Prevalence of prescription opioid use during pregnancy in eight US health plans during 2001-2014.

PURPOSE: To estimate prevalence of prescription opioid use during pregnancy in eight US health plans during 2001-2014. METHODS: We conducted a cohort study of singleton live birth deliveries. Maternal characteristics were ascertained from health plan and/or birth certificate data and opioids dispensed during pregnancy from health plan pharmacy records. Prevalence of prescription opioid use during pregnancy was calculated for any use, cumulative days of use, and number of dispensings. RESULTS: We examined prevalence of prescription opioid use during pregnancy in each health plan. Tennessee Medicaid had appreciably greater prevalence of use compared to the seven other health plans. Thus, results for the two groups were reported separately. In the seven health plans (n = 587 093 deliveries), prevalence of use during pregnancy was relatively stable at 9%-11% throughout 2001-2014. In Tennessee Medicaid (n = 256 724 deliveries), prevalence increased from 29% in 2001 to a peak of 36%-37% in 2004-2010, and then declined to 28% in 2014. Use for ≥30 days during pregnancy was stable at 1% in the seven health plans and increased from 2% to 7% in Tennessee Medicaid during 2001-2014. Receipt of ≥5 opioid dispensings during pregnancy increased in the seven health plans (0.3%-0.6%) and Tennessee Medicaid (3%-5%) during 2001-2014. CONCLUSION: During 2001-2014, prescription opioid use during pregnancy was more common in Tennessee Medicaid (peak prevalence in late 2000s) compared to the seven health plans (relatively stable prevalence). Although a small percentage of women had opioid use during pregnancy for ≥30 days or ≥ 5 dispensings, they represent thousands of women during 2001-2014.

Primary Care Opioid Taper Plans Are Associated with Sustained Opioid Dose Reduction.

BACKGROUND: Primary care providers prescribe most long-term opioid therapy and are increasingly asked to taper the opioid doses of these patients to safer levels. A recent systematic review suggests that multiple interventions may facilitate opioid taper, but many of these are not feasible within the usual primary care practice. OBJECTIVE: To determine if opioid taper plans documented by primary care providers in the electronic health record are associated with significant and sustained opioid dose reductions among patients on long-term opioid therapy. DESIGN: A nested case-control design was used to compare cases (patients with a sustained opioid taper defined as average daily opioid dose of ≤ 30 mg morphine equivalent (MME) or a 50% reduction in MME) to controls (patients matched to cases on year and quarter of cohort entry, sex, and age group, who had not achieved a sustained taper). Each case was matched with four controls. PARTICIPANTS: Two thousand four hundred nine patients receiving a ≥ 60-day supply of opioids with an average daily dose of ≥ 50 MME during 2011-2015. MAIN MEASURES: Opioid taper plans documented in prescription instructions or clinical notes within the electronic health record identified through natural language processing; opioid dosing, patient characteristics, and taper plan components also abstracted from the electronic health record. KEY RESULTS: Primary care taper plans were associated with an increased likelihood of sustained opioid taper after adjusting for all patient covariates and near peak dose (OR = 3.63 [95% CI 2.96-4.46], p < 0.0001). Both taper plans in prescription instructions (OR = 4.03 [95% CI 3.19-5.09], p < 0.0001) and in clinical notes (OR = 2.82 [95% CI 2.00-3.99], p < 0.0001) were associated with sustained taper. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that planning for opioid taper during primary care visits may facilitate significant and sustained opioid dose reduction.

Validity of diagnosis and procedure codes for identifying neural tube defects in infants.

PURPOSE: The use of validated criteria to identify birth defects in electronic healthcare databases can avoid the cost and time-intensive efforts required to conduct chart reviews to confirm outcomes. This study evaluated the validity of various case-finding methodologies to identify neural tube defects (NTDs) in infants using an electronic healthcare database. METHODS: This analysis used data generated from a study whose primary aim was to evaluate the association between first-trimester maternal prescription opioid use and NTDs. The study was conducted within the Medication Exposure in Pregnancy Risk Evaluation Program. A broad approach was used to identify potential NTDs including diagnosis and procedure codes from inpatient and outpatient settings, death certificates and birth defect flags in birth certificates. Potential NTD cases were chart abstracted and confirmed by clinical experts. Positive predictive values (PPVs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) are reported. RESULTS: The cohort included 113 168 singleton live-born infants: 55 960 infants with opioid exposure in pregnancy and 57 208 infants unexposed in pregnancy. Seventy-three potential NTD cases were available for the validation analysis. The overall PPV was 41% using all diagnosis and procedure codes plus birth certificates. Restricting approaches to codes recorded in the infants' medical record or to birth certificate flags increased the PPVs (72% and 80%, respectively) but missed a substantial proportion of confirmed NTDs. CONCLUSIONS: Codes in electronic healthcare data did not accurately identify confirmed NTDs. These results indicate that chart review with adjudication of outcomes is important when conducting observational studies of NTDs using electronic healthcare data.

Neonates Effects and Tolerability of Treprostinil in Hypertension with Persistent Pulmonary.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to establish the effects of treprostinil in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) patients with persistent pulmonary hypertension (PHT) after 1 week of treatment. Drug effects were assessed by oxygenation index (OI), clinical end points, serial biochemical markers, and pre- and posttreatment echocardiogram. Treatment complications were also described. STUDY DESIGN: This is a quasi-experimental study of neonates with PHT admitted to the NICU within 48 hours showing persistent clinical instability, receiving mechanical ventilation with FiO2 > 60%, milrinone therapy, and inhaled nitric oxide. Clinical data were compared before and after treprostinil treatment. RESULTS: Seventeen neonates met the inclusion criteria. Median age was 17 days. Before treatment, median OI was 20 (IQR: 12-27). Suprasystemic PHT was estimated by echocardiogram in 8/17 patients; the rest were systemic. After 1 week of treatment, 15/17 patients were alive and median OI was 8 (IQR: 5-12, p = 0.0089). There were no statistically significant changes in laboratory data. Echocardiogram still showed suprasystemic PHT in 20% of patients. Adverse effects included hypotension, hematoma at the infusion site, and surgical persistent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure in 4/17 patients. Fourteen patients were discharged. The median treatment time was 61 days. CONCLUSION: Treprostinil was well tolerated with satisfactory clinical response. Further studies are required to identify early responder subgroups.

Congenital giant right atrial aneurysm.

Right atrial aneurysm is a rare congenital heart condition defined as a dilation of the right atrium in the absence of an underlying cause [1]. The clinical presentation varies; most patients are asymptomatic, while others may experience arrhythmias or intracavitary thrombi [1, 2]. We report a case.

[Angioplasty with ductal stent: experience at Garrahan Hospital]. / Angioplastia con stent ductal: experiencia en el Hospital Garrahan.

Objective: To describe and evaluate the outcomes of ductal angioplasty with stent placement at a single high-complexity center during the period 2016-2022. Method: A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, including patients under 3 months of age who underwent ductal stent implantation as initial palliative treatment. Demographic, clinical, and anatomical data were collected before the intervention. Mortality, intra- and post-procedural complications, need for re-intervention, intensive care requirements, and hospital stay were recorded. The characteristics at the time of definitive surgery are described. Discrete variables are presented as percentages, and continuous variables are presented with their medians and respective interquartile ranges. Results: Twenty patients who underwent this treatment were reviewed, revealing a success rate of 80%. Complications due to stent dysfunction required surgical resolution. 95% of patients were dischargedfrom the institution after the procedure, and 17 patients reached a second definitive surgical stage. Three patients died afterthe procedure, but with no direct relation to it. Conclusions: Indications for ductal angioplasty with stent as an alternative treatment to systemic-pulmonary anastomosis by surgery are not yet fully defined; the strategy represents a valid alternative in appropriately selected patients. The presented experience shows results similar to international reference centers.

Objetivo: Describir y evaluar los resultados de la angioplastia con stent ductal en un único centro de alta complejidad durante el periodo 2016-2022. Método: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de corte transversal en el que se incluyeron pacientes menores de 3 meses a quienes se implantó un stent en el conducto arterioso como tratamiento paliativo inicial. Se recolectaron datos demográficos, clínicos y anatómicos previos a la intervención. Se registraron la mortalidad, las complicaciones intra- y posprocedimiento, la necesidad de reintervención, los requerimientos de cuidados intensivos y la estadía hospitalaria. Se describen las características al momento de la cirugía definitiva. Las variables discretas son presentadas con porcentajes, y las variables continuas con sus medianas y sus respectivos intervalos intercuartílicos. Resultados: Se revisaron 20 pacientes que habían recibido este tratamiento y se evidenció una tasa de éxito del 80%. Las complicaciones por disfunción del stent requirieron resolución quirúrgica. Egresaron de la institución el 95% de los pacientes luego del procedimiento y lograron arribar a un segundo estadio quirúrgico definitivo 17 pacientes. Fallecieron tres pacientes luego del procedimiento, pero sin relación directa con este. Conclusiones: Las indicaciones de angioplastia del conducto con stent como tratamiento alternativo a la realización de una anastomosis sistémico-pulmonar por cirugía todavía no están completamente definidas; la estrategia constituye una alternativa válida en pacientes adecuadamente seleccionados. La experiencia presentada muestra resultados similares a los de otros centros de referencia internacional.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a pediatric cardiovascular surgery program of a public hospital from Argentina. / Impacto de la pandemia por COVID-19 en un programa de cirugía cardiovascular pediátrica de un hospital público de Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a pediatric cardiovascular surgery program and estimate the necessary time to reduce the surgery waiting list. METHODS: Retrospective, descriptive study. Surgical outcomes from the pre-COVID-19 period and COVID-19 period were compared. A mathematical model was used to estimate the time necessary to reduce the waiting list. RESULTS: Between March 23rd and August 31st, 2020, 83 patients underwent surgery, accounting for a 60 % reduction compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. Their median age was 6 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 25-75, 1.8 months to 2.9 years; p = 0.0023). The time necessary to eliminate the waiting list ranges from 10 to 19 months. CONCLUSIONS: There was a 60 % reduction in the program. The time required to clear the backlog of cases may range from, at least, 10 to 19 months.

Objetivo. Describir el impacto de la pandemia por COVID-19 en el programa de cirugía cardiovascular pediátrica y estimar el tiempo para reducir la lista de espera quirúrgica. Métodos. Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo. Se compararon resultados quirúrgicos del período preCOVID versus el período COVID. Se utilizó un modelo matemático para estimar el tiempo para reducir la lista de espera. Resultados. Entre el 23 de marzo y el 31 de agosto de 2020 se operaron 83 pacientes, que representan una reducción del 60 %, respecto al período preCOVID. La mediana de edad fue de 6 meses (rango intercuartílico [RIC]: 25-75, 1,8 meses a 2,9 años; p = 0,0023. El tiempo para eliminar la lista de espera varía entre 10 y 19 meses. Conclusiones. El programa tuvo una reducción del 60 %. El tiempo de resolución de la lista de espera puede ser al menos 10 a 19 meses.

Reemplazo de la raíz aórtica con preservación valvular en niños y adolescentes: experiencia y resultados en una institución pública en Argentina / Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Replacement in Children and Adolescents: Experience and Results in a Public Institution in Argentina

RESUMEN Background: La cirugía de reemplazo de la raíz aórtica con preservación valvar tipo reimplante (RRAoPV) está indicada en pacientes con aneurisma de la raíz aórtica. Objetivos: Evaluar los resultados a mediano plazo de esta técnica quirúrgica en niños y adolescentes de nuestra institución. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo. Se incluyó a 21 pacientes a quienes se realizó cirugía de RRAoPV entre julio de 2006 y julio de 2022. Se evaluó la relación entre las variables basales y la progresión de insuficiencia aórtica (IAo). Resultados: La mediana de edad fue de 13 años. Diecisiete pacientes tenían enfermedad del tejido conectivo, (3 de ellos además con aorta bicúspide), 2 cardiopatías congénitas operadas aisladas, 1 válvula aórtica bicúspide aislada y 1 síndrome de Turner. Trece pacientes tenían IAo leve y 5 moderada en el preoperatorio. Tres pacientes requirieron reemplazo aórtico precoz, 2 por endocarditis y uno por IAo aguda grave. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 4,1 años. De 17 pacientes en seguimiento, 2 evolucionaron con IAo leve-moderada, 2 moderada y 3 grave. Uno de ellos requirió cirugía de Bentall. No se encontró asociación del grado de IAo preoperatoria, ni de la presencia de aorta bicúspide, con la progresión de la IAo postoperatoria. No hubo asociación entre el tipo de coaptación valvular postoperatorio y el desarrollo de la IAo mayor que leve en el seguimiento. Conclusiones: El RRAoPV tipo reimplante es una técnica quirúrgica viable en pacientes pediátricos con buenos resultados a mediano plazo y baja tasa de reoperación.

ABSTRACT Background: Valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSARR) with reimplantation technique is indicated in patients with aortic root aneurysm. Objective: To evaluate the mid-term outcomes of this surgical technique in children and adolescents in our institution. Methods: Retrospective study. Twenty-one patients who underwent VSARR surgery were included between July 2006 and July 2022. The relationship between baseline variables and progression of aortic regurgitation (AR) was assessed. Results: The median age was 13 years. Seventeen patients had connective tissue disorders (3 with bicuspid aortic valve), 2 operated congenital heart disease, 1 isolated bicuspid aortic valve and 1 Turner syndrome. Thirteen patients had mild AR and 5 had moderate AR preoperatively. Three patients underwent early aortic replacement, 2 due to endocarditis and 1 due to severe acute AR. The median follow-up was 4.1 years. Of 17 patients at follow-up, 2 developed mild-moderate AR, 2 moderate AR and 3 severe AR. One of them underwent Bentall surgery. No association was found between the degree of preoperative AR or the presence of bicuspid aortic valve and the progression of postoperative AR. There was no association between the type of postoperative valve coaptation and the development of AR greater than mild at follow-up. Conclusions: VSARR with reimplantation is a feasible surgical technique with favorable mid-term outcomes and low reoperation rate in pediatric patients.

Impacto de la pandemia por COVID-19 en un programa de cirugía cardiovascular pediátrica de un hospital público de Argentina / Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a pediatric cardiovascular surgery program of a public hospital from Argentina

Objetivo. Describir el impacto de la pandemia por COVID-19 en el programa de cirugía cardiovascular pediátrica y estimar el tiempo para reducir la lista de espera quirúrgica. Métodos. Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo. Se compararon resultados quirúrgicos del período preCOVID versus el período COVID. Se utilizó un modelo matemático para estimar el tiempo para reducir la lista de espera. Resultados. Entre el 23 de marzo y el 31 de agosto de 2020 se operaron 83 pacientes, que representan una reducción del 60 %, respecto al período preCOVID. La mediana de edad fue de 6 meses (rango intercuartílico [RIC]: 25-75, 1,8 meses a 2,9 años; p = 0,0023. El tiempo para eliminar la lista de espera varía entre 10 y 19 meses. Conclusiones. El programa tuvo una reducción del 60 %. El tiempo de resolución de la lista de espera puede ser al menos 10 a 19 meses

Objective. To describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a pediatric cardiovascular surgery program and estimate the necessary time to reduce the surgery waiting list. Methods. Retrospective, descriptive study. Surgical outcomes from the pre-COVID-19 period and COVID-19 period were compared. A mathematical model was used to estimate the time necessary to reduce the waiting list. Results. Between March 23rd and August 31st, 2020, 83 patients underwent surgery, accounting for a 60 % reduction compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. Their median age was 6 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 25-75, 1.8 months to 2.9 years; p = 0.0023). The time necessary to eliminate the waiting list ranges from 10 to 19 months. Conclusions. There was a 60 % reduction in the program. The time required to clear the backlog of cases may range from, at least, 10 to 19 month

[Ventricular septal defect repair in children during first year of life in a public hospital]. / Cierre de comunicación interventricular en menores de un año en un hospital público.

OBJECTIVE: Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most common congenital heart disease; primary surgical closure is the usual strategy for repairing it. Our objective is to describe results of surgical repair in children under 1 year of age and analyze risk factors for morbidity and mortality. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study; all patients with VSD repaired between 2004 and 2011 were included. Demographic, surgical procedure and postoperative variables were recorded: age, weight, genetic syndrome, type of VSD, length of stay, complications and outcome. Risk factors of mortality and morbidity: age < 6 m, weight < 3 kg, Down, malnutrition and respiratory infection prior syndrome were analyzed. RESULTS: 256 patients, age 5.3 months (21d-1y), weight 4.75 kg (2.2 to 13), 32% with Down syndrome and 17.5% with preoperative mechanical ventilation were operated. Perimembranous VSD was the most frequent type (62%). 28% experienced complications and 7% required reoperation for bleeding, infection or defect. The median hospital stay was 6 days (1-185). Postoperative 30 days mortality was 3%. Age < 6 m, weight < 3 kg, malnutrition and prior respiratory viral infection were associated with prolonged hospitalization, but no risk factors for mortality were identified. CONCLUSION: The primary surgical closure of the VSD is a procedure with satisfactory results at our institution.

Factores de riesgo de evolución desfavorable en niños con plástica de la válvula mitral / Risk Factors of Unfavorable Outcome in Children with Mitral Valve Repair

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar los factores de riesgo de evolución desfavorable (ED) en niños con insuficiencia mitral (IM) sometidos a plástica mitral (PM). Métodos: Se analizaron pacientes con IM sometidos a PM entre los años 2004 y 2014. Se definió ED como la reoperación o la IM significativa (3+, moderada a grave, o 4+, grave) durante el seguimiento. Las variables se expresaron como mediana. Se realizó el análisis univariado y el de regresión logística multivariado de los factores predictores de ED. Resultados: Se sometieron a PM 65 pacientes con IM 3+ e IM 4+. La etiología incluyó displasia (44,6%), endocarditis infecciosa (13,8%), fiebre reumática (18,4%), anomalía coronaria (7,7%) y otras (13,8%). La mediana del tiempo de seguimiento fue 26,5 meses (52 pacientes se encuentran aún en seguimiento). El 44,6% presentó disfunción ventricular y el 46,1% hipertensión pulmonar. La cantidad de pacientes con ED fue de 15: 9 fueron reoperados (7 reemplazos valvulares y 2 replástica). El análisis univariado demostró asociación significativa entre ED y las siguientes condiciones: fiebre reumática (p = 0,005), anillo mitral preoperatorio ≥+5 DS (p = 0,002), diámetro sistólico del ventrículo izquierdo (DSVI) ≥ +4 DS (p = 0,022), hipertensión pulmonar (p = 0,024) e IM residual posoperatoria inmediata ≥ moderada (p = 0,021). El análisis multivariado demostró como variables independientes de ED el diámetro del anillo mitral (p = 0,012), la fiebre reumática (p = 0,026) y la IM residual temprana (p = 0,042). No se produjo mortalidad. Conclusiones: La plástica mitral en niños con IM grave demostró resultados favorables a mediano plazo. La fiebre reumática, el diámetro del anillo mitral ≥ +5 DS y la IM residual ≥ 2+ fueron factores predictores de ED. No se hallaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas durante el seguimiento en relación con la edad ni con la presencia de disfunción ventricular.

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze risk factors of unfavorable outcome (UO) in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) undergoing mitral valve repair (MVR). Methods: Patients with MR who had undergone MVR from 2004 to 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Unfavorable outcome was defined as reoperation or significant MR [moderate to severe (3+) or severe MR (4+)] during follow-up. Variables were expressed as median. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictive factors of UO. Results: Sixty five patients with MR3+ and MR4+ underwent MVR. Etiology was dysplasia in 44.6% of cases, infective endocarditis in 13.8%, rheumatic fever in 18.4%, abnormal coronary origin in 7.7% and other disorders in 13.8%. Median follow-up time was 26.5 months (52 patients are still being followed-up).Ventricular dysfunction was documented in 44.6% of cases and 46.1% had pulmonary hypertension. Fifteen patients presented UO and 9 were reoperated (7 valve replacements and 2 re-repairs). Univariate analysis demonstrated a significant association between UO and the following conditions: rheumatic fever (p=0.005), preoperative mitral annulus ≥+5 SD (p=0.002), left ventricular end-systolic diameter ≥+4 SD (p=0.022), pulmonary hypertension (p=0.024) and immediate postoperative residual MR ≥ moderate (p=0.021). Multivariate analysis demonstrated mitral annulus diameter (p=0.012), rheumatic fever (p=0.026) and early residual MR (p=0.042) as independent variables of UO. No deaths occurred in this series. Conclusions: Mitral valve repair in children with severe MR demonstrated mid-term favourable results. Rheumatic fever, mitral annulus diameter ≥+5 SD and immediate postoperative residual MR ≥2+ were predictive factors of UO. Neither age at surgery nor ventricular dysfunction showed statistically significant differences during follow-up.

[Mechanical circulatory support in pediatrics. Experience at the Dr. Juan P. Garrahan Pediatric Hospital. Argentina]. / Asistencia circulatoria mecánica en pediatría. Experiencia en el Hospital de Pediatría Dr. Juan P. Garrahan. Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: Mechanical circulatory support provides oxygen to the tissues in patients with cardiac and/or respiratory reversible disease refractory to conventional treatments. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to show our initial results of mechanical circulatory support in children with heart disease. METHOD: Retrospective cohort between March 2006 and March 2012. Demographic data (age, sex, weight, cardiac diagnosis), surgery (technique, pump, aortic cross clamping time) and mechanical circulatory support (type of assistance, indication, duration, complications and outcome) were collected. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were supported (1.3% of all surgeries), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation 32 cases and one ventricular assist device. The median age 7.4 months (one day-18 years) and weight 6kg (2.3-75). The most frequent cardiac malformations supported were the transpositions of the great arteries associated with other anomalies and the corrected transpositions (ventricular inversion or double discordance). The most common reason for admission was post-cardiotomy biventricular dysfunction. Twenty-eight patients were supported in the postoperative period, 4 in the preoperative period and in one with myocarditis. Median days of support were 3 days (1-10). The most common complications were infection (21%), bleeding (21%). Elective decannulation was achieved in 94% of cases. Hospital discharge survival: 52%. CONCLUSIONS: The mechanical circulatory support in our institution is a safe and standard procedure. We have been using it in a small number of cases with a similar survival to that reported internationally. This complex procedure is widely justified because it allows for the recovery of more than half of the patients who otherwise would have died.

[Congenital heart disease: surgical results in a public hospital in Argentina]. / Cardiopatías congénitas: resultados quirúrgicos en un hospital público en Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the results of congenital heart surgery at the Hospital de Pediatría J. P.Garrahan. METHODS: Between 2004 and 2009, 2942 patients, median age 2.5 years (1 d to 22.5 y), median weight 11.5 kg (1.6 kg to 96 kg), and 84% with cardiopulmonary bypass, were analyzed. Adjusted mortality risk analysis using RACHS and Aristotle score was performed. Newborn surgery and one stage repair in Fallot and ventricular septal defect with coarctation were analyzed as subgroupes. RESULTS: Mortality was 5.5%. Required mechanical ventilation 45%, 5% peritoneal dialysis, 12% delayed sternal closure and 8.4% reoperation. Twenty five percent with previous surgery, and 10% in poor clinical conditions. RACHS-1 categories morality distribution were 0.4% in one, 2.4% in two, 7.1% in three, 14% in four y 34 % in 5 and 6. One stage repair was performed in 84% of Fallots and 90% of ventricular septal defects with coarctation, with 3.2% and 10% mortality rate respectively. Two hundred and five newborns were operated with cardiopulmonary bypass with a mortality rate of 15% in the last year. CONCLUSIONS: Almost every congenital heart disease can be repaired without previous palliation, with satisfactory results in our institution. Poor clinical conditions significantly increased morbidity and mortality.

Cierre de comunicación interventricular en menores de un año en un hospital público / Ventricular septal defect repair in children during first year of life in a public hospital

Introducción. La comunicación interventricular (CIV) es la cardiopatía congénita más frecuente y el cierre quirúrgico primario es la estrategia de elección para corregirla. El objetivo es describir los resultados de la reparación quirúrgica en menores de 1 año y analizar factores de riesgo de morbilidad y mortalidad. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo; se incluyeron todos los pacientes con CIV operados entre 2004 y 2011. Se registraron variables demográficas, de la cirugía y del posoperatorio: edad, peso, síndrome genético, tipo de CIV, días de internación, complicaciones y evolución. Como factores de riesgo de mortalidad y morbilidad, se analizaron edad < 6 m, peso < 3 kg, síndrome de Down, desnutrición e infección respiratoria previa. Resultados. Se operaron 256 pacientes, con edad de 5,3 meses (21 d-1 a), peso de 4,75 kg (2,2-13), 32% con síndrome de Down y 17,5% con ventilación mecánica preoperatoria. La CIV tipo perimembranosa fue la más frecuente (62%). El 28% presentó alguna complicación y el 7% requirió reoperación por sangrado, infección o defecto. La mediana de internación fue de 6 días (1-185). Se registró una mortalidad posoperatoria de 3%. La desnutrición, edad < 6 m, peso < 3 kg y la infección respiratoria previa se asociaron a una internación prolongada. No se identificaron factores de riesgo para la mortalidad. Conclusión. En nuestra institución, el cierre quirúrgico primario de la CIV es un procedimiento con resultados satisfactorios.

Objective. Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most common congenital heart disease; primary surgical closure is the usual strategy for repairing it. Our objective is to describe results of surgical repair in children under 1 year of age and analyze risk factors for morbidity and mortality. Patients and Methods. Retrospective study; all patients with VSD repaired between 2004 and 2011 were included. Demographic, surgical procedure and postoperative variables were recorded: age, weight, genetic syndrome, type of VSD, length of stay, complications and outcome. Risk factors of mortality and morbidity: age < 6 m, weight < 3 kg, Down, malnutrition and respiratory infection prior syndrome were analyzed. Results. 256 patients, age 5.3 months (21d-1y), weight 4.75 kg (2.2 to 13), 32% with Down syndrome and 17.5% with preoperative mechanical ventilation were operated. Perimembranous VSD was the most frequent type (62%). 28% experienced complications and 7% required reoperation for bleeding, infection or defect. The median hospital stay was 6 days (1-185). Postoperative 30 days mortality was 3%. Age < 6 m, weight < 3 kg, malnutrition and prior respiratory viral infection were associated with prolonged hospitalization, but no risk factors for mortality were identified. Conclusion. The primary surgical closure of the VSD is a procedure with satisfactory results at our institution.

[Levosimendan, a new inotropic drug: experience in children with acute heart failure]. / Levosimendán, un nuevo agente inotrópico: experiencia en niños con fallo cardíaco agudo.

INTRODUCTION: Low cardiac output syndrome occurs frequently in pediatric patients after cardiac surgery. Catecholamines are used as inotropic drugs to treat this threatening condition, but may cause undesirable and potentially harmful side effects. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of levosimendan (LEVO) in pediatric patients with low cardiac output syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Open prospective, quasi-experimental cohort. LEVO was given as compassionate treatment in patients with refractory post-surgical low cardiac output syndrome. Every patient received an IV infusion of LEVO at 6 microg/kg during a fifteen minutes period, followed by a 24 h IV infusion at 0.1 microg/kg/min. Clinical improvement of cardiac output was the primary end point of the study. Two independent observers performed clinical evaluation, bidimensional echocardiogram, hemodynamic and laboratory tests were performed pre and after LEVO infusion. RESULTS: LEVO was infused in 18 opportunities (fourteen children). The response was considered successful in 9/18 interventions (50%; p= 0.004). Both inotropic score (12.1 vs. 6,1, p= 0.01) and A-VDO(2)2 (26.78 +/- 11.5% vs. 20.81 +/- 7.72%, p= 0.029) showed reduction, while SvO2 improved (69.5 +/- 11.4% vs. 76 +/- 9.29%, p= 0.03). No adverse effects were noticed. Four patients died, none of them related to LEVO administration. CONCLUSIONS: LEVO improved cardiac output in 50% of the interventions with post-surgical LCOS and no adverse effect was observed.

[Cardiac surgical repair in newborns: five years' experience in neonatal open surgery]. / Cirugía cardíaca reparadora en recién nacidos: experiencia de 5 años en cirugía neonatal con circulación extracorpórea.

INTRODUCTION: Four hundred newborns die every year in our country suffering from congenital heart disease. Definitive surgical repair, whenever possible, is nowadays the optimal therapeutic strategy. Our goal is to describe mortality and morbidity in neonatal surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass in a tertiary public hospital in Argentina. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Descriptive, retrospective study. Every patient, younger than 45 days, with cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass, at the Garrahan Hospital between 2004 and 2008 was included. Demographic, surgical and postoperative data were collected. Adjusted mortality risk analysis, and descriptive statistics from the most frequent diagnosis were performed. Results are expressed as median and rank or percentage. RESULTS: 200 newborns were operated, 62% males. Median age was 21 days (r 1- 45) and median weight 3.1 kg (r 1.6-6.2). Total anomalous pulmonary venous return, transposition of great arteries an hypoplastic left heart syndrome diagnoses accounted for 75% of the procedures. Median length of stay was 12 days (r 0-191), and 6 days of mechanical ventilation (r 0-180). Eighteen percent of the patients required peritoneal dialysis. Whole series mortality was 19% and fell to 14% in 2008. Unstable preoperative condition and postoperative complications increased mortality, OR= 2.23 (1.02-4.89) and OR= 10 (3.6-33.4), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our postoperative mortality is similar to those reported in foreign countries databases. Patients with unstable preoperative condition and post-operative complications had higher mortality.

Asistencia circulatoria mecánica en pediatría: Experiencia en el Hospital de Pediatría Dr. Juan P. Garrahan. Argentina / Mechanical circulatory support in pediatrics: Experience at the Hospital de Pediatría Dr. Juan P. Garrahan. Argentina

Introducción: La asistencia circulatoria mecánica permite aportar oxígeno a los tejidos en pacientes con enfermedades cardiacas y/o respiratorias reversibles refractarios a tratamientos convencionales. Objetivo: Mostrar los resultados iniciales de asistencia circulatoria mecánica en niños con cardiopatía en nuestra institución. Método: Estudio de cohorte descriptivo retrospectivo entre marzo de 2006 y marzo de 2012. Datos demográficos (edad, sexo, peso, diagnóstico cardiológico), de la cirugía (técnica, tiempo de bomba y de pinzamiento aórtico) y de la asistencia circulatoria mecánica (tipo, indicación, duración, complicaciones y evolución). Resultados: Fueron asistidos 33 pacientes (1.3% del total de cirugías), con oxigenación por membrana extracorpórea en 32 casos y un caso con dispositivo de asistencia ventricular. Mediana de edad 7.4 meses (un día-18 años) y peso 6 kg (2.3-75). Las malformaciones cardiacas que se asistieron con mayor frecuencia son las trasposiciones de grandes arterias asociadas a otras anomalías y las trasposiciones corregidas (inversión ventricular-doble discordancia). El motivo de ingreso más frecuente fue disfunción biventricular poscardiotomía. En 28 pacientes la asistencia circulatoria mecánica fue postoperatoria y en 4 preoperatoria. Un paciente presentó miocarditis. Mediana de asistencia 3 días (1-10). Complicaciones más frecuentes: infección el 21% y sangrado el 21%. Decanulación electiva en un 94% de los casos. Supervivencia con alta hospitalaria: 52%. Conclusiones: La asistencia circulatoria mecánica en nuestra institución es una herramienta segura con procedimiento estandarizado. Se utiliza en un reducido número de casos, con supervivencia similar a informes internacionales. Es un procedimiento complejo, plenamente justificado que permitió la recuperación en más de la mitad de los pacientes que de otro modo hubieran fallecido.

Introduction: Mechanical circulatory support provides oxygen to the tissues in patients with cardiac and/or respiratory reversible disease refractory to conventional treatments. Objective: The aim of this study is to show our initial results of mechanical circulatory support in children with heart disease. Method: Retrospective cohort between March 2006 and March 2012. Demographic data (age, sex, weight, cardiac diagnosis), surgery (technique, pump, aortic cross clamping time) and mechanical circulatory support (type of assistance, indication, duration, complications and outcome) were collected. Results: Thirty-three patients were supported (1.3% of all surgeries), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation 32 cases and one ventricular assist device. The median age 7.4 months (one day-18 years) and weight 6 kg (2.3-75). The most frequent cardiac malformations supported were the transpositions of the great arteries associated with other anomalies and the corrected transpositions (ventricular inversion or double discordance). The most common reason for admission was post-cardiotomy biventricular dysfunction. Twenty-eight patients were supported in the postoperative period, 4 in the preoperative period and in one with myocarditis. Median days of support were 3 days (1-10). The most common complications were infection (21%), bleeding (21%). Elective decannulation was achieved in 94% of cases. Hospital discharge survival: 52%. Conclusions: The mechanical circulatory support in our institution is a safe and standard procedure. We have been using it in a small number of cases with a similar survival to that reported internationally. This complex procedure is widely justified because it allows for the recovery of more than half of the patients who otherwise would have died.

Cardiopatías congénitas: resultados quirúrgicos en un hospital público en Argentina / Congenital heart disease: surgical results in a public hospital in Argentina

Objetivo: Describir los resultados en cirugía cardiovascular del Hospital de Pediatría J. P. Garrahan. Métodos: Se analizaron 2942 pacientes entre 2004 y 2009; de los cuales, 84% con circulación extracorpórea, mediana de edad 2.5 años, rango de un día a 22.5 años y peso 11.5 kg (1.6 kg a 96 kg); con cirugías previas 25% y 10% malas condiciones preoperatorias. Se analizó la mortalidad por RACHS-1 y Aristóteles, la cirugía neonatal, la cirugía en un tiempo de Fallot y de comunicación interventricular con coartación de aorta. Resultados: La mortalidad fue 5.5%. Requirió ventilación mecánica 45%, 5% diálisis peritoneal, 12% cierre esternal diferido y 8.4% reoperación. De los Fallot 84% y 90% de las comunicaciones interventriculares con coartación se repararon en un tiempo, con 3.2% y 10% de mortalidad respectivamente. Se operaron 205 neonatos con bomba y con 15% de mortalidad en el último año. Las malas condiciones previas aumentaron la morbilidad, (Odds ratio 3.63 IC 95%, 2.27 -4.81) y la mortalidad (Odds ratio 6.47 IC 95%, 4.36 - 9.60). La mortalidad por RACHS fue 0.4% en categoría uno, 2.4% en la dos, 7.1% en la tres, 14% en la cuatro y 34% en la cinco y seis. Conclusiones: En nuestra institución la mayoría de las cardiopatías se resuelven en un tiempo con resultados satisfactorios. Las malas condiciones preoperatorias aumentan significativamente la morbimortalidad.

Objective: To describe the results of congenital heart surgery at the Hospital de Pediatría J. P.Garrahan. Methods: Between 2004 and 2009, 2942 patients, median age 2.5 years (1 d to 22.5 y), median weight 11.5 kg (1.6 kg to 96 kg), and 84% with cardiopulmonary bypass, were analyzed. Adjusted mortality risk analysis using RACHS and Aristotle score was performed. Newborn surgery and one stage repair in Fallot and ventricular septal defect with coarctation were analyzed as subgroupes. Results: Mortality was 5.5%. Required mechanical ventilation 45%, 5% peritoneal dialysis, 12% delayed sternal closure and 8.4% reoperation. Twenty five percent with previous surgery, and 10% in poor clinical conditions. RACHS-1 categories morality distribution were 0.4% in one, 2.4% in two, 7.1% in three, 14% in four y 34 % in 5 and 6. One stage repair was performed in 84% of Fallots and 90% of ventricular septal defects with coarctation, with 3.2% and 10% mortality rate respectively. Two hundred and five newborns were operated with cardiopulmonary bypass with a mortality rate of 15% in the last year. Conclusions: Almost every congenital heart disease can be repaired without previous palliation, with satisfactory results in our institution. Poor clinical conditions significantly increased morbidity and mortality.

Levosimendán, un nuevo agente inotrópico: experiencia en niños con fallo cardíaco agudo / Levosimendan, a new inotropic drug: experience in children with acute heart failure

Introducción. El síndrome de bajo gasto cardíaco ocurre frecuentemente en el posoperatorio de pacientes con cirugía cardíaca. Las catecolaminas, utilizadas como inotrópicos, pueden provocar efectos adversos potencialmente deletéreos. El levosimendán es un nuevo fármaco inotrópico no adrenérgico con posibles beneficios en esta poblaciónde pacientes. Este estudio evaluó la seguridad y eficacia del levosimendán en niños con bajo gasto posoperatorio.Población, material y métodos. Estudio prospectivo, abierto, no controlado, realizado en la Unidad de Recuperación Cardiovascular de un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad. Se administrólevosimendán, como uso compasivo, a todos los pacientes con bajo gasto posoperatorio refractario al tratamiento convencional. Se administró una dosisde carga de 6 μg/kg EV, seguido de 0,1 μg/kg/min por 24 h. La variable primaria predeterminada fue el impacto clínico del levosimendán sobre el gastocardíaco. Dos observadores independientes realizaron la evaluación clínica del gasto cardíaco. Se analizó la función cardíaca por ecocardiografía yvariables clínicas, bioquímicas y hemodinámicas antes de la infusión y después de ella. Resultados. Se administró levosimendán a 14 pacientesen 18 oportunidades La mediana de edadfue de 27,5 meses (r: 0,16-197) y el peso de 11,1 kg (r: 2,98-48). En 9/18 intervenciones (50%; p= 0,004) seobservó una mejoría en el gasto cardiaco. El puntaje de inotrópicos disminuyó (12,1 contra 6,1; p= 0,01),la SvO2 mejoró (69,5 ± 11,4% contra 76 ± 9,29%, p= 0,03) y la A-VDO2 disminuyó (26,78 ± 11,5% contra 20,81 ± 7,72%, p= 0,029). No se identificaron efectos adversos. Cuatro pacientes fallecieron, ninguno en relación con la administración del fármaco. Conclusiones. En el 50% de las intervenciones se observó mejoría en el gasto cardíaco. No se detectaron efectos adversos atribuibles al fármaco.

Introduction. Low cardiac output syndrome occurs frequently in pediatric patients after cardiac surgery. Catecholamines are used as inotropic drugs to treat this threatening condition, but may cause undesirable and potentially harmfull side effects. Thisstudy was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of levosimendan (LEVO) in pediatric patients with low cardiac output syndrome. Patients and methods. Open prospective, cuasi experimental, cohort. LEVO was given as compassionate treatment in patients with refractory possurgical low cardiac output syndrome. Every patient received an IV infusion of LEVO at 6 μg/kg during a fifteen minutes period, followed by a 24 h IV infusion at 0.1 μg/kg/min. Clinical improvement of cardiac output was the primary end point of the study. Two independent observers performedclinical evaluation, bidimensional echocardiogram, hemodinamic and laboratory tests were performed pre and after LEVO infusión. Results. LEVO was infused in 18 oportunities (fourteenchildren). The response was considered successful in 9/18 interventions (50%; p= 0.004). Both inotropic score (12.1 vs. 6,1, p= 0.01) and A-VDO22 (26.78 ± 11.5% vs. 20.81 ± 7.72%, p= 0.029) showed reduction, while SvO2 improved (69.5 ± 11.4% vs. 76 ± 9.29%, p= 0.03). No adverse effects were noticed.Four patients died, none of them related to LEVO administration. Conclusions. LEVO improved cardiac output in 50% of the interventions with pos-surgical LCOS and no adverse effect was observed.