Ductal closure in infants under 6 kg including premature infants using AmplatzerTM duct occluder type two additional sizes: a single-centre experience in South Africa.

BACKGROUND: This is a report on percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) using Amplatzer Duct Occluder type two additional sizes (ADO II AS) in patients under 6 kg. METHODS: Prospective data were collected and a review of Patients' records was conducted. Demographics, and angiographic and clinical outcomes are reported in this article. RESULTS: During the period June 2011 to June 2017, of the 92 patients who underwent closure of the PDA using the ADO II AS device, 59 were under 6 kg. The median weight of the cohort at closure was 3.6 kg (range: 900 g - 5.8 kg). The median ductal diameter was 1.9 mm (range: 1.0-3.4 mm). Three embolisations in the cohort were all retrieved percutaneously. Two PDAs were closed percutaneously and one surgically. Four premature infants required blood transfusions. The closure rate was 96.6% before discharge. CONCLUSIONS: PDA closure using ADO II AS in small infants is feasible, effective and has few complications.

Delays in fast track antiretroviral therapy initiation and reasons for not starting treatment among eligible children in Eastern Cape, South Africa.

: We report data from an observational cohort of South African children living with HIV less than 12 years of age eligible for fast track antiretroviral therapy (rapid) initiation. We found that less than half of children eligible for rapid antiretroviral therapy initiation based on immunologic and disease status started treatment within 1 week.

HIV viral suppression and longevity among a cohort of children initiating antiretroviral therapy in Eastern Cape, South Africa.

INTRODUCTION: There are limited data on viral suppression (VS) in children with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in routine care in low-resource settings. We examined VS in a cohort of children initiating ART in routine HIV care in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. METHODS: The Pediatric Enhanced Surveillance Study enrolled HIV-infected ART eligibility children zero to twelve years at five health facilities from 2012 to 2014. All children received routine HIV care and treatment services and attended quarterly study visits for up to 24 months. Time to VS among those starting treatment was measured from ART start date to first viral load (VL) result <1000 and VL <50 copies/mL using competing risk estimators (death as competing risk). Multivariable sub-distributional hazards models examined characteristics associated with VS and VL rebound following suppression among those with a VL >30 days after the VS date. RESULTS: Of 397 children enrolled, 349 (87.9%) started ART: 118 (33.8%) children age <12 months, 122 (35.0%) one to five years and 109 (31.2%) six to twelve years. At study enrolment, median weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) was -1.7 (interquartile range (IQR):-3.1 to -0.4) and median log VL was 5.6 (IQR: 5.0 to 6.2). Cumulative incidence of VS <1000 copies/mL at six, twelve and twenty-four months was 57.6% (95% CI 52.1 to 62.7), 78.7% (95% CI 73.7 to 82.9) and 84.0% (95% CI 78.9 to 87.9); for VS <50 copies/mL: 40.3% (95% CI 35.0 to 45.5), 63.9% (95% CI 58.2 to 69.0) and 72.9% (95% CI 66.9 to 78.0). At 12 months only 46.6% (95% CI 36.6 to 56.0) of children <12 months had achieved VS <50 copies/mL compared to 76.9% (95% CI 67.9 to 83.7) of children six to twelve years (p < 0.001). In multivariable models, children with VL >1 million copies/mL at ART initiation were half as likely to achieve VS <50 copies/mL (adjusted sub-distributional hazards 0.50; 95% CI 0.36 to 0.71). Among children achieving VS <50 copies/mL, 37 (19.7%) had VL 50 to 1000 copies/mL and 31 (16.5%) had a VL >1000 copies/mL. Children <12 months had twofold increased risk of VL rebound to VL >1000 copies/mL (adjusted relative risk 2.03, 95% CI: 1.10 to 3.74) compared with six to twelve year olds. CONCLUSIONS: We found suboptimal VS among South African children initiating treatment and high proportions experiencing VL rebound, particularly among younger children. Greater efforts are needed to ensure that all children achieve optimal outcomes.

Patent ductus arteriosus closure using Occlutech® Duct Occluder, experience in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) has become standard therapy. Experience with the Occlutech® Duct Occluder is limited. METHODS: Data regarding ductal closure using Occlutech® Duct Occluder were reviewed and prospectively collected. Demographics, hemodynamic and angiographic characteristics, complications, and outcomes were documented. RESULTS: From March 2013 to June 2016, 65 patients (43 females and 22 males) underwent percutaneous closure of the PDA using Occlutech® Duct Occluder. The median age of the patients was 11 months (range, 1-454 months) and the median weight was 8.5 kg (range 2.5-78 kg). The mean pulmonary artery median pressure was 27 mmHg (range, 12-100 mmHg) and the QP: Qs ratio median was 1.8 (range, 1-7.5), with a pulmonary vascular resistance mean of 2.7 WU (standard deviation [SD] ±2.1). Thirty-two patients had Krichenko Type A duct (49%); 7, Type C (11%); 4, Type D (6%); and 22, Type E (34%). The ductal size (narrowest diameter at the pulmonic end) mean was 3.5 mm (SD ± 1.9 mm). The screening time mean was 17.3 min (SD ± 11.6). Out of 63 patients with successful closure of the PDA using Occlutech® Duct Occluder, there were 15 patients with small PDAs; 25 with moderate PDAs, and 23 with large PDAs. In one patient, the device dislodged to the descending aorta, and in two patients, to the right pulmonary artery immediately following deployment, with successful percutaneous (two) and surgical (one) retrieval. Complete ductal occlusion was achieved in all 63 patients on day one. CONCLUSION: The Occlutech® Duct Occluder is a safe and effective device for closure of ducts in appropriately selected patients.