Incorporating an Elevated Perfusion Index in the Right Hand Enhanced Screening Sensitivity for Critical Aortic Arch Obstruction in Newborn Infants.

Aim: Newborn infants with critical aortic arch obstruction are often undiagnosed at discharge, despite screening. This study investigated if adding the perfusion index improved early detection.

Methods: We retrospectively studied 38 newborn infants with critical aortic arch obstruction, who were routinely screened in 2014-2019 by 13 Swedish hospitals using pulse oximetry and the perfusion index.

Persistent reduced myocardial deformation in neonates after CoA repair.

Introduction: Surgical repair of coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a safe procedure in children, however the condition is known for its potential recurrence and other related complications. The available evidence shows abnormal intrinsic properties of the aorta in CoA, thus suggesting additional effect, even after CoA repair, on left ventricular (LV) function. Accordingly, we sought to obtain a better understanding of LV myocardial mechanics in very early-corrected CoA using two-dimensional STE.

Late Diagnosis of Coarctation Despite Prenatal Ultrasound and Postnatal Pulse Oximetry.

Objectives: To determine what contribution prenatal ultrasound screening and neonatal pulse oximetry screening (POS) make to the timely diagnosis of neonatal coarctation of the aorta (CoA).

Methods: We identified infants and fetuses diagnosed with isolated CoA in our referral area between 2003 and 2012 who died without surgery, underwent surgical repair before 2 months of age, or were terminated after a prenatal diagnosis. Clinical data were collected from hospital charts.