Design and rationale of re-energize fontan: Randomized exercise intervention designed to maximize fitness in fontan patients.

In this manuscript, we describe the design and rationale of a randomized controlled trial in pediatric Fontan patients to test the hypothesis that a live-video-supervised exercise (aerobic+resistance) intervention will improve cardiac and physical capacity; muscle mass, strength, and function; and endothelial function. Survival of children with single ventricles beyond the neonatal period has increased dramatically with the staged Fontan palliation. Yet, long-term morbidity remains high.

Bereaved Caregiver Perspectives on the End of Life in Pediatric Patients With Ventricular Assist Devices.

Objectives: Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are increasingly used in pediatric heart failure as bridges to heart transplantation, although 25% will die with VADs. Family experiences in this population are not well-described. The objective is to understand bereaved families' perspectives on VAD and end-of-life decision-making.

Posttraumatic stress disorder in pediatric patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and their parents.

Background: An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in the pediatric patient (and the precipitating events that led to ICD placement) can be traumatic for patients and their families and may lead to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of PTSD in pediatric patients with an ICD and their parents and identify the factors associated with PTSD incidence.

Methods: Pediatric participants with an ICD aged 8-21 years and parents of children aged 0-21 years completed surveys that included demographic characteristics and PTSD measures.

A Case of Abulia From Left Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke in an Adolescent Treated Successfully With Short Duration Olanzapine.

Introduction: Abulia is defined as a pathological state of amotivation, apathy, and global absence of willpower. It presents with a challenging array of overlapping symptoms, making effective identification and treatment difficult.

Case Presentation: We describe the first known report of an adolescent with a ventricular assist device who developed abulia following a left middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke who responded successfully to treatment with olanzapine.

An exploratory assessment of pediatric patient and parent needs after implantable cardioverter defibrillator implant.

Background: Placement of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is often accompanied by psychological adjustment issues in pediatric patients and their parents. Although anxiety, depression, and lowered quality of life have been seen in these patients, no studies have investigated patient or parent reported needs. This exploratory study describes the needs of pediatric ICD patients and parents and assesses whether patient factors of age, gender, depression, and anxiety are associated with specific needs.