J Pediatr. 2020 Jan 31. pii: S0022-3476(19)31716-0. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2019.12.037. [Epub ahead of print] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32014282
Implications of Atrial-Level Shunting by Echocardiography in Newborns with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.
Wehrmann M1, Patel SS2, Haxel C3, Cassidy C2, Howley L4, Cuneo B2, Gien J5, Kinsella JP5.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To determine whether postnatal echocardiographic indices of left ventricular (LV) size and function are associated with atrial-level shunt direction and investigate whether a relationship exists between LV function and LV size in patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).
STUDY DESIGN:
This was a single-center retrospective study of 51 neonates with CDH evaluated at Children’s Hospital Colorado. Initial postnatal echocardiograms were analyzed for cardiac dimensions, valvar integrity, cardiac time intervals, and biventricular function. Comparisons were made between neonates with left-to-right vs right-to-left atrial-level shunting, as well as between those with decreased (ejection fraction <55%) vs normal (ejection fraction ≥55%) LV function.
RESULTS:
The majority (82.4%) of infants with CDH had a left-to-right atrial-level shunt, and 84.3% had systemic or suprasystemic pulmonary artery pressure. Decreased LV function was demonstrated in 37.2% and was associated with smaller LV volumes and worse outcomes, including the need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and survival.
CONCLUSIONS:
Left-to-right atrial-level shunting is common in neonates with severe CDH, even in the presence of suprasystemic pulmonary artery pressure. LV dysfunction correlates with decreased LV volumes and is associated with adverse neonatal outcomes, including increased need for ECMO and decreased survival.
Published by Elsevier Inc.PMID: 32014282 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2019.12.037
