Relationship between heart failure and intestinal inflammation in infants with congenital heart disease.

OBJECTIVE: The association between heart failure (HF) and intestinal inflammation caused by a disturbed intestinal microbiota in infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) was investigated. METHODS: Twenty infants with HF and CHD who were admitted to our hospital between October 2021 and March 2022 were included in this study. Twenty age- and sex-matched infants without HF at our hospital were selected as the control group. Faecal samples were obtained from each participant and analysed by enzyme-linked immunoassay and 16 S rDNA sequencing to assess intestinal inflammatory factors and the microbiota. RESULTS: The levels of intestinal inflammatory factors, including IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6, IL-17 A and TNF-α, were greatly increased, while the levels of IL-10 were significantly decreased in the HF group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The intestinal microbial diversity of patients in the HF group was markedly lower than that in the control group (p < 0.05). The abundance of Enterococcus was significantly increased in the HF group compared to the control group (p < 0.05), but the abundance of Bifidobacterium was significantly decreased in the HF group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The diversity of the intestinal microbiota was negatively correlated with the levels of IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6 and TNF-α in the intestinal tract but was positively correlated with that of IL-10. The abundance of Enterococcus was positively associated with the levels of IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6 and TNF-α in the intestinal tract but was negatively correlated with that of IL-10. NT-proBNP was positively associated with the levels of IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6 and TNF-α in the HF group but was negatively correlated with that of IL-10. The heart function score was positively associated with the levels of IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6 and TNF-α in the HF group but was negatively correlated with that of IL-10. CONCLUSIONS: Infants with CHD-related HF had a disordered intestinal microbiota, decreased diversity of intestinal microbes, increased levels of pathogenic bacteria and decreased levels of beneficial bacteria. The increased abundance of Enterococcus and the significant decrease in the diversity of the intestinal microbiota may exacerbate the intestinal inflammatory response, which may be associated with the progression of HF.

Tricuspid mechanical valve replacement for severe tricuspid stenosis in a child who underwent surgical correction of complete atrioventricular septal defect, a rare long-term complications.

BACKGROUND: Complete atrioventricular septal defect is a complicated congenital heart malformations, and surgical correction is the best treatment, the severe tricuspid stenosis is a rare long-term complication after the surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case with the complication of severe tricuspid stenosis 7 years after the surgical correction of complete atrioventricular septal defect in a child. Then the patient underwent tricuspid mechanical valve replacement, Glenn, atrial septostomy, and circumconstriction of the right pulmonary artery. CONCLUSIONS: The patient recovered successfully with good short-term.

Comparison of high-flow nasal cannula oxygenation and non-invasive ventilation for postoperative pediatric cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of high-flow nasal cannula oxygenation (HFNC) versus non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in pediatric patients post-congenital heart surgery (CHS) through a meta-analysis. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across the Chinese biomedical literature database, Vip database, CNKI, Wanfang, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science until December 20, 2022. We selected RCTs or cohort studies that met inclusion criteria for a meta-analysis using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS: Our search yielded five publications, comprised of one randomized controlled trial and four cohort studies. Meta-analysis revealed a significant reduction in reintubation rates in children post-CHS treated with HFNC as compared to NIV [RR = 0.36, 95%CI(0.25 ~ 0.53), P < 0.00001]. There was also a notable reduction in the duration of ICU stay [MD = -4.75, 95%CI (-9.38 ~ -0.12), P = 0.04]. No statistically significant differences were observed between HFNC and NIV in terms of duration of mechanical ventilation, 24 h PaO2, and PaCO2 post-treatment (P > 0.05). Furthermore, both groups showed no significant difference in the duration of extracorporeal circulation [MD = -8.27, 95%CI(-17.16 ~ 0.62), P = 0.07]. CONCLUSIONS: For pediatric patients post-CHS, HFNC appears to be more effective than NIV in reducing reintubation rates and shortening the CICU stay.

Changes of Intestinal Flora and the Effect on Intestinal Function in Infants With Ventricular Septal Defect After Cardiopulmonary Bypass Surgery.

This study aimed to investigate the changes in intestinal flora in infants with ventricular septal defect (VSD) after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery and their potential relationship with postoperative gastrointestinal function recovery. Fecal samples of 20 infants with VSD were collected before and after CPB surgery at our hospital from September 2021 to March 2022. 16S rRNA was used to detect and analyze the fecal samples. The most abundant intestinal microbes in the preoperative intestinal flora were Enterococcus (37.14%), Bifidobacterium (20.71%), Shigella (8.15%), Streptococcus (5.19%), Lactobacillus (3.7%), Rothia (2.22%). However, the most abundant intestinal microbes in the postoperative intestinal flora were Enterococcus (49.63%), Bifidobacterium (12.59%), Shigella (10.37%), Streptococcus (8.14%), Rothia (4.43%). The diversity and species richness of intestinal flora after CPB surgery were significantly lower than those preoperatively. The intestinal Enterococcus content in patients with postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction was significantly higher than that in patients without gastrointestinal dysfunction (P < 0.05). Intestinal Bifidobacterium content in patients with postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction was significantly lower than that in patients without gastrointestinal dysfunction (P < 0.05). After surgery, the content of intestinal Enterococcus was negatively correlated with the full feeding time, and the content of intestinal Bifidobacterium was positively correlated with full feeding time. After CPB surgery, the diversity and richness of intestinal flora decreased, intestinal pathogenic bacteria increased, and beneficial intestinal bacteria decreased. An increase in Enterococcus and decrease in Bifidobacterium can increase the incidence of gastrointestinal dysfunction and prolong the recovery time of gastrointestinal function.

Surgical experience in repairing the right common carotid artery and the right internal jugular vein after ECMO in neonates: early clinical results.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to summarize the early clinical results and surgical experience of repairing the right common carotid artery and the right internal jugular vein after ECMO treatment in neonates. METHODS: We retrospectively collected the clinical data of 16 neonates with circulatory and respiratory failure who were treated with ECMO via the right common carotid artery and the right internal jugular vein in our hospital from June 2021 to December 2022. The effects of repairing the common carotid artery and internal jugular vein were evaluated. RESULTS: All 16 patients successfully underwent right cervical vascular cannulation, and the ECMO cycle was successfully established. Twelve patients were successfully removed from ECMO. The right common carotid artery and the right internal jugular vein were successfully repaired in these 12 patients. There was unobstructed arterial blood flow in 9 patients, mild stenosis in 1 patient, moderate stenosis in 1 patient and obstruction in 1 patient. There was unobstructed venous blood flow in 10 patients, mild stenosis in 1 patient, and moderate stenosis in 1 patient. No thrombosis was found in the right internal jugular vein. Thrombosis was found in the right common carotid artery of one patient. CONCLUSION: Repairing the right common carotid artery and the right internal jugular vein after ECMO treatment in neonates was feasible, and careful surgical anastomosis techniques and standardized postoperative anticoagulation management can ensure early vascular patency. However, long-term vascular patency is still being assessed in follow-up.

Surgical experience of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for neonates with severe respiratory failure.

OBJECTIVE: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been increasingly used for severe neonatal respiratory failure refractory to conventional treatments. This paper summarizes our operation experience of neonatal ECMO via cannulation of the internal jugular vein and carotid artery. METHODS: The clinical data of 12 neonates with severe respiratory failure who underwent ECMO via the internal jugular vein and carotid artery in our hospital from January 2021 to October 2022 were collected. RESULTS: All neonates were successfully operated on. The size of arterial intubation was 8 F, and the size of venous intubation was 10 F. The operation time was 29 (22-40) minutes. ECMO was successfully removed in 8 neonates. Surgeons successfully reconstructed the internal jugular vein and carotid artery of these neonates. Arterial blood flow was unobstructed in 5 patients, mild stenosis was present in 2 patients, and moderate stenosis was present in 1 patient. Venous blood flow was unobstructed in 6 patients, mild stenosis was present in 1 patient, and moderate stenosis was present in 1 patient. The complications were as follows: 1 case had poor neck incision healing after ECMO removal. No complications, such as incisional bleeding, incisional infection, catheter-related blood infection, cannulation accidentally pulling away, vascular laceration, thrombosis, cerebral haemorrhage, cerebral infarction, or haemolysis, occurred in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: Cannulation of the internal jugular vein and carotid artery can quickly establish effective ECMO access for neonates with severe respiratory failure. Careful, skilled and delicate operation was essential. In addition, during the cannulation process, we should pay special attention to the position of cannulation, firm fixation and strict aseptic operation.

Using WeChat to guide preparation before transthoracic echocardiography reduces anxiety and improves satisfaction of parents of infants with congenital heart disease.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of using WeChat to guide preparation before transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) on reducing anxiety and improving the satisfaction of parents of infants with congenital heart disease (CHD). METHODS: This study was a retrospective study conducted in a children's hospital. The clinical data of 44 patients and the anxiety and satisfaction data of their parents who received WeChat guidance were collected between December 2021 and January 2022 (the WeChat group). The corresponding data of 47 patients and their parents who received educational brochure guidance were collected between September 2021 and November 2021 (the routine group). Guidance was used to help the parents prepare for TTE performed by medical professionals. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scale and the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-18 (PSQ-18) were used. The data of the two groups were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: The comparison of parental anxiety between the two groups showed that the scores of state anxiety and trait anxiety in the WeChat group were significantly lower than those in the routine group (p < 0.05). The comparison of the results of the PSQ-18 showed that the scores for general satisfaction, interpersonal manner, communication, time spent with the physician, and accessibility and convenience in the WeChat group were significantly higher than those in the routine group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Using WeChat to guide preparation before TTE for infants with CHD can effectively reduce the anxiety of their parents and improve their parents' satisfaction with medical treatment.

Creating the optimal preoperative nutritional status for neonates undergoing cardiac surgery by implementing a preoperative nutritional support plan.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of a preoperative nutritional support programme on improving preoperative nutritional status and promoting postoperative recovery in neonates undergoing cardiac surgery. METHODS: The clinical data of neonates undergoing cardiac surgery who received preoperative nutritional support therapy in our hospital from March 2021 to December 2021 were collected, and the clinical data of neonates undergoing cardiac surgery who did not receive preoperative nutritional support therapy in our hospital from February 2020 to February 2021 were selected as the control. The nutritional status and postoperative recovery of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: A total of 30 neonates who received nutritional support before cardiac surgery were included in this study. A total of 28 neonates who did not receive nutritional support before cardiac surgery were included in the control group. There were no significant differences in general information or the nutritional status at birth between the two groups. The duration of nutritional support in the intervention group was 16.8 ± 7.1 days. Before the operation, the intervention group was significantly better than the control group in terms of body weight, albumin, prealbumin and haemoglobin, which indicated that the nutritional status of the intervention group was better than that of the control group. The intensive care time, ventilator time and hospital stay time in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group. CONCLUSION: Nutritional support plans after birth for neonates with severe congenital heart disease can effectively improve the nutritional status of patients before surgery and accelerate the speed of postoperative recovery.

Relationship between disorders of the intestinal microbiota and heart failure in infants with congenital heart disease.

Purpose: There is a close relationship between the intestinal microbiota and heart failure, but no study has assessed this relationship in infants with congenital heart disease. This study aimed to explore the relationship between heart failure and intestinal microbiota in infants with congenital heart disease. Methods: Twenty-eight infants with congenital heart disease with heart failure admitted to a provincial children's hospital from September 2021 to December 2021 were enrolled in this study. A total of 22 infants without heart disease and matched for age, sex, and weight were selected as controls. Faecal samples were collected from every participant and subjected to 16S rDNA gene sequencing. Results: The composition of the intestinal microbiota was significantly disordered in infants with heart failure caused by congenital heart disease compared with that in infants without heart disease. At the phylum level, the most abundant bacteria in the heart failure group were Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes, and the most abundant bacteria in the control group were Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. At the genus level, the most abundant bacteria in the heart failure group were Enterococcus, Bifidobacterium, Subdoligranulum, Shigella, and Streptococcus, and the most abundant bacteria in the control group were Bifidobacterium, Blautia, Bacteroides, Streptococcus, and Ruminococcus. The alpha and beta diversities of the gut bacterial community in the heart failure group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p<0.05). Compared with the control group, retinol metabolism was significantly downregulated in the heart failure group. Conclusion: Heart failure in infants with congenital heart disease caused intestinal microbiota disorder, which was characterised by an increase in pathogenic bacteria, a decrease in beneficial bacteria, and decreases in diversity and richness. The significant downregulation of retinol metabolism in the intestinal microbiota of infants with heart failure may be related to the progression of heart failure, and further study of the underlying mechanism is needed.

The effect of applying telehealth education to home care of infants after congenital heart disease surgery.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of applying telehealth education to home care of infants after congenital heart disease (CHD) surgery. METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted from July 2020 to February 2021 in Fujian Children's Hospital to compare the home care condition of infants after CHD surgery between the intervention group and the control group. RESULTS: At 3 months after discharge, parents' caring ability and CHD knowledge in the intervention group were significantly better than those in the control group and were significantly improved compared with those at discharge time (P < 0.05). The parental care burden in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group and was significantly lower than that at discharge time (P < 0.05). During the follow-up period, the rate of loss of follow-up and complications in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Telehealth education via WeChat can effectively improve the knowledge of disease and home care ability of parents of infants after CHD surgery and reduce their home care burden, which can effectively reduce the incidence of complications and lost to follow-up rate after discharge.

Short-Term Nutritional Support Improves The Preoperative Nutritional Status of Infants With Non-Restrictive Ventricular Septal Defect: A Prospective Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of short-term nutritional support on improving preoperative nutritional status of infants with non-restrictive ventricular septal defect. METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted from June 2021 to December 2021 at a provincial children's hospital in China. The difference of nutritional status between the intervention group and the control group after short-term nutritional support was compared. RESULTS: After one month of nutritional support, the weight, STRONGkids score, albumin, prealbumin, and hemoglobin in the intervention group significantly were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The postoperative intensive care time and discharge time of the two groups significantly were lower in the intervention group than those in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The preoperative nutritional support of 1 month for infants with non-restrictive ventricular septal defect can effectively improve their preoperative nutritional status and promote postoperative recovery.

Using Telemedicine Strategy to Implementing Nutrition Management for Neonates After Congenital Heart Disease Surgery: A New Nutrition Management Strategy.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of remote nutrition management on promoting the growth and development of neonates after congenital heart disease (CHD) surgery. Materials and Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 32 neonates after CHD surgery who received remote nutrition management from January 2021 to July 2021 in our hospital. The clinical data of 30 neonates after CHD surgery, who did not receive remote nutrition management from June 2020 to December 2020, was used as control. The growth and development of the two groups were compared. Results: Three months after discharge, the weight, height, and weight-for-age z score (WAZ) of the intervention group was significantly higher than those of the control group. The amount of milk in the intervention group was also significantly more than that of the control group, and more neonates in the intervention group added high-energy milk or breast milk fortifier than the intervention group. The parental care ability of the intervention group was significantly higher than that of the control group. The incidence of respiratory tract infection and readmission in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group. Conclusion: As a new nutrition management strategy for neonates after CHD surgery, remote nutrition management can effectively improve the nutritional status of neonates and promote their growth and development.

Subepicardial lipoma of the posterior atrioventricular sulcus in children: a case report and review of the literature.

Cardiac lipoma is rarely reported in the pediatric population. We reported a case of subepicardial lipoma of the posterior atrioventricular sulcus in a child. The tumor was resected successfully and the patient recovered well after the operation.

Using Human Milk Fortifiers to Improve the Preoperative Nutritional Status of Infants With Non-restricted Ventricular Septal Defect.

Objective: To explore the effects of human milk fortifier (HMF) on improving the preoperative nutritional status of infants with non-restricted ventricular septal defect (VSD). Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted in a provincial hospital in China. Participants were randomly divided into an intervention group (n = 29) and a control group (n = 29). HMFs were added proportionally to the infants' feeds in the intervention group based on breastfeeding status, and the infants in the control group received exclusive breastfeeding as needed. The nutritional status of the two groups was compared 1 month after the intervention. Results: Compared with the control group, the weight, head circumference, height, albumin level, and prealbumin level of the human milk fortifier group were significantly higher 1 month after the intervention (p < 0.05). The STRONGkids score of the HMF group was significantly lower than that of the non-HMF group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in pneumonia, liver insufficiency, feeding intolerance, or jaundice between the two groups. Conclusion: The addition of HMFs based on the breastfeeding status of infants with non-restricted VSD can improve the preoperative nutritional status and does not increase the incidence of gastrointestinal complications. Clinical Trial Registration: http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx, identifier: ChiCTR2000041135.

Short-Term Nutritional Support for Infants With Unrestricted Ventricular Septal Defects to Promote Postoperative Recovery.

Objective: This study is aimed to explore the effect of short-term nutritional support for infants with unrestricted ventricular septal defects on improving preoperative nutritional status and promoting postoperative recovery. Methods: The clinical data of 35 infants with unrestricted ventricular septal defects who were treated with 2 weeks of nutritional support in our hospital from December 2020 to March 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The clinical data of 38 infants with unrestricted ventricular septal defects who were treated in our hospital from May 2020 to October 2020 were selected as controls. Results: The preoperative body weight, preoperative albumin, preoperative prealbumin, and preoperative hemoglobin in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The postoperative ventilator time, intensive care time, and discharge time in the intervention group were significantly shorter than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Performing 2 weeks of nutritional support for infants with unrestricted ventricular septal defects can improve their preoperative nutritional status and promote postoperative recovery.

Telehealth education improves parental care ability and postoperative nutritional status of infants after CHD surgery: A prospective randomized controlled study.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the effect of telehealth education on improving the parental care ability and postoperative nutritional status of infants after congenital heart disease surgery. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted at a provincial maternal and child hospital in southeastern China. A total of 84 infants were enrolled in the study, with 42 infants in the intervention group and 42 infants in the control group. Results: Body weight, albumin, prealbumin, and hemoglobin of infants in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group one month after discharge (P<0.05). The STRONGkids score of infants in the intervention group was significantly higher than that of those in the control group one month after discharge (P<0.05). The Family Caregiver Task Inventory score of infants in the intervention group was significantly lower than that of those in the control group one month after discharge (P<0.05). Conclusion: Performing telehealth education about home feeding and care guidance for parents of infants after congenital heart disease surgery can greatly improve parental care ability so that infants get better feeding and care, which can effectively improve the postoperative nutritional status of the infants.

Single-site laparoscopic high ligation of the extraperitoneal hernia sac with an epidural needle for incarcerated ovarian hernia in infants.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of single-site laparoscopic extraperitoneal hernia sac ligation with an epidural needle for incarcerated ovarian hernias in infants and young children. METHODS: The clinical data of 38 infants with incarcerated ovarian hernias who underwent single-site laparoscopic extradural needle extraperitoneal hernia sac ligation from January 2015 to January 2018 were retrospectively analysed. RESULTS: All procedures were successfully performed using laparoscopy with no need for conversion to open surgery. The time of hospital stay was 1.30 ± 0.39 days. During hospitalization and follow-up, there were no complications, such as intestinal or bladder injury, abdominal wall vascular injury, ovarian atrophy, hernia recurrence or contralateral indirect hernia. However, three patients experienced complications, including two cases of poor healing of the umbilical incision and one case of suture granuloma. CONCLUSIONS: Single-site laparoscopic high ligation of the extraperitoneal hernia sac with an epidural needle is a safe and feasible method for the treatment of incarcerated ovarian hernias in infants and young children. It has the advantages of minimal trauma, no scarring and good cosmetic effects.

[Characterization of Sludge Morphology and Bacterial Community Evolution in the Rapid Activation of Freeze-stored PN/A Granular Sludge].

Inoculating granular sludge is an alternative method for the quick start-up of a high-performance autotrophic nitrogen removal reactor. In order to establish the response relationship between sludge activation and reactor performance, the freeze-stored granular sludge was inoculated into a continuous-flow reactor, and a control strategy of the high loading rate and high hydraulic selective pressure was carried out in this study. As a result, a one-stage partial nitritation/ANAMMOX process was started up in 34 days, and the removal efficiency of total nitrogen was over 83%, with a removal loading rate of total nitrogen of 1.67 kg·(m3·d)-1. During this period, the Image pro-plus software was employed to analyze the evolution of the characteristic dimensions of particles. A good linear positive correlation (R2=0.988) between the projected area of the erythrine zone in the inner layer and the specific nitrogen removal rate of granules was found, which provide a simple method to estimate the activity of the PN/A granules. The results of MiSeq high-throughput sequencing showed that the enrichment of aerobic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (Nitrosomonas) and the wash-out of heterotrophic bacteria (such as Denitratisoma and Haliangium, etc.) were achieved in the start-up of the reactor. Meanwhile, the improvement in granular compactness was in favor of activating anaerobic ammonia oxidizing bacteria (Candidatus_Kuenenia, abundance>30%) that colonized the inner layer of the granules.

Single-port laparoscopic percutaneous closure of the internal ring for scarless repair of inguinal hernias in girls.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to summarize the clinical experience with laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure of the internal ring using an epidural needle for inguinal hernias in girls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 462 girls with inguinal hernias participated in this study from January 2013 to June 2019. Laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure of the internal ring via an epidural needle was used to treat these patients. RESULTS: All 462 girls with an inguinal hernia successfully underwent laparoscopic surgery. The operative times for unilateral and bilateral inguinal hernias were 15 (11-25) minutes and 23 (18-33) minutes, respectively. All patients were discharged 1-2 days after the operations. During the hospitalization and follow-up periods, none of the following complications were observed: hernia recurrence, umbilical hernia, abdominal wall vascular injury, intestinal injury or bladder injury. However, there were six patients with complications: two cases of poor healing of the umbilical incision, three cases of suture granulomas and one case of groin traction pain and discomfort. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure of the internal ring using an epidural needle is a safe and feasible method for the treatment of inguinal hernias in girls. This method has the advantages of limited trauma, no scarring and a good cosmetic effect.