Variants Are Associated with Atrial Dysfunction in Neonates with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.

: variants are the most well-known genetic risk factor (10%) for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and are associated with decreased cardiac transplant-free survival. encodes for α-myosin heavy chain (α-MHC), a contractile protein expressed in the neonatal atria. We therefore assessed atrial function in HLHS patients with variants.

Proximal Arch in Left Thoracotomy Repair of Neonatal and Infant Coarctation-How Small Is Too Small?

Background: We sought to evaluate the relationship between proximal arch hypoplasia and reintervention for left thoracotomy repair of coarctation of the aorta.

Methods: This was a retrospective review of 153 consecutive neonates and infants undergoing left thoracotomy and extended end-to-end repair of coarctation from January 1, 2000, to January 1, 2014, at a single center with exclusion of single ventricle-palliated patients. Primary outcome was reintervention evaluated with respect to five definitions of proximal arch hypoplasia.

Single-Stage Repair of Coarctation of the Aorta and Ventricular Septal Defect: A Comparison of Surgical Strategies and Resource Utilization.

Background: We sought to compare clinical outcomes and resource utilization for two surgical approaches for single-stage repair of coarctation of the aorta and ventricular septal defect (VSD).

Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of 21 consecutive neonates and infants undergoing single-stage repair of coarctation of the aorta and VSD. Group 1 included 13 patients with both arch repair and VSD repair completed via sternotomy.

Effectiveness of a pediatric verbal lead exposure screening protocol in emergency department patients.

Purpose: The population demographics found in many urban emergency departments (EDs) often mirrors those of children at risk for elevated serum lead levels. We evaluated the effectiveness of a verbal lead screening program for screening high-risk children presenting to the ED.

Methods: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted of children aged 9 months to 6 years, living in 2 target counties and presenting to an urban, academic, Midwestern ED.