Surviving the Struggle of COVID-19: Practical Recommendations for Pediatric/Adult Cardiology and Cardiac Surgical Programs in Resource-Limited Settings: a Review.

Introduction: The primary aim of this systematic review is to provide perioperative strategies to help restore or preserve cardiovascular services under threat from financial and personnel constraints imposed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods: The Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Excerpta Medica dataBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials/CCTR, and Google Scholar were systematically searched using the search terms "(cardiac OR cardiology OR cardiothoracic OR surgery) AND (COVID-19 or coronavirus OR SARS-CoV-2 OR 2019-nCoV OR 2019 novel coronavirus OR pandemic)". Additionally, the webpages of relevant medical societies, including the World Federation Society of Anesthesiologists, the Cardiothoracic Surgery Network, and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, were screened for relevant information.

Emotional quality-of-life and patient-reported limitation in sports participation in children with uncorrected congenital and acquired heart disease in healthcare-restricted settings in low- and middle-income countries.

Background: Little is known about emotional quality-of-life in paediatric heart disease in low- and middle-income countries where the prevalence of uncorrected lesions is high. Research on emotional quality-of-life and its predictors in these settings is key to planning interventions.

Methods: Ten-year retrospective cross-sectional study of children aged 6-17 years with uncorrected congenital or acquired heart disease in 12 low- and middle-income countries was conducted.

Regional alterations in cerebral growth exist preoperatively in infants with congenital heart disease.

Objectives: Magnetic resonance imaging has been used to define the neurologic abnormalities in infants with congenital heart disease (CHD), including preoperative injury and delayed brain maturation. The present study used qualitative scoring, cerebral biometry, and diffusion imaging to characterize the preoperative brain abnormalities in infants with CHD, including the identification of regions of greater vulnerability.

Methods: A total of 67 infants with CHD had preoperative magnetic resonance imaging scans available for analysis of brain injury using qualitative scoring and brain development using qualitative scoring, metrics, and diffusion imaging.

Abnormalities of intestinal rotation in patients with congenital heart disease and the heterotaxy syndrome.

Objective: Abnormalities of intestinal rotation (AIR) are seen in association with congenital heart disease and heterotaxy syndrome. The prevalence of these abnormalities and recommendations for management are unclear. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of screening for AIR by elective imaging among our group and prophylactic vs.

How should the clinician evaluate and manage the cardiovascular complications of anorexia nervosa?

Five to twenty percent of patients with anorexia nervosa die from their illness. One half of those patients die of medical complications (Steinhavsen, 2002). Malnutrition, dehydration, and electrolyte abnormalities may precipitate death by inducing heart failure or fatal arrhythmias.

Early renal benefit of rapamycin combined with reduced calcineurin inhibitor dose in pediatric heart transplantation patients.

Background: Calcineurin inhibitors such as cyclosporine are effective in preventing rejection in recipients of solid organ transplants. Unfortunately, the prolonged use of calcineurin inhibitors may result in progressive renal injury.

Methods: We studied the renal function of 15 pediatric heart transplant recipients who were taking calcineurin inhibitors.

Persistent Truncus Arteriosus.

Survival of patients with persistent truncus arteriosus, otherwise known as truncus arteriosus communis, has increased over the past several years with advances in congenital heart surgery and postoperative management. Despite the fact that ongoing debate regarding timing for surgical intervention, timing and indication for truncal valve replacement, and the ideal materials to use for the right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit, perseverance on the part of cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, and the rest of the medical team caring for these patients has resulted in longer and improved quality of life. Early, accurate diagnosis, initial stabilization, and medical management in the perinatal period, and surgical intervention are most important in preventing or decreasing long-term morbidity and mortality.