Myocardial tissue expression of mRNA and preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in children undergoing congenital heart surgery.

Background: The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an easily accessible and inexpensive biomarker that has been shown to predict morbidity and mortality in congenital cardiac surgery. However, its regulatory mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to compare and correlate the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and IL-10 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) with the NLR in patients with tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) and ventricular septal defect (VSD). Methods: A prospective translational study was conducted on 10 children with ToF and 10 with VSD, aged between 1 and 24 months. The NLR was calculated from the blood count taken 24 hours before surgery. The expression of these mRNAs was analyzed in the myocardial tissue of the right atrium prior to cardiopulmonary bypass. Results: Patients with ToF exhibited a higher NLR [ToF 0.46 (interquartile range; IQR) 0.90; VSD 0.28 (IQR 0.17); P=0.02], longer mechanical ventilation time [ToF 24 h (IQR 93); VSD 5.5 h (IQR 8); P<0.001], increased use of vasoactive drugs [ToF 2 days (IQR 1.75); VSD 0 (IQR 1); P=0.01], and longer ICU [ToF 5.5 (IQR 1); VSD 2 (IQR 0.75); P=0.02] and hospital length of stays [ToF 18 days (IQR 17.5); VSD 8.5 days (IQR 2.5); P<0.001]. A negative correlation was found between NLR and oxygen saturation (SaO2) (r=-0.44; P=0.002). In terms of mRNA expression, the ToF group showed a lower expression of IL-10 mRNA (P=0.03). A positive correlation was observed between IL-10-mRNA and SaO2 (r=0.40; P=0.07), and a negative correlation with NLR (r=-0.27; P=0.14). Conclusions: Patients with ToF demonstrated a higher preoperative NLR and lower IL-10 mRNA expression by what appears to be a pro-inflammatory phenotype of cyanotic patients.

Palliative Senning in the Treatment of Congenital Heart Disease with Severe Pulmonary Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is the most common cyanotic cardiopathy, with an incidence ranging between 0.2 and 0.4 per 1000 live births. Many patients not treated in the first few months of life may progress with severe pulmonary vascular disease. Treatment of these patients may include palliative surgery to redirect the flow at the atrial level. OBJECTIVE: Report our institutional experience with the palliative Senning procedure in children diagnosed with TGA and double outlet right ventricle with severe pulmonary vascular disease, and to evaluate the early and late clinical progression of the palliative Senning procedure. METHODS: Retrospective study based on the evaluation of medical records in the period of 1991 to 2014. Only patients without an indication for definitive surgical treatment of the cardiopathy due to elevated pulmonary pressure were included. RESULTS: After one year of follow-up there was a mean increase in arterial oxygen saturation from 62.1% to 92.5% and a mean decrease in hematocrit from 49.4% to 36.3%. Lung histological analysis was feasible in 16 patients. In 8 patients, pulmonary biopsy grades 3 and 4 were evidenced. CONCLUSION: The palliative Senning procedure improved arterial oxygen saturation, reduced polycythemia, and provided a better quality of life for patients with TGA with ventricular septal defect, severe pulmonary hypertension, and poor prognosis.

Palliative Senning in the Treatment of Congenital Heart Disease with Severe Pulmonary Hypertension / Senning Paliativo no Tratamento de Cardiopatias Congênitas com Hipertensāo Pulmonar Grave

Background:Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is the most common cyanotic cardiopathy, with an incidence ranging between 0.2 and 0.4 per 1000 live births. Many patients not treated in the first few months of life may progress with severe pulmonary vascular disease. Treatment of these patients may include palliative surgery to redirect the flow at the atrial level.Objective:Report our institutional experience with the palliative Senning procedure in children diagnosed with TGA and double outlet right ventricle with severe pulmonary vascular disease, and to evaluate the early and late clinical progression of the palliative Senning procedure.Methods:Retrospective study based on the evaluation of medical records in the period of 1991 to 2014. Only patients without an indication for definitive surgical treatment of the cardiopathy due to elevated pulmonary pressure were included.Results:After one year of follow-up there was a mean increase in arterial oxygen saturation from 62.1% to 92.5% and a mean decrease in hematocrit from 49.4% to 36.3%. Lung histological analysis was feasible in 16 patients. In 8 patients, pulmonary biopsy grades 3 and 4 were evidenced.Conclusion:The palliative Senning procedure improved arterial oxygen saturation, reduced polycythemia, and provided a better quality of life for patients with TGA with ventricular septal defect, severe pulmonary hypertension, and poor prognosis.

Fundamento:A transposição das grandes artérias (TGA) é a cardiopatia cianogênica mais comum, com incidência variando de 0,2 a 0,4 por 1000 nascidos vivos. Muitos dos pacientes não tratados nos primeiros meses de vida podem evoluir com doença vascular pulmonar grave, e um método terapêutico para o tratamento desses pacientes pode ser realizado por meio de uma cirurgia paliativa para redirecionamento do fluxo em nível atrial.Objetivo:Relatar a experiência institucional com a cirurgia de Senning paliativo em crianças com diagnóstico de TGA e dupla via de saída do ventrículo direito com doença vascular pulmonar severa. Avaliar, também, a evolução clínica precoce e tardia da operação de Senning paliativo.Métodos:Estudo retrospectivo, baseado na avaliação de prontuários no período de 1991 a 2014. Somente pacientes sem indicação para o tratamento cirúrgico definitivo da cardiopatia em razão de elevadas pressões pulmonares.Resultados:Evidenciou-se após um ano de evolução um aumento médio da saturação arterial de oxigênio de 62,1% para 92,5% e uma redução média do hematócrito de 49,4% para 36,3%. A análise da histologia pulmonar foi possível em 16 pacientes. Em oito pacientes foi evidenciada lesão pulmonar grau 3 e 4.Conclusão:A cirurgia de Senning paliativo melhorou a saturação de oxigênio arterial, reduziu a policitemia e proporcionou uma melhora da qualidade de vida em pacientes com TGA com comunicação interventricular, os quais possuíam hipertensão pulmonar severa com prognóstico fechado.

Post-cardiotomy ECMO in pediatric and congenital heart surgery: impact of team training and equipment in the results / ECMO pós-cardiotomia em cirurgia cardíaca pediátrica e congênita: impacto do treinamento da equipe e equipamentos nos resultados

AbstractIntroduction:Post-cardiotomy myocardial dysfunction requiring mechanical circulatory support occurs in about 0.5% of cases. In our environment, the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been increasing in recent years.Objective:To evaluate the impact of investment in professional training and improvement of equipment in the rate of weaning from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and survival.Methods:A retrospective study. Fifty-six pediatric and/or congenital heart patients underwent post-cardiotomy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation at our institution between November 1999 and July 2014. We divided this period into two phases: phase I, 36 cases (before the structuring of the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation program) and phase II, 20 cases (after the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation program implementation) with investment in training and equipment). Were considered as primary outcomes: extracorporeal membrane oxygenation weaning and survival to hospital discharge. The results in both phases were compared using Chi-square test. To identify the impact of the different variables we used binary logistic regression analysis.Results:Groups were comparable. In phase I, 9 patients (25%) were weaned from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, but only 2 (5.5%) were discharged. In phase II, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was used in 20 patients, weaning was possible in 17 (85%), with 9 (45%) hospital discharges (P<0.01). When the impact of several variables on discharge and weaning of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was analyzed, we observe that phase II was an independent predictor of better results (P<0.001) and need for left cavities drainage was associated with worse survival (P=0.045).Conclusion:The investment in professional training and improvement of equipment significantly increased extracorporeal membrane oxygenation results.

ResumoIntrodução:Falência ventricular pós-cardiotomia necessitando de suporte circulatório mecânico ocorre em cerca de 0,5% dos casos. Em nosso meio, o uso de ECMO tem aumentado nos últimos anos.Objetivo:Avaliar o impacto do investimento na formação profissional e melhoria dos equipamentos na taxa de desmame de ECMO e na sobrevida.Métodos:Estudo retrospectivo. Cinquenta e seis pacientes cardíacos pediátricos e/ou portadores de cardiopatias congênitas foram submetidos ao implante de ECMO pós-cardiotomia em nossa instituição entre novembro de 1999 e julho de 2014. Nós dividimos este período em duas fases: fase I, 36 casos (antes da estruturação do programa de ECMO) e fase II, 20 casos (após a instalação do programa ECMO com investimento em formação e equipamento). Foram considerados como desfechos primários: o desmame de ECMO e sobrevida até a alta hospitalar. Os resultados em ambas as fases foram comparados pelo teste Chi-quadrado. Para identificar o impacto das diferentes variáveis, ​ foi usada análise de regressão logística binária.Resultados:Na fase I, 9 pacientes (25%) foram desmamados da ECMO, mas apenas 2 (5,5%) tiveram alta. Na fase II, ECMO foi usado em 20 pacientes, o desmame foi possível em 17 deles (85%), com 9 (45%) altas hospitalares. Quando analisamos o impacto das diversas variáveis ​​sobre a sobrevida e desmame de ECMO, observa-se que a fase II foi um preditor independente de melhores resultados (P<0,001) e a necessidade de drenagem das cavidades esquerdas foi associada com pior sobrevida (P=0,045).Conclusão:O investimento na formação profissional e aperfeiçoamento de equipamentos melhorou significativamente os resultados de ECMO em nossa instituição.

Use of Short-term Circulatory Support as a Bridge in Pediatric Heart Transplantation / Emprego do Suporte Circulatório de Curta Duração como Ponte para Transplante Cardíaco Pediátrico

Background: Heart transplantation is considered the gold standard therapy for the advanced heart failure, but donor shortage, especially in pediatric patients, is the main limitation for this procedure, so most sick patients die while waiting for the procedure. Objective: To evaluate the use of short-term circulatory support as a bridge to transplantation in end-stage cardiomyopathy. Methods: Retrospective clinical study. Between January 2011 and December 2013, 40 patients with cardiomyopathy were admitted in our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, with a mean age of 4.5 years. Twenty patients evolved during hospitalization with clinical deterioration and were classified as Intermacs 1 and 2. One patient died within 24 hours and 19 could be stabilized and were listed. They were divided into 2 groups: A, clinical support alone and B, implantation of short-term circulatory support as bridge to transplantation additionally to clinical therapy. Results: We used short-term mechanical circulatory support as a bridge to transplantation in 9. In group A (n=10), eight died waiting and 2 patients (20%) were transplanted, but none was discharged. In group B (n=9), 6 patients (66.7%) were transplanted and three were discharged.The mean support time was 21,8 days (6 to 984h). The mean transplant waiting list time was 33,8 days. Renal failure and sepsis were the main complication and causeof death in group A while neurologic complications were more prevalent en group B. Conclusion: Mechanical circulatory support increases survival on the pediatric heart transplantation waiting list in patients classified as Intermacs 1 and 2. .

Introdução: O transplante cardíaco é o tratamento de escolha na insuficiência cardíaca terminal, porém a escassez de doadores limita o seu emprego, especialmente na população pediátrica. O implante de dispositivos de assistência circulatória mecânica (ACM) pode aumentar o tempo de espera e contribuir na redução da mortalidade. Objetivo: Estudar a evolução dos pacientes pediátricos com diagnóstico de miocardiopatia, com indicação de transplante e que evoluíram em Intermacs1 ou 2, comparando a utilização ou não de algum tipo de ACM de curta duração. Método: No período de janeiro de 2011 a dezembro de 2013, 40 pacientes com idade média de 4,5 anos foram admitidos com diagnóstico de miocardiopatia dilatada. Desses pacientes, 20 evoluíram em Intermacs 1 ou 2. Um faleceu em menos de 24 horas e 19 foram listados para transplante. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: A, pacientes manejados clinicamente em espera para o transplante; B, pacientes que utilizaram algum tipo de ACM de curta duração durante o tempo de espera em lista. Resultados: No grupo A (n=10), oito pacientes evoluíram para óbito aguardando o transplante e dois pacientes (20%) foram transplantados, sendo que nenhum recebeu alta hospitalar. No grupo B (n = 9), seis pacientes (66,7%; p = 0,04) foram transplantados e três receberam alta hospitalar (p = 0,049). As principais complicações foram insuficiência renal e sepse, no grupo A, e complicações neurológicas no grupo B. Conclusão: O emprego de ACM de curta duração aumentou a sobrevida dos pacientes priorizados e em fila de espera de transplante cardíaco pediátrico. .

Use of short-term circulatory support as a bridge in pediatric heart transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Heart transplantation is considered the gold standard therapy for the advanced heart failure, but donor shortage, especially in pediatric patients, is the main limitation for this procedure, so most sick patients die while waiting for the procedure. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of short-term circulatory support as a bridge to transplantation in end-stage cardiomyopathy. METHODS: Retrospective clinical study. Between January 2011 and December 2013, 40 patients with cardiomyopathy were admitted in our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, with a mean age of 4.5 years. Twenty patients evolved during hospitalization with clinical deterioration and were classified as Intermacs 1 and 2. One patient died within 24 hours and 19 could be stabilized and were listed. They were divided into 2 groups: A, clinical support alone and B, implantation of short-term circulatory support as bridge to transplantation additionally to clinical therapy. RESULTS: We used short-term mechanical circulatory support as a bridge to transplantation in 9. In group A (n=10), eight died waiting and 2 patients (20%) were transplanted, but none was discharged. In group B (n=9), 6 patients (66.7%) were transplanted and three were discharged.The mean support time was 21,8 days (6 to 984 h). The mean transplant waiting list time was 33,8 days. Renal failure and sepsis were the main complication and cause of death in group A while neurologic complications were more prevalent en group B. CONCLUSION: Mechanical circulatory support increases survival on the pediatric heart transplantation waiting list in patients classified as Intermacs 1 and 2.

Post-cardiotomy ECMO in pediatric and congenital heart surgery: impact of team training and equipment in the results.

INTRODUCTION: Post-cardiotomy myocardial dysfunction requiring mechanical circulatory support occurs in about 0.5% of cases. In our environment, the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been increasing in recent years. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of investment in professional training and improvement of equipment in the rate of weaning from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and survival. METHODS: A retrospective study. Fifty-six pediatric and/or congenital heart patients underwent post-cardiotomy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation at our institution between November 1999 and July 2014. We divided this period into two phases: phase I, 36 cases (before the structuring of the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation program) and phase II, 20 cases (after the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation program implementation) with investment in training and equipment). Were considered as primary outcomes: extracorporeal membrane oxygenation weaning and survival to hospital discharge. The results in both phases were compared using Chi-square test. To identify the impact of the different variables we used binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Groups were comparable. In phase I, 9 patients (25%) were weaned from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, but only 2 (5.5%) were discharged. In phase II, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was used in 20 patients, weaning was possible in 17 (85%), with 9 (45%) hospital discharges (P<0.01). When the impact of several variables on discharge and weaning of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was analyzed, we observe that phase II was an independent predictor of better results (P<0.001) and need for left cavities drainage was associated with worse survival (P=0.045). CONCLUSION: The investment in professional training and improvement of equipment significantly increased extracorporeal membrane oxygenation results.

Pediatric and congenital heart transplant: twenty-year experience in a tertiary Brazilian hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac transplantation remains the gold standard for end-stage cardiomyopathies and congenital heart defects in pediatric patients. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to report on 20 years of experience since the first case and evaluate our results. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the database and outpatient follow-up. Between October 1992 and April 2012, 109 patients underwent 114 transplants. 51.8% of them being female. The age of patients ranged from 12 days to 21 years with a mean of 8.8±5.7 years and a median of 5.2 years. The underlying diagnosis was dilated cardiomyopathy in 61.5%, congenital heart disease in 26.6% and restrictive cardiomyopathy in 11.9%. All patients above 17 years old had congenital heart disease. RESULTS: Survival rate at 30 days, 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 years were 90.4%, 81.3%, 70.9%, 60.5%, 44.4% and 26.7%, respectively. Mean cold ischemic time was 187.9 minutes and it did not correlate with mortality (P>0.05). Infectious complications and rejection episodes were the most common complications (P<0.0001), occurring, respectively, in 66% and 57.4% of the survivors after 10 years. There was no incidence of graft vascular disease and lymphoproliferative disease at year one, but they affected, respectively, 7.4% and 11% of patients within 10 years. CONCLUSION: Twenty-year pediatric heart transplant results at our institution were quite satisfactory and complication rates were acceptable.

Pediatric and congenital heart transplant: twenty-year experience in a tertiary Brazilian Hospital / Experiência de 20 anos com transplante cardíaco pediátrico e em portadores de cardiopatias congênitas

Introduction: Cardiac transplantation remains the gold standard for end-stage cardiomyopathies and congenital heart defects in pediatric patients. Objective: This study aims to report on 20 years of experience since the first case and evaluate our results. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the database and outpatient follow-up. Between October 1992 and April 2012, 109 patients underwent 114 transplants. 51.8% of them being female. The age of patients ranged from 12 days to 21 years with a mean of 8.8±5.7 years and a median of 5.2 years. The underlying diagnosis was dilated cardiomyopathy in 61.5%, congenital heart disease in 26.6% and restrictive cardiomyopathy in 11.9%. All patients above 17 years old had congenital heart disease. Results: Survival rate at 30 days, 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 years were 90.4%, 81.3%, 70.9%, 60.5%, 44.4% and 26.7%, respectively. Mean cold ischemic time was 187.9 minutes and it did not correlate with mortality (P>0.05). Infectious complications and rejection episodes were the most common complications (P<0.0001), occurring, respectively, in 66% and 57.4% of the survivors after 10 years. There was no incidence of graft vascular disease and lymphoproliferative disease at year one, but they affected, respectively, 7.4% and 11% of patients within 10 years. Conclusion: Twenty-year pediatric heart transplant results at our institution were quite satisfactory and complication rates were acceptable. .

Introdução: O transplante cardíaco tem sido o tratamento de escolha para pacientes pediátricos portadores de miocardiopatias e portadores de cardiopatias congênitas em fase final da doença. Objetivo: Relatar a experiência de 20 anos do serviço e avaliar seus resultados. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo por meio de análise do banco de dados. Entre outubro de 1992 e abril de 2012, 109 pacientes foram submetidos a 114 transplantes. 51,8% eram do sexo feminino. A idade dos pacientes variou de 12 dias a 21 anos, com média de 8,8±5,7 anos e mediana de 5,2 anos. O diagnóstico de base dos pacientes foi de miocardiopatia dilatada em 61,5%, cardiopatias congênitas em 26,6% e miocardiopatia restritiva em 11,9%. Todos os pacientes entre 17 e 21 anos eram portadores de cardiopatias congênitas. Resultados: A sobrevida em 30 dias, 1, 5, 10, 15 e 20 anos foi de 90,4%, 81,3%, 70,9%, 60,5%, 44,4 e 26,7%, respectivamente. O tempo médio de isquemia do órgão transplantado foi de 187,9 minutos e não teve correlação com a mortalidade (P>0,05). Intercorrências infecciosas e rejeição foram as complicações mais incidentes (P<0,0001), atingindo 66 e 57,4% dos sobreviventes após 10 anos. A incidência de doença vascular do enxerto e doença linfoproliferativa foi zero no primeiro ano e atingiu, respectivamente, 7,4 e 11% dos pacientes em 10 anos. Conclusão: O Transplante Cardíaco neste grupo de pacientes pediátricos e portadores de cardiopatias congênitas pôde oferecer resultados satisfatórios, com uma taxa de complicações aceitável ao longo do seguimento. .

Heart neoplasms in children: retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: The advancement of noninvasive imaging methods has resulted in the increase in diagnosis of heart neoplasms. However, the literature has few studies involving primary cardiac neoplasms in children. OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively review cases of primary heart neoplasms in children, considering the initial clinical manifestations, diagnostic tests used, surgical indication, histopathological types and immediate postoperative course. METHODS: The retrospective study was based on the assessment of medical records from 1983 to 2011. Only cases that were referred for surgical treatment during that period were included. Age at admission, prenatal diagnosis, family history, initial symptoms and the results of performed tests were assessed. Moreover, the date and indication of the surgery, intraoperative findings, the result of the histopathological analysis, as well as the immediate postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 18 patients studied, the most frequent clinical manifestations were dyspnea and heart murmur (7 and 6 patients, respectively); the most often used adjunct diagnostic method was echocardiography (18 patients); cavitary obstruction or ventricular inflow or outflow tract obstruction was the main indication for surgery (12 cases); the most common histological profile was rhabdomyoma (7 patients) and most patients showed good clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, imaging diagnosis was basically attained through echocardiography, with good correlation with intraoperative findings. Histopathological findings were consistent with the literature, with rhabdomyoma being the most common neoplasm in children. The evolution after surgical treatment was favorable in most cases.

Tumores cardíacos em criança: análise retrospectiva / Heart neoplasms in children: retrospective analysis

FUNDAMENTO: Avanço dos métodos não invasivos de imagem proporcionou o aumento no número de diagnóstico de tumores cardíacos. Apesar disso, a literatura apresenta poucos trabalhos envolvendo tumores cardíacos primários em crianças. OBJETIVO: Avaliar retrospectivamente casos de tumores cardíacos primários em crianças, considerando manifestações clínicas iniciais, exames utilizados para o diagnóstico, indicação cirúrgica, tipos histopatológicos encontrados e evolução pós-operatória imediata. MÉTODOS: O estudo foi retrospectivo, baseado na avaliação de prontuários no período de 1983 a 2011. Incluímos somente casos que foram orientados para tratamento cirúrgico no período. Avaliaram-se a idade na admissão, o diagnóstico pré-natal, a história familial, os sintomas iniciais e os resultados de exames realizados. Foram coletados, ainda, a data e indicação de cirurgia, os achados intraoperatórios, o resultado do exame histopatológico, assim como as complicações imediatas no pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: Dos 18 pacientes estudados, as manifestações clínicas mais encontradas foram dispneia e sopro cardíaco (7 e 6 pacientes, respectivamente); o método de complemento diagnóstico mais usado foi o ecocardiograma (18 pacientes); a obstrução cavitária ou do trato de entrada ou saída ventricular foi a principal indicação de cirurgia (12 casos); o perfil histológico mais encontrado foi rabdomioma (7 pacientes); a maioria dos pacientes apresentou boa evolução clínica. CONCLUSÃO: Neste estudo o diagnóstico por imagem foi basicamente ecocardiográfico, com boa correlação com os achados intraoperatórios. Os achados histopatológicos foram concordantes com a literatura, com o rabdomioma apresentando-se como o tumor mais comum em crianças. A evolução após tratamento cirúrgico mostrou-se favorável na maior parte dos casos.

BACKGROUND: The advancement of noninvasive imaging methods has resulted in the increase in diagnosis of heart neoplasms. However, the literature has few studies involving primary cardiac neoplasms in children. OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively review cases of primary heart neoplasms in children, considering the initial clinical manifestations, diagnostic tests used, surgical indication, histopathological types and immediate postoperative course. METHODS: The retrospective study was based on the assessment of medical records from 1983 to 2011. Only cases that were referred for surgical treatment during that period were included. Age at admission, prenatal diagnosis, family history, initial symptoms and the results of performed tests were assessed. Moreover, the date and indication of the surgery, intraoperative findings, the result of the histopathological analysis, as well as the immediate postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 18 patients studied, the most frequent clinical manifestations were dyspnea and heart murmur (7 and 6 patients, respectively); the most often used adjunct diagnostic method was echocardiography (18 patients); cavitary obstruction or ventricular inflow or outflow tract obstruction was the main indication for surgery (12 cases); the most common histological profile was rhabdomyoma (7 patients) and most patients showed good clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, imaging diagnosis was basically attained through echocardiography, with good correlation with intraoperative findings. Histopathological findings were consistent with the literature, with rhabdomyoma being the most common neoplasm in children. The evolution after surgical treatment was favorable in most cases.

Parasitoses intestinais: um estudo através da pedagogia da problematizaçäo / Intestinal parasitosis: a study thought the pedagogic problematization

Os autores estiveram no Parque Ouro Branco com moradores e funcionários da Unidade Básica de Saúde local e conheceram os principais problemas relacionados à saúde da comunidade. Devido à alta incidência de parasitoses intestinais na regiäo, sobretudo em crianças, o grupo escolheu abordar esse tema, fazendo o diagnóstico, profilaxia e tratamento. Foram realizados exames parasitológicos nos quais foi constatada a grande prevalência da doença em questäo nas crianças. Os resultados foram levados até a Unidade Básica de Saúde, que se responsabilizou pela medicaçäo. Posteriormente, foi coletado material para novos exames, verificando-se que apenas algumas dessas crianças continuaram infestadas. A atuaçäo profilática do grupo deu-se por meio de palestras educativas a criança e seus pais e também com um teatro de fantoches seguido de uma gincana realizada na creche do Parque Ouro Branco