Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor as a Potential Biomarker in Congenital Heart Defects: A Systematic Review.

Background: Several studies have investigated the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) variants, serum levels, and correlations with other extrinsic factors in congenital heart defects (CHDs); however, the findings need confirmation. The present systematic review evaluates the association between CHDs and genetic polymorphisms and serum expressions.

Methods: Relevant literature was searched through electronic databases using keywords and MeSH terms.

Genetic Risk Score Constructed from Polymorphisms in the VEGFA, TBX5, and SMAD7 Genes Provides Novel Insights into the Molecular Mechanisms of the Tetralogy of Fallot and Ventricular Septal Defect (Case-Control Study from the Pakistani Population).

Congenital heart defects are common and complex birth-defect malformations in developed and developing countries. It is a multifactorial disease that involves the interaction of either gene-gene or gene-environment. This comparative study was the first report on the genotypic-phenotypic correlation in the Pakistani population.

Percutaneous closure of ventricular septal defect using LifeTech Konar-MF VSD Occluder: initial and short-term multi-institutional results.

Background: Transcatheter ventricular septal defect closure remains a complex procedure with potential complications like complete heart block and aortic regurgitation. The ideal device design for such intervention is still evolving.

Aim: To assess the safety, efficacy, and short-term outcome of ventricular septal defect closure using LifeTechTM multifunctional (KONAR-MFTM) VSD Occluder.

Immediate And Midterm Results Of Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty In Children With Aortic Valve Stenosis With Special Reference To Dysplastic Aortic Valve.

Background: This study was conducted to determine the immediate and midterm outcome of balloon aortic valvuloplasty in children from age 1 month to 16 years, with special reference to mean balloon to aortic valve ratio along with dooming versus dysplastic valve.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. Patients who underwent balloon aortic valvuloplasty in a single tertiary care hospital were reviewed regarding immediate outcome, morphology of aortic valve, mean balloon to aortic valve ratio and complications during procedure from January 2006 till December 2016.

Balloon valvuloplasty in dysplastic pulmonary valve stenosis: immediate and intermediate outcomes.

Objective: To determine the immediate and intermediate outcome in dysplastic and doming pulmonary valve stenosis in children and to determine various factors associated with unsuccessful outcome.

Study Design: An interventional study.

Place And Duration Of Study: The Children's Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from June 2006 to December 2012.

Variations of pulmonary arteries and other associated defects in Tetralogy of Fallot.

Background: The objective of study was to determine pulmonary artery variations and other associated cardiac defects in patients with Tetralogy of Fallot. This cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out at The Children's Hospital and the Institute of Child Health, Lahore, from January 2006 to December 2012. All patients with Tetralogy of Fallot, who underwent cardiac catheterization during this period, were included.

Optimal dose of adenosine effective for supraventricular tachycardia in children.

Objective: To determine the optimal adenosine dose effective in supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and underlying conditions affecting the effective dose in children.

Study Design: Experimental study.

Place And Duration Of Study: Department of Cardiology, The Children's Hospital and Institute of Child Health, Lahore, from July 2008 to June 2011.

Socioeconomic status and impact of treatment on families of children with congenital heart disease.

Objective: To assess the socioeconomic status, treatment being offered and the impact of congenital heart disease treatment on families.

Study Design: Observational study.

Place And Duration Of Study: The Children's Hospital / Institute of Child Health, Lahore, from 1st March to 31st August 2010.

Pattern of ventricular septal defects and associated complications.

Objective: To determine the frequency of various types of Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) in local population and their complications.

Study Design: Case series.

Place And Duration Of Study: The Paediatric Cardiac Unit of the Children Hospital and Institute of Child Health, Lahore, from January 2006 to December 2007.

Anatomical variations of pulmonary artery and associated cardiac defects in Tetralogy of Fallot.

Objective: To determine pulmonary artery variations and other associated cardiac defects in patients with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF).

Study Design: Cross-sectional, descriptive study.

Place And Duration Of Study: The Children's Hospital and the Institute of Child Health, Lahore, from April 2006 to October 2007.

Evidence of abnormal left ventricular function in patients with thalassaemia major: an echocardiography based study.

Background: Thalassaemia represent one of the most common single gene disorder causing a major public health problem in Pakistan. Nearly 100,000 people are born worldwide with this severe blood disorder every year. Over the last 3 decades, the development of regular transfusion therapy and iron chelation has dramatically improved the quality of life and transformed thalassaemia from a rapidly fatal disease to a chronic disease compatible with prolonged survival.