Echocardiographic two-dimensional view of the pulmonary valve in infants: the high transsternal view.

Neonates and small infants have unique characteristics that make it possible to obtain echocardiographic views that are inaccessible in older patients. A high transsternal approach through the cartilaginous sternum and the thymus gland allows visualisation of a short-axis view of the pulmonary valve. This view should be included as part of routine protocols for echocardiographic examinations performed in this age group.

Pulmonary vasodilator therapy and early postoperative outcome after modified Fontan operation.

Although mortality is low after the modified Fontan procedure, there is a significant percentage of patients with prolonged postoperative recovery. The objective of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of postoperative administration of oral sildenafil and inhaled nitric oxide on early postoperative outcome. A prospective interventional and comparison study with a historical cohort was conducted.

Fontan operation. Hemodynamic factors associated with postoperative outcomes.

Introduction And Objectives: The Fontan operation is usually the final palliative procedure in patients with univentricular heart. The objectives of this study were, firstly, to describe the clinical and haemodynamic characteristics of a group of patients with univentricular physiology who had previously been palliated with a bidirectional Glenn procedure and, secondly, to identify risk factors that can influence postoperative outcomes after the Fontan operation.

Methods: Retrospective study with 32 patients who underwent a Fontan operation between March 2000 and December 2009.

Imported malaria in children: a comparative study between recent immigrants and immigrant travelers (VFRs).

Background: In Europe, imported malarial cases occur in returning travelers and immigrants mostly from African countries. There have been an increasing number of cases in the past years in Spain.

Methods: An analysis of all cases of malaria who attended at the Hospital of Mostoles in the Southwest of Madrid from 1995 to 2007 was performed.