Biventricular Repair of Univentricular Heart Lowers Risk of Liver Disease Compared With the Fontan Operation.

Background: The Fontan operation is associated with chronic venous hypertension, liver and renal disease, and several other sequelae. The alterative surgical approach, when feasible, a biventricular conversion (BiV), may diminish some of these long-term risks.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare long-term outcomes of patients undergoing BiV with those undergoing a destination Fontan operation.

Hemostatic Challenges in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine-Hemostatic Balance in VAD.

Ventricular assist devices (VAD) are used more in children. Safe and effective anticoagulation is required for successful management of children supported with ventricular assist devices. Developmental hemostasis, device hemocompatibility, plastic to body ratio, surgical variable techniques, lack of knowledge on pharmacokinetics of anticoagulants, and wide variability in anticoagulation protocols have all contributed to increased incidence of bleeding and thromboembolic complications.

Tele-Pediatric Intensive Care for Critically Ill Children in Syria.

Background: Armed conflicts can result in humanitarian crises and have major impacts on civilians, of whom children represent a significant proportion. Usual pediatric medical care is often disrupted and trauma resulting from war-related injuries is often devastating. High pediatric mortality rates are thus experienced in these ravaged medical environments.