Bone-Specific Alkaline Phosphatase in Patients Who Have Undergone the Fontan Operation.

Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) is produced by osteoblasts. A recent series noted a positive association between cardiac index (CI) and BALP in patients with Fontan circulation. CI is low at baseline in these patients, and small decreases in CI may result in diverting of blood away from bone.

Transcatheter Patent Ductus Arteriosus Occlusion in Small Infants.

Background: Transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occlusion is feasible in small infants and may improve lung function in symptomatic patients. We aimed to describe transcatheter PDA closure in small infants including predictors of technical success and rate of complication and to identify factors associated with improved respiratory status after closure.

Methods: All patients in the NICU at our center who were referred for transcatheter PDA occlusion between 1/2010 and 11/2014 were retrospectively identified.