in 7(39%). Median age for complete repair was 9.2 vs. 1.7 months in palliated patients (p < 0.001) and palliated patients were smaller (median 2.5 vs. 5.2 kg, p < 0.001). All patients who underwent complete repair survived to discharge compared to only 57% of patients that were palliated (p = 0.04). Palliated patients had longer intubation and time to discharge (p < 0.05). Survival at last follow-up was greater in the complete repair group compared with palliated patients and non-intervention patients (72, 14, and 18%, p = 0.009) with a longer median length of survival in the complete repair group (p = 0.002). In our group of trisomy 13 and 18 patients, those able to undergo complete repair had improved outcomes. Patients undergoing complete repair were older and bigger; this suggests that delaying intervention and optimizing the likelihood of complete repair may be beneficial.

Heart transplantation in children with intellectual disability: An analysis of the UNOS database.

Heart transplantation in children with intellectual disability (ID) is an issue of debate due to the shortage of available donor organs. We sought to perform the first large-scale retrospective cohort study describing the prevalence and outcomes of heart transplantation in this population. The United Network of Organ Sharing database was queried from 2008 to 2015 for pediatric patients (age <19 years) receiving first, isolated heart transplant. Recipients were divided into three subgroups: definite ID, probable ID, and no ID. The chi-square test was used to compare patients' baseline characteristics. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were used to estimate the association between ID and death-censored graft failure and patient survival. Over the study period, 565 pediatric patients with definite (131) or probable (434) ID received first heart transplant, accounting for 22.4% of all first pediatric heart transplants (n=2524). Recipients with definite ID did not significantly differ from those without ID in terms of gender, ethnicity, ischemia time, severity of pretransplant condition (waitlist status, mechanical ventilation, inotrope dependence, ECMO, VAD, PVRI, infection prior to transplant), or incidents of acute rejection within the first year. ID was associated with prolonged waitlist time (P<.001). Graft and patient survival at 3 years was equivalent between children with and without ID (P=.811 and .578, respectively). We conclude that intellectual disability is prevalent in children receiving heart transplants, with 22.4% of recipients over the study period having definite or probable ID. ID does not appear to negatively affect transplantation outcomes. Future studies are needed to assess long-term outcomes of transplantation in this population.

Recommendations for utilization of the paracorporeal lung assist device in neonates and young children with pulmonary hypertension.

The management of decompensating critically ill children with severe PH is extremely challenging and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Unfortunately, even with optimal care, these children might continue to deteriorate and develop inadequate systemic perfusion and at times cardiac arrest secondary to a pulmonary hypertensive crisis. Tools to support these children are limited, and at times, the team should proceed with offering extracorporeal support, especially in newly diagnosed patients who have not benefitted from medical therapy prior to their acute deterioration, in patients with severe pulmonary venous disease and in patients with alveolar capillary dysplasia. Currently, the only approved mode for extracorporeal support in pediatric patients with PH eligible for lung transplantation is ECMO. To decrease the risks associated with ECMO, and offer potential for increased duration of support, extubation, and rehabilitation, we transitioned four small children with refractory PH from ECMO to a device comprising an oxygenator interposed between the PA and LA. This work describes in great detail our experience with this mode of support with emphasis on exclusion criteria, the implantation procedure, and the post-implantation management.

Official American Thoracic Society technical standards: flexible airway endoscopy in children.

BACKGROUND: Flexible airway endoscopy (FAE) is an accepted and frequently performed procedure in the evaluation of children with known or suspected airway and lung parenchymal disorders. However, published technical standards on how to perform FAE in children are lacking. METHODS: The American Thoracic Society (ATS) approved the formation of a multidisciplinary committee to delineate technical standards for performing FAE in children. The committee completed a pragmatic synthesis of the evidence and used the evidence synthesis to answer clinically relevant questions. RESULTS: There is a paucity of randomized controlled trials in pediatric FAE. The committee developed recommendations based predominantly on the collective clinical experience of our committee members highlighting the importance of FAE-specific airway management techniques and anesthesia, establishing suggested competencies for the bronchoscopist in training, and defining areas deserving further investigation. CONCLUSIONS: These ATS-sponsored technical standards describe the equipment, personnel, competencies, and special procedures associated with FAE in children.

Comparison of Morbidity and Mortality Outcomes between Hybrid Palliation and Norwood Palliation Procedures for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

Background/Objectives: Hybrid palliation (HP) procedures for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) are increasing. Our objective was to compare mortality and morbidity following HP and NP (Norwood palliation) procedures. Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis of HLHS patients of peer-reviewed literature between 2000 and 2023. Mortality and/or heart transplantation in HP versus NP in the neonatal period, interstage period, and at 1, 3 and 5 years of age, and morbidity including completion of Stage II and Stage III palliation, unexpected interventions, pulmonary artery pressures, right ventricle function, neurodevelopmental outcomes and length of hospital stay were evaluated. Results: Twenty-one (meta-analysis: 16; qualitative synthesis: 5) studies evaluating 1182 HLHS patients included. HP patients had higher interstage mortality (RR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.10-2.33; p = 0.01) and 1-year mortality (RR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.03-1.43; p = 0.02) compared to NP patients without differences in 3- and 5-years mortality. HP procedure in high-risk HLHS patients had lower mortality (RR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.27-0.87; p = 0.01) only in the neonatal period. HP patients underwent fewer Stage II (RR = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.81-1.00; p = 0.05) and Stage III palliation (RR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.69-0.90; p < 0.01), had more unplanned interventions (RR = 3.38; 95% CI: 2.04-5.59; p < 0.01), and longer hospital stay after Stage I palliation (weighted mean difference = 12.88; 95% CI: 1.15-24.62; p = 0.03) compared to NP patients. Conclusions: Our study reveals that HP, compared to NP for HLHS, is associated with increased morbidity risk without an improved survival rate.

Transcatheter ventricular septal defect (VSD) creation for restrictive VSD in double-outlet right ventricle.

BACKGROUND: Double-outlet right ventricle (DORV) with a restrictive ventricular septum is a rare but highly morbid phenomenon that can be complicated by progressive left ventricular hypertrophy, arrhythmias, aneurysm formation, severe pulmonary hypertension, and death in the newborn. Surgical creation or enlargement of a ventricular septal defect (VSD) is palliative but may damage the conduction system or the atrioventricular valves in the newborn. This report presents a transcatheter approach to palliation for a newborn that had DORV with a restrictive ventricular septum. METHODS/RESULTS: A full-term infant girl (2.9 kg) referred for hypoxia (80% with room air) and murmur was found to have DORV, interrupted inferior vena cava, and restrictive VSD (95-mmHg gradient). Transhepatic access was performed, and an internal mammary (IM) catheter was advanced through the atrial septal defect and into the left ventricle. By transesophageal echocardiographic guidance, a Baylis radiofrequency perforation wire was used to cross the ventricular septum, and the defect was enlarged using a 4-mm cutting balloon. A bare metal stent then was deployed to maintain the newly created VSD. The patient did well after the procedure but required pulmonary artery banding 4 days later. She returned 5 months later with cyanosis and the development of obstructing right ventricle muscle bundles, requiring further surgical palliation. CONCLUSIONS: This report describes the first transcatheter creation of VSD in DORV with a restrictive ventricular septum in a newborn infant. Use of the radiofrequency catheter in combination with cutting balloon dilation and stent implantation is an efficient method for creating a VSD in such a patient.

Lung transplantation for pulmonary fibrosis in dyskeratosis congenita: Case Report and systematic literature review.

BACKGROUND: Dyskeratosis congenita (DC) is a progressive, multi-system, inherited disorder of telomere biology with high risks of morbidity and mortality from bone marrow failure, hematologic malignancy, solid tumors and pulmonary fibrosis. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can cure the bone marrow failure, but it does not eliminate the risks of other complications, for which life-long surveillance is required. Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive and lethal complication of DC. CASE PRESENTATION: In this report, we describe a patient with DC who developed pulmonary fibrosis seven years after HSCT for severe aplastic anemia, and was successfully treated with bilateral lung transplantation. We also performed a systematic literature review to understand the burden of pulmonary disease in patients with DC who did or did not receive an HSCT. Including our patient, we identified 49 DC patients with pulmonary disease (12 after HSCT and 37 without HSCT), and 509 with no reported pulmonary complications. CONCLUSION: Our current case and literature review indicate that pulmonary morbidity is one of the major contributors to poor quality of life and reduced long-term survival in DC. We suggest that lung transplantation be considered for patients with DC who develop pulmonary fibrosis with no concurrent evidence of multi-organ failure.

Successful subxyphoid hybrid approach for placement of a Melody percutaneous pulmonary valve.

A variety of complex congenital heart defects in the pediatric population involve placement of a right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit as part of surgical repair. With the advent of percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI), patients may avoid the risks of serial surgical reinterventions as the PPVI acts to prolong the life of a previously placed conduit. As the experience with PPVI is growing, new challenges arise from complicated anatomy and severe conduit stenosis. We present a case of a 16-year-old male who underwent successful pulmonary valve placement with a Melody valve via a subxyphoid hybrid approach after an unsuccessful attempt at percutaneous placement.

Pediatric lung transplantation.

OPINION STATEMENT: Lung transplantation in children is an effective treatment for end-stage pulmonary disease after all medical therapy has failed. It requires a huge investment in resources and absolute commitment on the part of the parents and patients. In spite of all these efforts and expense, the results with pediatric lung transplantation are the worst of all solid organ transplants. Much lies ahead to overcome the obstacles faced to improve this therapy.

The Failed Bidirectional Glenn Shunt: Risk Factors for Poor Outcomes and the Role of Early Reoperation.

Background: Bidirectional Glenn shunt (BDG) failure carries high morbidity and mortality but the clinical factors associated with failure and the optimal management strategy are understudied. Methods: A total of 217 patients undergoing BDG at our institution between 1989 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed and categorized as success or failure. Failure was defined as the need for reoperation (BDG takedown, reoperation for correction of cardiac defect, and/or transplantation) at any time postoperatively; operative mortality (death attributable to BDG malfunction occurring during the index hospitalization for BDG or within 30 days of discharge); or late mortality (death directly attributable to BDG malfunction occurring prior to Fontan or next-stage palliation). Univariate and binary logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: BDG failure occurred in 14 (6.5%) patients. Univariate predictors were: hypoplastic left heart syndrome (P = .037), right ventricular (RV) dominance (P = .010), greater pre-BDG pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (P = .012), concomitant atrioventricular valve repair (P = .020), prolonged pleural drainage (P = .001), intensive care unit (P<.001) and hospital (P = .002) stays, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) requirement (P<.001). Multivariate predictors were: RV dominance (P = .002), greater PVR (P = .041), ICU (P<.001) and hospital (P = .020) stays, and need for ECMO (P<.001). As many as 10 of 14 (71%) patients with BDG failure died. Reoperation was performed for 10 patients with BDG failure. Five reoperation patients survived until discharge, with four patients alive at last follow-up (mean 7.9 years). Survivors underwent reoperation earlier than nonsurvivors (36 vs. 94 days). Conclusions: BDG failure carries high mortality, but preoperative predictors and postoperative indicators of failure exist. Early BDG takedown and insertion of aorta-pulmonary shunt may allow survival.

Lung transplantation for pulmonary hypertension in children.

Lung and heart-lung transplantation are accepted treatments for children with end-stage pulmonary vascular disease. This is a review of the current literature and our own experience with lung and heart-lung transplantation for children with pulmonary hypertension of a variety of causes. I reviewed the pertinent literature and our lung transplant database to acquire information and data regarding this subject. The patients include those at St. Louis Children's Hospital as well as those reported from other institutions. The major operative complications include those related to the surgical procedure itself (vascular and airway anastomotic stenoses) and those related to graft dysfunction. The 3- and 5-yr survival is approximately 60% and 50%, respectively, for children undergoing lung transplantation for pulmonary hypertension.Although these survival statistics are somewhat poor, transplantation remains the only viable alternative for children with end-stage pulmonary vascular disease failing to respond to medical therapy.

Correcting a rare Congenital Coronary Anomaly in an Adult-A Case Report.

Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the pulmonary artery is an extremely rare condition with an uncertain natural history. Here, we present an otherwise healthy active duty service member who was found to have anomalous right coronary artery arising from the pulmonary artery as an incidental discovery during a workup for possible pulmonary embolus. We describe a preoperative workup which showed dilation of the coronaries and evidence of ischemia. Operative technique for restoration of a two-vessel coronary system is described. Postoperative imaging demonstrated reduction in the coronary dilation and resolution of ischemia.

Biventricular assist devices as a bridge to heart transplantation in small children.

BACKGROUND: Experience with the use of biventricular assist device (BiVAD) support to bridge small children to heart transplantation is limited. METHODS AND RESULTS: We used BIVAD support (Berlin EXCOR) in 9 pediatric heart transplant candidates from 4/05 to 7/07. The median patient age was 1.7 years (12 days to 17 years). The median patient weight was 9.4 kg (3 to 38 kg). All children were supported with multiple intravenous inotropes+/-mechanical ventilation (6) or ECMO (3) before BiVAD implantation. All had significant right ventricular dysfunction. The median pulmonary vascular resistance index (Rpi) was 6.0 WU/m(2). Eight patients were successfully bridged to heart transplantation after a median duration of BiVAD support of 35 days (1 to 77 days). One death occurred after 10 days of support from perioperative renal failure in a 3 kg infant. Five patients required at least 1 blood pump change. One patient had a driveline infection requiring treatment. There were no acute neurological complications, no thromboembolic events, and no bleeding complications. In 2 patients with Rpi >10 WU/m(2) unresponsive to pulmonary vasodilator therapy, Rpi dropped to 1.4 and 4.6 WU/m(2), after 33 and 41 days of support, respectively. All 8 survivors underwent successful heart transplantation. Of 5 patients supported >30 days, 3 developed an extremely elevated (>90%) panel reactive antibody by ELISA that was not confirmed by other methods; none had a positive donor-specific retrospective crossmatch. There was 1 episode of rejection (with hemodynamic compromise) in the 8 transplanted patients. Rpi was normal (<3 WU/m(2)) without pulmonary vasodilators in all patients within 3 months after transplant. There have been no deaths after transplant with a median follow-up of 19 months. CONCLUSIONS: BiVAD support can effectively be used in small children as a bridge to heart transplantation and can be accomplished with low mortality and morbidity. BiVAD support may offer an additional means to reverse extremely elevated pulmonary vascular resistance. Surveillance for HLA antibody sensitization during BiVAD support may be complicated by the development of non-HLA antibodies which may not reflect true HLA presensitization.

Hypoplastic left heart associated with scimitar syndrome.

A child with the unique combination of hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and scimitar syndrome is presented. Her HLHS was diagnosed in utero, and her scimitar syndrome was discovered during her immediate newborn period. She underwent a successful Norwood operation complicated by supraventricular tachycardia given her Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome. She has also undergone successful Glenn shunt and at this writing is thriving.