Preoperative Feeding Fortification Among Infants with Congenital Heart Disease is Associated with Higher Growth Velocity in the First 30 Days Post-repair and Lower BMI Percentile for Age at 10 Years: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

It remains unclear how preoperative nutrition fortification impacts postoperative growth trajectories and nutritional status among infants with congenital heart disease. A single center retrospective cohort study was performed to evaluate measures of growth among patients who underwent cardiac repair at 0-18 months of age for atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, atrioventricular septal defect, or tetralogy of Fallot. Cohorts were analyzed at 0-30 and 31-60 days post-repair as well as at 2, 5, and 10 years of age. Records of 24 patients who received fortified nutrition and 60 patients who received unfortified nutrition preoperatively were reviewed. Those with fortified nutrition had higher growth velocities in the first 30 days post-repair compared to those with unfortified nutrition: 28.4 (23.8-83.3) grams per day versus 16.7 (7.1-21.4) grams per day, p = 0.004. Weight percentile for age was higher in the unfortified group at 2, 5, and 10 years of age (p = 0.02, p = 0.045, and p = 0.01). Body mass index (BMI) percentile for age was higher in the unfortified group at 5 and 10 years of age (p = 0.045 and p = 0.02) with a trend toward higher prevalence of either overweight or obesity compared to the fortified group (p = 0.13). reoperative nutrition fortification among infants with congenital heart disease is associated with higher growth velocity in the first 30 days post-repair and lower BMI percentile for age at 10 years. Further studies are needed to evaluate the association between preoperative nutrition fortification and postoperative outcomes, nutritional status, and prevalence of obesity in adolescence and adulthood.

A Synopsis of the Evidence for the Science and Clinical Management of Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) Syndrome: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

A growing appreciation of the pathophysiological interrelatedness of metabolic risk factors such as obesity and diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease has led to the conceptualization of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome. The confluence of metabolic risk factors and chronic kidney disease within cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome is strongly linked to risk for adverse cardiovascular and kidney outcomes. In addition, there are unique management considerations for individuals with established cardiovascular disease and coexisting metabolic risk factors, chronic kidney disease, or both. An extensive body of literature supports our scientific understanding of, and approach to, prevention and management for individuals with cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome. However, there are critical gaps in knowledge related to cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome in terms of mechanisms of disease development, heterogeneity within clinical phenotypes, interplay between social determinants of health and biological risk factors, and accurate assessments of disease incidence in the context of competing risks. There are also key limitations in the data supporting the clinical care for cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome, particularly in terms of early-life prevention, screening for risk factors, interdisciplinary care models, optimal strategies for supporting lifestyle modification and weight loss, targeting of emerging cardioprotective and kidney-protective therapies, management of patients with both cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease, and the impact of systematically assessing and addressing social determinants of health. This scientific statement uses a crosswalk of major guidelines, in addition to a review of the scientific literature, to summarize the evidence and fundamental gaps related to the science, screening, prevention, and management of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome.

Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association.

Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health reflects the interplay among metabolic risk factors, chronic kidney disease, and the cardiovascular system and has profound impacts on morbidity and mortality. There are multisystem consequences of poor cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health, with the most significant clinical impact being the high associated incidence of cardiovascular disease events and cardiovascular mortality. There is a high prevalence of poor cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health in the population, with a disproportionate burden seen among those with adverse social determinants of health. However, there is also a growing number of therapeutic options that favorably affect metabolic risk factors, kidney function, or both that also have cardioprotective effects. To improve cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health and related outcomes in the population, there is a critical need for (1) more clarity on the definition of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome; (2) an approach to cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic staging that promotes prevention across the life course; (3) prediction algorithms that include the exposures and outcomes most relevant to cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health; and (4) strategies for the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease in relation to cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health that reflect harmonization across major subspecialty guidelines and emerging scientific evidence. It is also critical to incorporate considerations of social determinants of health into care models for cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome and to reduce care fragmentation by facilitating approaches for patient-centered interdisciplinary care. This presidential advisory provides guidance on the definition, staging, prediction paradigms, and holistic approaches to care for patients with cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome and details a multicomponent vision for effectively and equitably enhancing cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health in the population.

Management of routine postoperative pain for children undergoing cardiac surgery: a Paediatric Acute Care Cardiology Collaborative Clinical Practice Guideline.

BACKGROUND: Pain following surgery for cardiac disease is ubiquitous, and optimal management is important. Despite this, there is large practice variation. To address this, the Paediatric Acute Care Cardiology Collaborative undertook the effort to create this clinical practice guideline. METHODS: A panel of experts consisting of paediatric cardiologists, advanced practice practitioners, pharmacists, a paediatric cardiothoracic surgeon, and a paediatric cardiac anaesthesiologist was convened. The literature was searched for relevant articles and Collaborative sites submitted centre-specific protocols for postoperative pain management. Using the modified Delphi technique, recommendations were generated and put through iterative Delphi rounds to achieve consensus. RESULTS: 60 recommendations achieved consensus and are included in this guideline. They address guideline use, pain assessment, general considerations, preoperative considerations, intraoperative considerations, regional anaesthesia, opioids, opioid-sparing, non-opioid medications, non-pharmaceutical pain management, and discharge considerations. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative pain among children following cardiac surgery is currently an area of significant practice variability despite a large body of literature and the presence of centre-specific protocols. Central to the recommendations included in this guideline is the concept that ideal pain management begins with preoperative counselling and continues through to patient discharge. Overall, the quality of evidence supporting recommendations is low. There is ongoing need for research in this area, particularly in paediatric populations.

High Acuity Therapy Variation Across Pediatric Acute Care Cardiology Units: Results from the Pediatric Acute Care Cardiology Collaborative Hospital Surveys.

We utilized the multicenter Pediatric Acute Care Cardiology Collaborative (PAC3) 2017 and 2019 surveys to describe practice variation in therapy availability and changes over a 2-year period. A high acuity therapies (ATs) score was derived (1 point per positive response) from 44 survey questions and scores were compared to center surgical volume. Of 31 centers that completed the 2017 survey, 26 also completed the 2019 survey. Scores ranged from 11 to 34 in 2017 and 11 to 35 in 2019. AT scores in 2019 were not statistically different from 2017 scores (29/44, IQR 27-32.5 vs. 29.5/44, IQR 27-31, p = 0.9). In 2019, more centers reported initiation of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and Bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) in Acute Care Cardiology Unit (ACCU) (19/26 vs. 4/26, p < 0.001) and permitting continuous CPAP/BiPAP (22/26 vs. 14/26, p = 0.034) compared to 2017. Scores in both survey years were significantly higher in the highest surgical volume group compared to the lowest, 33 ± 1.5 versus 25 ± 8.5, p = 0.046 and 32 ± 1.7 versus 23 ± 5.5, p = 0.009, respectively. Variation in therapy within the ACCUs participating in PAC3 presents an opportunity for shared learning across the collaborative. Experience with PAC3 was associated with increasing available respiratory therapies from 2017 to 2019. Whether AT scores impact the quality and outcomes of pediatric acute cardiac care will be the subject of further investigation using a comprehensive registry launched in early 2019.

Dyslipidemia in childhood and adolescence: from screening to management.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize types of dyslipidemia frequently encountered during childhood and adolescence, with a focus on screening, diagnosis, and management. RECENT FINDINGS: It is important that screening for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) begin in childhood. Genetic testing allows for increased awareness of dyslipidemia and more targeted intervention. Pharmacologic treatment of pediatric dyslipidemias has a good safety profile and can reduce adult ASCVD risk. SUMMARY: Much of what is known about pediatric dyslipidemia has been extrapolated from adult data, but recently, there have been increasing investigations within the pediatric population to better guide diagnosis and management of these disorders.

Consensus recommendations for the use of retinoids in ichthyosis and other disorders of cornification in children and adolescents.

Topical and systemic retinoids have long been used in the treatment of ichthyoses and other disorders of cornification. Due to the need for long-term use of retinoids for these disorders, often beginning in childhood, numerous clinical concerns must be considered. Systemic retinoids have known side effects involving bone and eye. Additionally, potential psychiatric and cardiovascular effects need to be considered. Contraceptive concerns, as well as the additive cardiovascular and bone effects of systemic retinoid use with hormonal contraception must also be deliberated for patients of childbearing potential. The Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA) Use of Retinoids in Ichthyosis Work Group was formed to address these issues and to establish best practices regarding the use of retinoids in ichthyoses based on available evidence and expert opinion.

The added value of the advanced practice provider in paediatric acute care cardiology.

OBJECTIVES: Advanced practice providers (APPs) are being employed at increasing rates in order to meet new in-hospital care demands. Utilising the Paediatric Acute Care Cardiology Collaborative (PAC3) hospital survey, we evaluated variations in staffing models regarding first-line providers and assessed associations with programme volume, acuity of care, and post-operative length of stay (LOS). STUDY DESIGN: The PAC3 hospital survey defined staffing models and resource availability across member institutions. A resource acuity score was derived for each participating acute care cardiology unit. Surgical volume was obtained from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons database. Pearson's correlation coefficients were used to evaluate the relationship between staffing models and centre volume as well as unit acuity. A previously developed case-mix adjustment model for total post-operative LOS was utilised in a multinomial regression model to evaluate the association of APP patient coverage with observed-to-expected post-operative LOS. RESULTS: Surveys were completed by 31 (91%) PAC3 centres in 2017. Nearly all centres (94%) employ APPs, with a mean of 1.7 (range 0-5) APPs present on weekday rounds. The number of APPs present has a positive correlation with surgical volume (r = 0.49, p < 0.01) and increased acuity (r = 0.39, p = 0.03). In the multivariate model, as coverage by APPs increased from low to moderate or high, there was greater likelihood of having a shorter-than-expected post-operative LOS (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The incorporation of paediatric acute care cardiology APPs is associated with reduced post-operative LOS. Future studies are necessary to understand how APPs impact these patient-specific outcomes.

Beginning With the End in Mind: The Case for Primordial and Primary Cardiovascular Prevention in Youth.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Although there is little direct evidence that ties the presence of risk factors in childhood with adult cardiovascular disease, there are multiple indirect lines of evidence that, when synthesized, make a strong case for maintaining cardiovascular health through childhood and adolescence as well as screening for and treating risk factors when they develop to diminish lifetime risk. This review summarizes these lines of evidence and asserts that it is imperative that primordial and primary cardiovascular risk reduction begins early.

Relationship Between Left Ventricular Geometry and Invasive Hemodynamics in Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension.

Background Ventricular septal flattening, frequently present in pulmonary hypertension (PH), can be quantified using eccentricity index (EI). EI has not been evaluated by concurrent echocardiography and cardiac catheterization and traditionally does not account for postsystolic septal flattening, often seen in PH. We evaluated left ventricular shape, including a novel measure of maximal EI to account for postsystolic septal flattening, to establish the relationship with concurrent invasive hemodynamics. Methods Echocardiography was performed at 2 institutions in 78 pediatric PH patients during cardiac catheterization and in 78 matched controls. From midpapillary parasternal short-axis views, EI and right-to-left ventricular diameter ratio were assessed. Results EI and right-to-left ventricular measures were significantly increased in PH compared with controls. Shape measures correlated with invasive hemodynamics and PH outcome measures (PH-related hospitalization, functional class, medical therapy escalation, and BNP [brain natriuretic peptide]). End-systolic EI of 1.16 best identified the presence of PH, whereas a maximal EI of 1.42 and 1.94 best identified half-systemic and systemic PH, respectively. A maximal EI of 1.27 was associated with an odds ratio of 16.16 (95% CI, 6.62-39.46) for PH-related hospitalization or escalation of therapy. Conclusions Using simultaneous echocardiography and catheterization in the largest study population to date, we demonstrate that EI and right-to-left ventricular ratio correlate with invasive hemodynamics and outcomes measures, and EI can accurately define those with clinically important PH. These measures strengthen the ability of echocardiography to identify and follow pediatric PH patients, especially in the absence of methods to quantify right ventricular systolic pressures.

Exercise Performance at Increased Altitude After Fontan Operation: Comparison to Normal Controls and Correlation with Cavopulmonary Hemodynamics.

Exercise performance declines as patients who have undergone Fontan operation enter adolescence. However, the effect of altitude on functional capacity after Fontan remains inadequately studied. Our aim was to describe exercise performance in a cohort of patients with Fontan physiology living at increased altitude and compare to a normal control group and relate these data to invasively derived hemodynamics. We hypothesized that peak oxygen consumption ([Formula: see text]) would be decreased, in association with elevated mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVRi). Patients were evaluated in a multidisciplinary clinic for patients with Fontan physiology. Evaluation included cardiopulmonary exercise test and cardiac catheterization at predetermined intervals. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Associations of catheterization and exercise testing measures with [Formula: see text] were estimated with Spearman correlation coefficients. One hundred patients with age- and gender-matched controls were included in the analysis. The mean age was 13.3 ± 3.9 years, with mean weight of 47.1 ± 18.4 kg. The mean [Formula: see text] was 29.0 ± 7.8 ml/kg/min, significantly lower than the control group, 40.2 ± 8.4 ml/kg/min (p < 0.0001). There was no statistically significant linear correlation between [Formula: see text] and mPAP or PVRi. We characterized exercise performance in a large cohort with Fontan physiology living at increased altitude and showed a decrease in [Formula: see text] compared to controls. Our data do not support the hypothesis that moderately increased altitude has a detrimental effect on exercise performance, nor is there a substantial link between poor cavopulmonary hemodynamics and exercise in this setting.

Implications of Atrial-Level Shunting by Echocardiography in Newborns with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether postnatal echocardiographic indices of left ventricular (LV) size and function are associated with atrial-level shunt direction and investigate whether a relationship exists between LV function and LV size in patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). STUDY DESIGN: This was a single-center retrospective study of 51 neonates with CDH evaluated at Children's Hospital Colorado. Initial postnatal echocardiograms were analyzed for cardiac dimensions, valvar integrity, cardiac time intervals, and biventricular function. Comparisons were made between neonates with left-to-right vs right-to-left atrial-level shunting, as well as between those with decreased (ejection fraction <55%) vs normal (ejection fraction ≥55%) LV function. RESULTS: The majority (82.4%) of infants with CDH had a left-to-right atrial-level shunt, and 84.3% had systemic or suprasystemic pulmonary artery pressure. Decreased LV function was demonstrated in 37.2% and was associated with smaller LV volumes and worse outcomes, including the need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and survival. CONCLUSIONS: Left-to-right atrial-level shunting is common in neonates with severe CDH, even in the presence of suprasystemic pulmonary artery pressure. LV dysfunction correlates with decreased LV volumes and is associated with adverse neonatal outcomes, including increased need for ECMO and decreased survival.

Alteration of cardiolipin biosynthesis and remodeling in single right ventricle congenital heart disease.

Despite advances in both medical and surgical therapies, individuals with single ventricle heart disease (SV) remain at high risk for the development of heart failure (HF). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying remodeling and eventual HF in patients with SV are poorly characterized. Cardiolipin (CL), an inner mitochondrial membrane phospholipid, is critical for proper mitochondrial function, and abnormalities in CL content and composition are known in various cardiovascular disease etiologies. The purpose of this study was to investigate myocardial CL content and composition in failing and nonfailing single right ventricle (RV) samples compared with normal control RV samples, to assess mRNA expression of CL biosynthetic and remodeling enzymes, and to quantitate relative mitochondrial copy number. A cross-sectional analysis of RV myocardial tissue from 22 failing SV (SVHF), 9 nonfailing SV (SVNF), and 10 biventricular control samples (BVNF) was performed. Expression of enzymes involved in CL biosynthesis and remodeling were analyzed using RT-qPCR and relative mitochondrial DNA copy number determined by qPCR. Normal phase high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry was used to quantitate total and specific CL species. While mitochondrial copy number was not significantly different between groups, total CL content was significantly lower in SVHF myocardium compared with BVNF controls. Despite having lower total CL content however, the relative percentage of the major tetralinoleoyl CL species is preserved in SVHF samples relative to BVNF controls. Correspondingly, expression of enzymes involved in CL biosynthesis and remodeling were upregulated in SVHF samples when compared with both SVNF samples and BVNF controls.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The mechanisms underlying heart failure in the single ventricle (SV) congenital heart disease population are largely unknown. In this study we identify alterations in cardiac cardiolipin metabolism, composition, and content in children with SV heart disease. These findings suggest that cardiolipin could be a novel therapeutic target in this unique population of patients.

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in Pediatrics.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This is a review of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) use in pediatrics, summarizing current knowledge and uses of ABPM. RECENT FINDINGS: Updated guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics have emphasized the value of ABPM. ABPM is necessary to diagnose white coat hypertension, masked hypertension, and nocturnal hypertension associated with specific conditions. There is growing evidence that ABPM may be useful in these populations. ABPM has been demonstrated to be more predictive of end-organ damage in pediatric hypertension compared to office blood pressure. ABPM is an important tool in the diagnosis and management of pediatric hypertension. Routine use of ABPM could potentially prevent early cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in a wide variety of populations.

Variation in care practices across pediatric acute care cardiology units: Results of the Pediatric Acute Care Cardiology Collaborative (PAC3 ) hospital survey.

BACKGROUND: The Pediatric Acute Care Cardiology Collaborative (PAC3 ) was established in 2014 to improve the quality, value, and experience of hospital-based cardiac acute care outside of the intensive care unit. An initial PAC3 project was a comprehensive survey to understand unit structure, practices, and resource utilization across the collaborative. This report aims to describe the previously unknown degree of practice variation across member institutions. METHODS: A 126-stem question survey was developed with a total of 412 possible response fields across nine domains including demographics, staffing, available resources and therapies, and standard care practices. Five supplemental questions addressed surgical case volume and number of cardiac acute care unit (CACU) admissions. Responses were recorded and stored in Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap). RESULTS: Surveys were completed by 31 out of 34 centers (91%) with minimal incomplete fields. A majority (61%) of centers have a single dedicated CACU, which is contiguous or adjacent to the intensive care unit in 48%. A nurse staffing ratio of 3:1 is most common (71%) and most (84%) centers employed a resource nurse. Centralized wireless rhythm monitoring is used in 84% of centers with 54% staffed continuously. There was significant variation in the use of noninvasive respiratory support, vasoactive infusions, and ventricular assist devices across the collaborative. Approximately half of the surveyed centers had lesion-specific postoperative pathways and approximately two-thirds had protocols for single-ventricle patients. CONCLUSIONS: The PAC3 hospital survey is the most comprehensive description of systems and care practices unique to CACUs to date. There exists considerable heterogeneity among unit composition and variation in care practices. These variations may allow for identification of best practices and improved quality of care for patients.

Indomethacin Dosing and Constriction of the Ductus Arteriosus During Open Fetal Surgery for Myelomeningocele Repair.

INTRODUCTION: The use of perioperative tocolytic agents in fetal surgery is imperative to prevent preterm labor. Indomethacin, a well-known tocolytic agent, can cause ductus arteriosus (DA) constriction. We sought to determine whether a relationship exists between preoperative indomethacin dosing and fetal DA constriction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an IRB-approved, single-center retrospective observational case series of 42 pregnant mothers who underwent open fetal myelomeningocele repair. Preoperatively, mothers received either 1 (QD) or 2 (BID) indomethacin doses. Maternal anesthetic drug exposures and fetal cardiac dysfunction measures were collected from surgical and anesthesia records and intraoperative fetal echocardiography. Pulsatility Index was used to calculate DA constriction severity. Comparative testing between groups was performed using t- and chi-square testing. RESULTS: DA constriction was observed in all fetuses receiving BID indomethacin and in 71.4% of those receiving QD dosing (p = 0.0002). Severe DA constriction was observed only in the BID group (35.7%). QD indomethacin group received more intraoperative magnesium sulfate (p < 0.0001). Minimal fetal cardiac dysfunction (9.5%) and bradycardia (9.5%) were observed in all groups independent of indomethacin dosing. CONCLUSIONS: DA constriction was the most frequent and severe in the BID indomethacin group. QD indomethacin and greater magnesium sulfate dosing was associated with reduced DA constriction.

Antiplatelet Effect of Ketorolac in Children After Congenital Cardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Ketorolac is used for pediatric analgesia after surgery despite its known platelet inhibition via the arachidonic acid (AA) pathway. The degree of platelet inhibitory effect after cardiac surgery is not well characterized. Thromboelastography with platelet mapping (TEG-PM) is emerging as a frequently used test to evaluate platelet inhibition via the AA pathway. METHODS: Post hoc analysis of a data set collected in a prospective observational cohort study evaluating platelet inhibition in children after congenital heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Categorization into two groups: (1) received ketorolac and (2) did not receive ketorolac for analgesia after surgery. The TEG-PM was evaluated at two time points (prior to surgery and 12-48 hours after CPB). RESULTS: Fifty-three children were studied; mean age was 6.6 (range: 0.07-16.7) years and 45% (n = 24) were female. Participants were distributed into two groups by ketorolac use, 41 within the ketorolac group and 12 in the no ketorolac group. All 41 participants who received ketorolac had platelet inhibition and 11 (91.7%) of 12 participants who did not receive ketorolac had normal platelet function after surgery ( P < .0001). There was no difference in patient characteristics or clinical data between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Ketorolac use in a cohort of children after congenital cardiac surgery was associated with platelet inhibition via the AA pathway when evaluated by TEG-PM.

Acute Kidney Injury Defined by Fluid Corrected Creatinine in Neonates After the Norwood Procedure.

BACKGROUND: Both the Norwood procedure and acute kidney injury (AKI) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The impact of AKI by measured and fluid corrected serum creatinine on outcomes after the Norwood procedure has not been previously studied. The purpose of this study was to (1) identify the incidence of AKI, (2) determine AKI risk factors, and (3) evaluate outcomes in patients with AKI using both measured and fluid corrected serum creatinine. METHODS: Single-center retrospective chart review from 2009 to 2015 including neonates who underwent the Norwood procedure. Acute kidney injury was defined by the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes staging criteria using both measured and fluid corrected serum creatinine. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the risk factors associated with AKI. RESULTS: Ninety-five neonates underwent the Norwood procedure. Correcting for fluid overload increased the incidence of AKI from 40% to 44%, increased AKI severity in 15 patients, and improved the identification of adverse outcomes associated with AKI. Patients palliated with the modified Blalock-Taussig shunt (mBTS) had a 9.4 greater odds of fluid corrected AKI compared to those palliated with a right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.68-52.26, P = .01). A higher vasoactive inotrope score (VIS) on postoperative day (POD) 0 was associated with fluid corrected AKI (odds ratio: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.06-1.35; P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: Acute kidney injury is common after the Norwood procedure. Correcting creatinine for fluid balance revealed new cases of AKI. Use of an mBTS and higher VIS on POD 0 were associated with increased risk of AKI.

Acute kidney injury is associated with subsequent infection in neonates after the Norwood procedure: a retrospective chart review.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) and infection are common complications after pediatric cardiac surgery. No pediatric study has evaluated for an association between postoperative AKI and infection. The objective of this study was to determine if AKI in neonates after cardiopulmonary bypass was associated with the development of a postoperative infection. METHODS: We performed a single center retrospective chart review from January 2009 to December 2015 of neonates (age ≤ 30 days) undergoing the Norwood procedure. AKI was defined by the modified neonatal Kidney Disease Improving Global outcomes serum creatinine criteria using (1) measured serum creatinine and (2) creatinine corrected for fluid balance on postoperative days 1-4. Infection, (culture positive or presumed), must have occurred after a diagnosis of AKI and within 60 days of surgery. RESULTS: Ninety-five patients were included, of which postoperative infection occurred in 42 (44%). AKI occurred in 38 (40%) and 42 (44%) patients by measured serum creatinine and fluid overload corrected creatinine, respectively, and was most commonly diagnosed on postoperative day 2. The median time to infection from the time of surgery and AKI was 7 days (IQR 5-14 days) and 6 days (IQR 3-13 days), respectively. After adjusting for confounders, the odds of a postoperative infection were 3.64 times greater in patients with fluid corrected AKI (95% CI, 1.36-9.75; p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Fluid corrected AKI was independently associated with the development of a postoperative infection. These findings support the notion that AKI is an immunosuppressed state that increases the risk of infection.