Yu Zhu^1*, Yong Chen^1*, Yu Feng², Di Yu¹, Xuming Mo¹

Congenital Heart Disease, Vol.13, No.2, pp. 271-281, 2018, DOI:10.1111/chd.12567

Abstract We conducted this meta-analysis to address the open question of a possible association between maternal body mass index (BMI) and congenital heart defects (CHDs) in infants. We conducted a comprehensive computerized search of PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, and Embase databased (January 1980 through August 2017). We assessed the association between maternal BMI and the risk for congenital heart defects in their offspring. Study-specific relative risk estimates were polled according to random-effect or fixed-effect models. From 2567 citations, a total of 13 case-control studies and 4 cohort studies were selected for a meta-analysis, including more than 1 150 000 cases.… More >

Peter Bak¹, Cristel S. Hjortshøj², Peter Gæde³, Lars Idorn⁴, Lars Søndergaard², Annette S. Jensen²

Congenital Heart Disease, Vol.13, No.2, pp. 263-270, 2018, DOI:10.1111/chd.12565

Abstract Objective: Cyanotic congenital heart disease is a systemic disease, with effects on multiple organ systems. A high prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) has been reported in a small cohort of cyanotic congenital heart disease patients. Subclinical hypothyroidism has been associated with various adverse cardiovascular effects, as well as an increased risk of progression to overt hypothyroidism. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of SCH in cyanotic congenital heart disease patients, consider possible etiologies, and evaluate thyroid function over time.
Methods: First, 90 clinically stable cyanotic congenital heart disease patients were examined with blood samples (thyroid-stimulating hormone,… More >

Camilla Sandberg^1,2, Magnus Hedström¹, Karin Wadell², Mikael Dellborg³, Anders Ahnfelt³, Anna-Klara Zetterström⁴, Amanda Öhrn⁴, Bengt Johansson¹

Congenital Heart Disease, Vol.13, No.2, pp. 254-262, 2018, DOI:10.1111/chd.12562

Abstract Objective: The beneficial effects of exercise training in acquired heart failure and coronary artery disease are well known and have been implemented in current treatment guidelines. Knowledge on appropriate exercise training regimes for adults with congenital heart disease is limited, thus further studies are needed. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of home-based interval exercise training on maximal endurance capacity and peak exercise capacity.
Design: Randomized controlled trial.
Methods: Twenty-six adults with complex congenital heart disease were recruited from specialized units for adult congenital heart disease. Patients were randomized to either an intervention group—12 weeks of… More >

Amanda L. Phillips¹, Muhammad Yasir Qureshi^1,2, Benjamin W. Eidem^1,2,3, Frank Cetta^1,2,3

Congenital Heart Disease, Vol.13, No.2, pp. 251-253, 2018, DOI:10.1111/chd.12560

Abstract Background: Lambl’s excrescences (LE) are fibrous extensions that can be found along the lines of closure of the aortic valve. Due to improvements in ultrasound technology, LE are frequently imaged during transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in adults.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of LE among children from two eras (2004–2006 and 2011–2012) and the effect of technological advancements on LE detection.
Methods: TTE from 700 subjects (age 18 years old or younger) were reviewed. All parasternal long and short axis images of the aortic valve were reviewed by a board certified echocardiographer, and the positive… More >

Weiguang Yang¹, Frank L. Hanley², Frandics P. Chan³, Alison L. Marsden^1,4, Irene E. Vignon-Clementel⁵, Jeffrey A. Feinstein^1,4

Congenital Heart Disease, Vol.13, No.2, pp. 241-250, 2018, DOI:10.1111/chd.12556

Abstract Background: Up to 90% of individuals with Alagille syndrome have congenital heart diseases. Peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis (PPS), resulting in right ventricular hypertension and pulmonary flow disparity, is one of the most common abnormalities, yet the hemodynamic effects are illdefined, and optimal patient management and treatment strategies are not well established. The purpose of this pilot study is to use recently refined computational simulation in the setting of multiple surgical strategies, to examine the influence of pulmonary artery reconstruction on hemodynamics in this population.
Materials and Methods: Based on computed tomography angiography and cardiac catheterization data, preoperative pulmonary artery models… More >

Horacio G. Carvajal^1,2, Kathryn J. Lindley³, Trupti Shah¹, Anoop K. Brar¹, Philip M. Barger³, Joseph J. Billadello³, Pirooz Eghtesady¹

Congenital Heart Disease, Vol.13, No.2, pp. 217-221, 2018, DOI:10.1111/chd.12554

Abstract Objective: The effects of pregnancy on autograft dilatation and neoaortic valve function in patients with a Ross procedure have not been studied. We sought to evaluate the effect of pregnancy on autograft dilatation and valve function in these patients with the goal of determining whether pregnancy is safe after the Ross procedure.
Design: A retrospective chart review of female patients who underwent a Ross procedure was conducted.
Patients: Medical records for 51 patients were reviewed. Among the 33 patients who met inclusion criteria, 11 became pregnant after surgery and 22 did not.
Outcome Measures: Echocardiographic reports were used to record… More >

Adam McKillop¹, Brian W. McCrindle^1,2, Gina Dimitropoulos³, Adrienne H. Kovacs³

Congenital Heart Disease, Vol.13, No.2, pp. 232-240, 2018, DOI:10.1111/chd.12553

Abstract Objective: A physically active lifestyle can help maintain positive physical and psychosocial health outcomes among adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). This study explored the physical activity perceptions and behaviors among young adults with CHD.
Design: This was a cross-sectional, mixed-methods study that included objectively measured physical activity assessment (accelerometer), individual semistructured interviews, and psychosocial questionnaires.
Results: Fifteen participants (67% male; 21 ± 3 years old) with moderate (n = 10) or complex (n = 5) CHD were recruited from an outpatient adult CHD clinic. Participants accumulated 26 ± 16 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day, and reported a… More >

David Aurigemma, John W. Moore, Gabrielle Vaughn, Nasser Moiduddin, Howaida G. El-Said

Congenital Heart Disease, Vol.13, No.2, pp. 226-231, 2018, DOI:10.1111/chd.12552

Abstract Background: Right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) stents have been used as palliation in patients with severe tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Radiofrequency perforation of the RVOT has also been described in patients with pulmonary atresia (PA)/ventricular septal defect (VSD). However, RVOT stenting in conjunction with radiofrequency perforation as a means for establishing reliable pulmonary blood flow in patients with PA/VSD has not previously been reported.
Objectives: Our aim is to report our experience with using perforation of plate-like pulmonary valve atresia combined with stenting of RVOT as an alternative and equally efficacious intervention for infants with PA/VSD, as compared to a… More >

Karen Hinsley, Margaret Evans-Langhorst, Courtney Porter, Stephanie Chandler, Christina VanderPluym, John Triedman, Vassilios J. Bezzerides

Congenital Heart Disease, Vol.13, No.2, pp. 222-225, 2018, DOI:10.1111/chd.12551

Abstract Objective: This quality improvement study was implemented to demonstrate consistent and reliable post procedure anticoagulation for patients undergoing left-sided ablations. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of anticoagulation practice during a transition from anticoagulation with overnight infusion of unfractionated heparin to a single subcutaneous injection of low molecular weight heparin.
Methods: Outcomes for patients who received unfractionated heparin from January 2014 to October 2014, were compared with outcomes of patients who received low molecular weight heparin from October 2014 to October 2015. Complications prepractice and postpractice change were documented and compared to establish confidence in the practice change and confirm… More >

So Yeon Kim^1,2, Diana S. Wolfe², Cynthia C. Taub²

Congenital Heart Disease, Vol.13, No.2, pp. 203-209, 2018, DOI:10.1111/chd.12546

Abstract Aims: Pregnancy in patients with Marfan’s syndrome (MFS) carries an increased risk of cardiovascular complications, resulting in increased maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. Literature on MFS pregnant patients is relatively sparse, and there has yet to be a concrete consensus on the management of this unique patient population. The purpose of our paper is to provide a literature review of case reports and studies on MFS during pregnancy (published between 2005 and 2015) and to explore cardiovascular outcomes of patients with MFS.
Methods and Results: Of the 852 women in our review, there were 1112 pregnancies, with an aortic… More >