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Magnesium (Mg) is a crucial element for cardiovascular system and its deficiency results in a variety of cardiac arrhythmias. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of oral Mg supplementation on the frequency of ventricular extrasystoles (VES) in children. Magnesium supplementation was given to 42 children who had VES without structural heart disease. Clinical, electrocardiographic, and Holter monitoring studies were reviewed. The mean baseline 24 h VES burden on Holter monitoring was 10.26% ± 4.13% and it was decreased to 6.62% ± 3.88% after. There was no significant difference between the pre-treatment serum Mg levels and the decrease in the frequency of VES. In conclusion, oral Mg therapy was found to be effective at suppressing VES in children regardless of serum Mg levels. Large and randomized studies are needed to demonstrate the effect of magnesium on VES suppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium (Mg) is a crucial element for cardiovascular system and its deficiency results in a variety of cardiac arrhythmias. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of oral Mg supplementation on the frequency of ventricular extrasystoles (VES) in children. Magnesium supplementation was given to 42 children who had VES without structural heart disease. Clinical, electrocardiographic, and Holter monitoring studies were reviewed. The mean baseline 24 h VES burden on Holter monitoring was 10.26% ± 4.13% and it was decreased to 6.62% ± 3.88% after. There was no significant difference between the pre-treatment serum Mg levels and the decrease in the frequency of VES. In conclusion, oral Mg therapy was found to be effective at suppressing VES in children regardless of serum Mg levels. Large and randomized studies are needed to demonstrate the effect of magnesium on VES suppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) accounts for 3.5% of all congenital heart diseases in children. The clinical manifestations range from heart failure to asymptomatic hypertension. Treatment options include surgical repair, balloon angioplasty, and stenting. We aimed to investigate the long-term results of surgery and balloon angioplasty to identify the possible risk factors for recoarctation and predictors associated with early success in treatment modalities. Materials and Methods: The data of 138 children who underwent examinations at a tertiary center between 2015 and 2020 with the diagnosis of CoA were evaluated. The basic demographic characteristics, clinical and echocardiographic findings, results, and treatment methods of the patients were evaluated retrospectively. Results: The mean follow-up period was 75.1 months (range of 1-223). As initial treatment, 75 patients (60.5%) underwent balloon angioplasty, 44 (35.5%) underwent surgery, and 5 (4%) underwent stenting. The early success rate of balloon angioplasty and surgery was 72.5% and 79.5%, respectively. Recoarctation occurred in 47.6% of patients following the first therapy. The median reintervention-free survival time was 138 months for all patients and was significantly higher in the surgery group (P = .025). The recoarctation rate was slightly lower in the surgery group than in those who underwent balloon angioplasty, but it was not statistically significant. None of the clinical and echocardiographic findings were found to be associated with recoarctation or early success. Conclusion: The rate of recoarctation is still high in long-term follow-up after aortic coarctation treatment, and clinical and echocardiographic findings are insufficient to predict the chance of early success and the risk of recoarctation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aims to investigate the clinical characteristics of pediatric patients diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and assess their shortterm prognosis. Materials and Methods: Data from 213 patients diagnosed with SVT between 2010 and 2015 at the Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Bursa Uludag University Faculty of Medicine, were retrospectively reviewed. Results: The ratio of male to female patients was 1: 1.25. Regarding treatment response and prognosis, the recurrence rate of SVT attacks was higher in males. The most common complaint at the time of diagnosis was palpitation. Furthermore, 17.8% of patients were diagnosed due to tachycardia detected during routine check-ups; almost all were under one year of age. In 56.3% of patients, the initial diagnosis was made at the pediatric emergency clinic. In acute treatment, 30% of patients were treated with vagal maneuvers; 61% had their attacks terminated, while 41% received drug therapy. Adenosine was the most used drug, and it successfully terminated attacks in 79% of patients receiving it. In the evaluation of patients' follow-ups after the initial attack, 56.3% of patients experienced recurrences, and 71% of second attacks occurred within the first three months. Prophylactic drug therapy was initiated in 94.4% of patients, with an average duration of 2.5±1.6 years. After treatment discontinuation, 75.4% of patients remained symptom-free, while 24.6% experienced SVT attacks again. Electrophysiological studies were performed in 16.9% of patients at another centers, and ablation was applied to 15.5%. Conclusion: Patients with SVT may be asymptomatic during infancy and vagal stimulation and adenosine response was quite good in acute treatment. Prophylactic medical treatment was effective in children whose weight is <15 kg and the recurrences were low after discontinuation especially in infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Ventricular extrasystole is one of the most common rhythm disorders in children, and almost all of them are characterized by normal cardiac functions without structural cardiac abnormalities. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical course of ventricular extrasystole in children who did not have cardiac structural abnormalities. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 24-hour rhythm Holter recordings performed in our clinic in children. Patients diagnosed with isolated ventricular extrasystole in Holter records and without structural heart disease on echocardiography were included in the evaluation. Results: A total of 20 160 Holter results were evaluated in the study, and 226 patients (male; 66%) met the criteria. The mean follow-up time was 8.7 ± 3.2 years. While 81.8% of the patients were asymptomatic, the most common symptom was palpitation and 5 patients had syncope. Of the patients, 72 (31.8%) received medical therapy. Beta-blockers were the most often prescribed medication. Cardiomyopathy did not develop in any of the patients during the followup period. A partial reduction in the frequency of ventricular extrasystole was observed in 42% of the patients, while complete recovery was observed in 22%. Conclusion: Ventricular extrasystole in children generally has a good prognosis; most of them are asymptomatic, and the rates of spontaneous regression over time are quite high, regardless of the origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary signet ring cell carcinoma of the bladder is a rare tumor and it has a poor prognosis and is more mortal than the urothelial cell carnioma. However, most patients apply with painless macroscopic hematuria; rarely do they could apply with urinary tract infection or lower urinary tract symptoms. In this study; a 47-year-old male was referred to our clinic with dysuria, which was antibiotic therapy and symptomatic treatment. In ultrasonography, bladder wall thickening has been seen then patient underwent with cystoscopy. After atypical lesions were seen on the bladder mucosa, random punch biopsies were taken. A pathological examination revealed infiltrative urothelial carcinoma with a poorly differentiated signet ring cell component. As in this case report, patients with signet ring cell bladder cancer, which is rare and has an aggressive course, might only present with non-specific complaints such as dysuria. If atypical lesions are observed during the diagnostic cystoscopy procedure, the threshold should be kept low to decide on biopsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary signet ring cell carcinoma of the bladder is a rare tumor and it has a poor prognosis and is more mortal than the urothelial cell carnioma. However, most patients apply with painless macroscopic hematuria; rarely do they could apply with urinary tract infection or lower urinary tract symptoms. In this study; a 47-yearold male was referred to our clinic with dysuria, which was antibiotic therapy and symptomatic treatment. In ultrasonography, bladder wall thickening has been seen then patient underwent with cystoscopy. After atypical lesions were seen on the bladder mucosa, random punch biopsies were taken. A pathological examination revealed infiltrative urothelial carcinoma with a poorly differentiated signet ring cell component. As in this case report, patients with signet ring cell bladder cancer, which is rare and has an aggressive course, might only present with non-specific complaints such as dysuria. If atypical lesions are observed during the diagnostic cystoscopy procedure, the threshold should be kept low to decide on biopsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we report our experience with the use of external loop recorders (ELRs), in terms of diagnostic efficiency according to symptoms and symptom-rhythm correlation in pediatric patients. We evaluated ELRs applied to 178 patients between April 2017 and November 2020 at our center. The mean age of 172 patients included in the study was 13.6 ± 3.8 years, and 69.8% were female. ELR indications were palpitations in 98 (56.9%) cases, chest pain and palpitations in 43 (25%) cases, presyncope/syncope in 28 (16.2%) cases, and pacemaker/ implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) problems in 3 (0.2%) cases. ELR recording times were 14.2 ± 9.7 days on average, ranging from 2 to 67 days. While the symptom-rhythm correlation was 29.1% in total, when the indications were evaluated one by one, this correlation was found to be 30.2% in palpitations, 34.7% in chest pain and palpitations, and 10.7% in presyncope/syncope. The total diagnostic efficiency was 68.1%. In the follow-up of ELR cases, a total of 139 (80.8%) patients received clinical follow-up without medication, 15 (8.8%) patients received medical treatment, and 18 (10.4%) patients underwent EPS. The cardiac ELR system is useful in detecting underlying arrhythmias. Demonstrating sinus tachycardia at the time of the symptom may be seen as negative finding, but while experiencing symptoms, it is diagnostically valuable and may help avoid further investigation with costly and invasive diagnostic procedures. For diagnostic efficiency and cost effectiveness, the optimal recording time is 2 weeks, but it should be extended to 4 weeks in cases such as of presyncope/syncope that cannot be explained with a 2-week ELR use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome (JLNS) isa recessive model of long QT syndrome which might also be related to possible hearing loss. Although the syndrome has been demonstrated to be originated from homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in either the KCNQ1 or KCNE1 genes, additional mutations in other genetic loci should be considered, particularly in malignant course patients. Case presentations: Three patients were admitted into hospital due to recurrent seizures/syncope, intrauterine and postnatal bradycardia respectively; moreover all three patients had congenital sensorineural hearing-loss. Their electrocardiograms showed markedly prolonged QT interval. Implantable defibrillator was implanted and left cardiac sympathetic denervation was performed due to the progressive disease in case 1. She had countless ventricular fibrillation and appropriate shock while using an implantable defibrillator. The DNA sequencing analysis of the KCNQ1 gene disclosed a homozygous c.728G > A (p.Arg243His) missense mutation in case1. Further targeted next generation sequencing of cardiac panel comprising 68 gene revealed a heterozygous c.1346 T > G (p.Ile449Arg) variant in RYR2 gene and a heterozygous c.809G > A (p.Cys270Tyr) variant in NKX2-5 gene in the same patient. Additional gene alterations in RYR2 and NKX2-5 genes were thought to be responsible for progressive and malignant course of the disease. As a result of DNA sequencing analysis of KCNQ1 and KCNE1 genes, a compound heterozygosity for two mutations had been detected in KCNQ1 gene in case 2: a maternally derived c.477 + 1G > A splice site mutation and a paternally derived c.520C > T (p.Arg174Cys) missense mutation. Sanger sequencing of KCNQ1 and KCNE1 genes displayed a homozygous c.1097G > A (p.Arg366Gln) mutation in KCNQ1 gene in case 3. β-blocker therapy was initiated to all the index subjects. Conclusions: Three families of JLNS who presented with long QT and deafness and who carry homozygous, or compound heterozygous mutation in KCNQ1 gene were presented in this report. It was emphasized that broad targeted cardiac panels may be useful to predict the outcome especially in patients with unexplained phenotype-genotype correlation. Clinical presentations and molecular findings will be discussed further to clarify the phenotype genotype associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Holter monitoring (HM) is usually used in patients with syncope when etiology cannot be explained with history, physical examination and electrocardiography (ECG). In this study the objective was to evaluate the diagnostic value of HM in children with syncope. Materials and Methods: Databases were collected retrospectively by analyzing the HM results of 3.122 pediatric patients between 2010-2014. Gender, age at diagnosis, detailed clinical history, physical examination, 12-lead electrocardiographic and echocardiographic results were noted using standardized form. Results: The study included 323 patients with syncope with a mean age of 13.21±3.67. There were 199 female and 124 male patients in this study. Among all patients 284 (87.9%) had normal HM results, while 11 (3.4%) patients had abnormal Holter studies that consider to explain as syncope. Three of 11 patients with abnormal Holter results diagnosed through ECG before HM, hence, the diagnostic value of HM was calculated as 2.4%. In contrast, diagnostic value of HM in patients with positive family history was found to be 16.6%. In this study, 7 patients were considered to have long QT syndrome according to their HM findings. Conclusions: Detailed clinical history has a great value in children with syncope. As a result, HM has low diagnostic value if the patients are not in high risk group. However, HM was considered to be important because of concealed long QT syndrome especially if the patient had positive family history and exercise related syncope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) is an echocardiographic measurement used for evaluating right ventricular systolic function. While established reference values of TAPSE exist for the adult population, only a limited number of studies have attempted to evaluate reference values for the pediatric population. The aim of the present study was to determine the reference values for TAPSE in healthy children in Turkey. Methods: A total of 765 healthy children aged between 0 and 18 years, all of whom were referred to our clinic with cardiac murmurs, were evaluated prospectively. Patients with no cardiac pathologies or other disorders were excluded from the study. The measurement of TAPSE was obtained using a 2D-guided M-mode technique with echocardiography, and the relationship between age and surface area with TAPSE was investigated. The statistical analysis was carried out using the SPSS 20.0 software package (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA, 2012). Results: The mean TAPSE value was found to be 19.56±5.54mm, and no significant difference was identified between male and female children. TAPSE values showed a positive correlation with increasing age and surface area. The mean TAPSE value was 9.09±1.36 mm in newborns and 25.91±3.60 mm in the 13-18 years age group. A negative correlation was seen between TAPSE and heart rate. Conclusion: In the present study, the reference values for TAPSE in healthy Turkish children were presented in percentile tables and the corresponding z-scores were determined. These reference values may be useful in daily practice for the evaluation of right ventricular systolic function in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology. Coronary artery lesions (CAL) develop in 15% to 20% of untreated cases. Our objective was to evaluate demographic, clinical, and laboratory features and short-intermediate coronary artery outcomes of children with KD. Patients and Methods: Medical records of patients with KD were retrospectively identified. Clinical information and echocardiography, laboratory, and angiographic results were noted using a standardized form. Results: The study included 44 patients with a mean age of the 29.72 ± 21 months (ranging from 1 month to 9.5 years). There were 28 male and 16 female patients; 20 patients were diagnosed as having had incomplete KD. Four cases with atypical presentation were significantly older than children with complete and incomplete KD; 17 patients (38.6 %) had coronary artery aneurysm (CAA), which declined to 6.8% after intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment. Time between fever and diagnosis and abnormal levels of hemoglobin and platelets were all associated with CAA. The children were followed up for a mean of 36.39 ± 19 months (with a maximum of 16 years). Angiographic evolution and regression of CALs have been observed in 14 (82.3%) patients. Three patients in whom CALs persisted did not receive IVIG therapy because of delayed diagnosis. Conclusions: Awareness of KD in children has led to an increase in the number of cases. Utility of IVIG treatment to reduce the coronary artery involvement in patients with delayed diagnoses should be discussed and considered. Long-term results are required to assess whether the KD represents a risk factor for coronary artery diseases seen during adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The aim of this study was to identify the sensitivity of electrocardiogram ( ECG) in early diagnosis of cardiac autonomic function disorder in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Methods A total of 150 children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus were enrolled between June 2009 and June 2010, as well as 100 age- and sex-matched healthy control children. Twelve-lead ECG was done in all cases and heart rate, QT and QTc interval, dispersion of P wave ( Pd), and of QT ( QTd) and QTc interval ( QTcd) were measured. The clinical and demographic features such as age, gender, duration of follow up and level of HbA1c and fasting glucose were obtained and the effects of these parameters on ECG measurements were investigated. Results The mean age of the patients and controls was 11.61 ± 3.72 years and 10.92 ± 3.2 years, respectively. QT and QTc interval and QTcd interval were significantly higher in diabetic children compared to healthy controls but these ECG findings were not associated with the duration of diabetes or glycemic state. Pd was significantly higher in the diabetic patients with HbA1c >7.5% compared to control, and this was also found in patients that were followed up >1 year. Conclusions Cardiac autonomic function disorder, which is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality, may emerge in the course of type 1 diabetes mellitus. It can be diagnosed on ECG even when the patients are asymptomatic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although congenital coronary artery anomalies are seen in 0.6-1 % of adult patients undergoing coronary angiography, the data for the pediatric population are few. This study of 22 children with coronary artery anomalies evaluated them in terms of demographic and clinical features and analyzed their angiographic findings and surgical results. Databases in the Department of Pediatric Cardiology at the University of Uludag were searched for all the patients with a diagnosis of congenital coronary artery anomaly who underwent coronary angiography between 1993 and 2013. Patients with coexistent congenital heart disease were excluded from the study. The study noted 22 patients (0.9 %; 10 boys and 11 girls) with coronary artery anomalies. The mean age of these patients was 58.77 ± 52.04 months (range, 1 month-16 years). Coronary arteriovenous fistula (50 %) and anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) (36 %) were the most common anomalies. In addition, the study included one patient with diffuse coronary artery hypoplasia, one patient with muscular bridge, and one patient with left main coronary artery originating from the right aortic sinus valsalva. Of the 11 patients who had coronary atrioventricular fistula, 7 were asymptomatic, whereas 75 % of the patients with ALCAPA syndrome were admitted because of heart failure. Although 13 patients had an exact diagnosis by echocardiography, 50 % of the patients with ALCAPA syndrome had their diagnosis determined by catheter angiography performed because of severe mitral regurgitation or dilated cardiomyopathy. The mortality rate for all the patients was found to be 18.1 %. Eight patients with coronary arteriovenous fistula have been followed up without surgery to the present. In contrast, seven patients with ALCAPA syndrome have undergone surgery, and three have died. Two of these patients died during the postoperative period, and the remaining patient died suddenly during the preoperative period at home. Isolated congenital coronary artery anomalies are very rare in the pediatric population. Although most congenital coronary artery anomalies are clinically silent, they may be associated with severe symptoms in children. Recognition of potentially serious anomalies such as ALCAPA syndrome is mandatory so that early surgical treatment can be prescribed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Costello syndrome is probably an autosomal dominant inherited disorder that is characterized by postnatal growth retardation, developmental delay, coarse facies, loose skin, nonprogressive cardiomyopathy and friendly behavior. The aim of this study was to evaluate a variety of clinical findings and cardiac involvement of six patients diagnosed as Costello syndrome. Materials and Methods: Six cases that had a typical features of Costello syndrome admitted to pediatric cardiology department due to cardiac murmur between 2002-2013 years were evaluated. Their complaints, clinical findings, treatments and clinical courses were examined. Results: Three of the patients were male and the mean age of patients was 34±12 months (7 months to 11 years). All of the cases had coarse faces, deep palmar and plantar creases, hypertelorism, epicanthal folds, depressed nasal bridges and cardiac murmur at auscultation. Congenital heart disease was found in all patients. Five patients had pulmonary stenosis and balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty was performed in 3 of these patients. Atrial septal defect was detected in 3 patients and 1 of the patient had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Mental retardation was found in 2 patients. Conclusions: Costello syndrome must be keep in mind in all patients with psychomotor retardation, coarse faces, sparse hairs, deep palmar and plantar creases, phenotypical features resembling a storage disease especially in association with pulmonary stenosis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subvalvular aortic stenosis accounts for 1-2 % of all congenital heart disease and for 8-20 % of cases of left-ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction in children. Recurrence of subaortic stenosis (SAS) is not uncommon after surgical management. This study was performed to investigate the clinical and surgical outcomes and to estimate the predictability of recurrences of SAS. Seventy-nine patients age 3-21 years with SAS between 1994 and 2010 were reviewed. Fifty-one patients had discrete SAS, whereas the remaining 15 patients had fibromuscular ridge-type SAS. Mean follow-up time without surgery was 22 months (range of 1-94). Forty-one patients with a diagnosis of SAS underwent surgery. Recurrence rates were 22.7 % (15 patients), and these patients developed SAS at a mean of 4.7 years follow-up. We performed second surgical membrane resection in only 1 patient. The risk of recurrence of SAS was only linked to higher preoperative LVOT gradient. Twenty-three patients had no aortic regurgitation (AR) at preoperative echocardiography. Of these, 39.1 % had trivial, 8.7 % had mild, and 8.7 % had moderate AR after surgery; there was no significant AR. We conclude that surgical intervention was required most of the time in patients with SAS, and surgical outcomes was excellent even if there were associated cardiac defects. The risk of recurrences was higher, especially in patients with higher initial LVOT gradients, although a second surgery was rarely necessary in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case study of 6-year-old boy who was admitted to the hospital with seizure and loss of consciousness is presented. It mentions appearance of several typical vesicular rash of varicella zoster infection (VZI) on his abdomen and diagnosis of varicella confirmed by characteristics of the skin lesions. It also discusses first-degree atrioventricular block revealed through electrocardiogram after IVIG therapy.

This study aimed to compare the success and postoperative complication rates of the novel non-transecting urethroplasty (NTU) technique and conventional excision-primary anastomosis (EPA) in the surgical treatment of short bulbar urethral strictures. Data of the patients who underwent excision-primary anastomosis or NTU procedures at our center for the surgical treatment of bulbar urethral strictures shorter than 3 cm between January 2010 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Forty-seven patients fulfilled the eligibility criteria for this study. Among these patients, 22 underwent NTU procedure while 25 underwent EPA. There was no difference between the two groups regarding age, stricture length, etiology, past surgical history, and duration of follow-up. The surgical success rates were 88% and 87,2% in the NTU and EPA groups, respectively (p = 0,603). The complication rates were 12% and 13,6% in NTU and EPA groups, respectively. Two groups were similar concerning complication rates (p = 0,603). The novel NTU and conventional EPA techniques are similar regarding surgical success and complication rates in the surgical treatment of bulbar urethral strictures shorter than three centimeters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent 5th aortic arch, originally called double-lumen aortic arch, is a rarely reported cardiac developmental anomaly that results in systemic-to-systemic or systemic-to-pulmonary shunting. When this malformation occurs, other intracardiac defects are almost always present. We report the case of a 7-month-old girl who presented with a heart murmur; she was found to have an interrupted 4th aortic arch and coarctation of a persistent 5th aortic arch, with no other defects. To our knowledge, this is the 3rd report of a pediatric patient with this condition in isolation, and the first report of its diagnosis and treatment by means of cardiac catheterization and balloon angioplasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a cases study of a 15-year-old male presented with recurrent syncope while climbing stairs. Topics discussed include right ventricular hypertrophy revealed in electrocardiography; performing thorax high-resolution computed tomography, pulmonary function test, serologic tests for connective tissue disorders and coagulation studies; and diagnosis of moyamoya disease with pulmonary hypertension.

The article presents a case study of a 17-year-old boy was diagnosed with suspected accessory mitral valve (AMV) during the evaluation of a cardiac murmur with no other associated anomalies, aortic regurgitation (AR), and followed up for 8 years by serial transthoracic echocardiography.

Congenital ventricular diverticulum is a rare cardiac anomaly defined as a localized protrusion of the ventricular free wall. Although, it is usually asymptomatic, complications such as embolism, infective endocarditis, and arrhythmias can occur. The diagnosis can be made by echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, or catheter angiography. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice in symptomatic patients, whereas the management of asymptomatic patients often represents a therapeutic dilemma. We report here, a 9-month-old patient with asymptomatic congenital left ventricular (LV) diverticulum associated with epigastric hernia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A response from the author of the article "Huge thrombus formation 1 year after percutaneous closure of an atrial septal defect with an Amplatzer septal occluder" in the previous issue is presented.

The article presents a case study of a 17-year-old boy with atrial septal defect (ASD). It states that the patient was also found to have huge mobile thrombus after undergoing transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). It adds that the patient undergone protein C and S, homocystein, and antithrombin III measurement to distinguish an inherited thrombotic disposition.

Background: Some studies have shown that there may be an increase in the frequency of erectile dysfunction after COVID-19. However, no long-term study has investigated whether this is permanent or temporary. In this study, we aimed to examine whether there was an increase in the frequency of erectile dysfunction among individuals with a history of COVID-19, and, if there was, whether their condition improved over time. Materials and methods: In this study, a total of 125 healthy male healthcare workers, 95 with and 30 without a history of COVID-19, were evaluated in terms of erectile function. Four study groups were formed. The first three groups consisted of individuals with a history of COVID-19 confirmed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test at different times, who recovered from the disease (time elapsed since COVID-19 positivity: <6 months for Group 1, 6 to 12 months for Group 2, and >12 months for Group 3). The individuals in Group 4 did not have a history of COVID-19 diagnosis. In order to evaluate the erectile function of the participants, they were asked to complete the five-item International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF-5). Then, statistical analyses were performed to evaluate whether there was a difference between the groups in terms of the IIEF-5 scores. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of the IIEF-5 scores (p < 0.001), and this difference was determined to be caused by the significantly higher IIEF-5 scores of Groups 3 and 4 compared to Group 1 (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively). In addition, the IIEF-5 score of Group 4 was statistically significantly higher than that of Group 2 (p < 0.001). However, the IIEF-5 scores did not statistically significantly differ between Groups 1 and 2, Groups 2 and 3, and Groups 3 and 4 (p > 0.999, p = 0.204, and p = 0.592, respectively). Conclusion: There may be deterioration in erectile function after COVID-19; however, this tends to improve over time, especially from the first year after active infection. Given that vascular, hormonal, and/or psychogenic factors may lead to the development of erectile dysfunction after COVID-19, we consider that in order to easily manage this process, it is important to determine the underlying cause, initiate appropriate treatment, and inform couples that this situation can be temporary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study investigated the effects of levetiracetam (LEV) treatment on cardiac rhythm and heart rate variability. Methods: The study included two groups of patients diagnosed with non‐lesional epilepsy who had not yet been treated and who presented to the outpatient pediatric neurology clinic at Van Training and Research Hospital, Van, Turkey, between 2019 and 2020. The heart rate variability (HRV) of 47 patients in the first group, before and at the 3rd month of treatment, and intravenous (IV) LEV loading in 13 patients in the second group was evaluated by Holter electrocardiography (ECG). Results: It was determined that the values of triangular index, standard deviation of the RR intervals over a 24‐hour period (SDNN), standard deviation of all 5‐minute mean RR intervals (SDANN), mean of standard deviations of all normal RR intervals (SDNNI), the percentage of RR intervals with >50‐millisecond variation (PNN50), and the square root of mean squared differences of successive RR intervals (RMSSD). HRV of 47 patients under LEV treatment significantly increased in the 3rd month of treatment compared to baseline (p < 0.05). No difference was found in HRV between the intravenous loading and the control group (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Our study suggests that the sympathovagal balance before treatment in the patient group is in favor of the sympathetic nervous system and that the sympathovagal imbalance improves after treatment. Our results show that LEV monotherapy and loading have no negative effect on HRV and potential cardiac arrhythmia risk in children with epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the greatest pandemic in a century. In this study, children with mild COVID-19 infections were evaluated at least 8 weeks after the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test positivity, and the frequency of hypertension (HT) in these children was investigated. These results were compared to those of the control group, which consisted of 32 healthy children in the same age range as the trial group but who did not have COVID-19. This prospective multicenter study was conducted including children aged 10 to 18 years. There were 16 patients (16%) who had elevated systolic blood pressure, while 11 patients (11%) had stage-1 HT and 1 patient (1%) had stage-2 HT. It was revealed that children with COVID-19 had significantly higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures than normal healthy children. The findings of this study contribute toward increasing the understanding of the sequelae of mild COVID-19 in pediatric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital nephrotic syndrome ( CNS) is a rare disease inherited as an autosomally recessive trait and defined as proteinuria manifesting at birth or in the first 3 months of life. The classical form is the Finnish type of CNS ( CNF), which is caused by mutations in the nephrin gene ( NPHS1). The classical findings include prematurity, large placenta and massive proteinuria. Minor cardiac findings have been reported as a minor functional disorder but CNS with major cardiac malformation is rare. Here we report the case of a Turkish child with CNS with small indel mutation (c.614_621del CACCCCGGins TT) in exon 6 of NPHS1 and also major cardiac malformation who did not develop end-stage renal disease until the age of 5 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To evaluate babies diagnosed as congenital heart disease in terms of frequency, risk factors and prognosis and to determine the issues to be covered to reduce the mortality in these patients in the scope of the literature. Materials and Methods: Ninety-nine patients diagnosed as congenital heart disease were enrolled among 1.175 patients who were admitted to neonatal intensive care unit in Uludağ University Hospital between January 2008 and January 2013. Results: Fifty-four patients (54.5%) of 99 cases included in the study were male and 45 (45.5%) cases were female. Of cases, 82.9% were term and mean birth weight was 3.142±592 gr. Most common diagnosis was transposition of great arteries seen in 14 cases (14.1%), followed by complete atrioventricular septal defect and aortic hypoplasia, 11 cases for each. Mortality rate was 35.3% (35 of 99 patients) and mean time of death was 22 days. Antenatal diagnosis rate was 55.6% (55 of 99 patients). Conclusions: It appears to be two major issues to address in order to reduce the mortality in congenital heart defects. Firstly, rate of proper follow-up in pregnancies and prenatal diagnosis must be increased. Secondly, these patients must be operated in the exact appropriate time by exclusive congenital heart surgeons, and subsequently managed by experienced post-operative care staff. Therefore, establishment of regional cardiac surgery/intensive care units and referral of all congenital heart defects to these centers would be ideal. In order to reduce the mortality and morbidity of congenital heart defects, these issues must be covered by the Ministry of Health and necessary initiatives must be established as urgently as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital heart tumors are very rare and the most common type is the rhabdomyoma. Frequency during autopsy is between 0.027-0.08%. Moreover 51-86% of these tumors are associated with tuberosclerosis. Also hamartomas might accompany, particularly on the central nervous system and skin, kidney, liver, lung and heart. In this paper, two cases diagnosed with tuberculosis who showed rhabdomyomas in fetal echocardiography in the antenatal period and were seen to have tubers in cranial magnetic resonance (MR) postnatally, are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]