Genetic Analysis of Heterotaxy in a Consanguineous Cohort.

Heterotaxy (HTX) is a group of clinical conditions with a shared pathology of dislocation of one or more organs along the left-right axis. The etiology of HTX is tremendously heterogeneous spanning environmental factors, chromosomal aberrations, mono/oligogenic variants, and complex inheritance. However, in the vast majority of cases, the etiology of HTX remains elusive.

Results after mitral valve replacement with mechanical prostheses in young children.

Objective: We examined outcomes after mitral valve replacement in children younger than 8 years.

Methods: Medical records of patients who underwent mitral valve replacement from 1990 to 2006 were reviewed. Competing-risks methodology determined time-related prevalence and associated factors for death, repeated valve replacement, and survival without reoperation.

Aortic and mitral valve replacement in children: is there any role for biologic and bioprosthetic substitutes?

Objective: The ideal valve substitute in children does not exist. Biologic and bioprosthetic valves do not require anticoagulation, however their use is complicated by accelerated degeneration and requirement for reoperation. We examine results following mitral (MVR) or aortic (AVR) replacement with biologic and bioprosthetic valves at our institution.

Group B streptococcal endocarditis.

Group B Streptococcus can cause early onset neonatal disease. Beyond neonatal life, group B Streptococci are unusual pathogens. It can cause septicemia, epiglottis, fascitis, and endocarditis.