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This article examines gender disparities in leadership positions in pediatric cardiology in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (DACH). The study found that while 70% of medical students in Germany are female, this representation does not continue in senior clinical positions, including pediatric cardiology. Male doctors reported higher job satisfaction and were more likely to work full-time and aspire to become chief physicians. Female doctors reported feeling inadequate for leadership roles and experienced discrimination, particularly related to gender and motherhood. Both male and female doctors acknowledged gender disparities in training rotations. The article suggests that new professional structures, such as job-sharing, could help address these issues and make leadership positions in pediatric cardiology more attractive and flexible. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses a novel sedation strategy using isoflurane, a volatile anesthetic, in the pediatric cardiac ICU. The study involved six patients with congenital heart defects and cardiomyopathy who required long-term ventilation after heart surgery. The results showed that isoflurane sedation was effective and safe, with advantages such as shorter ICU stays, predictable awakening, and reduced use of opioids. The authors suggest that further studies are needed to explore the use of volatile sedation in pediatric cardiology patients. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the role of pediatric palliative care (PPC) in German-speaking centers for heart transplantation. The study surveyed 12 centers for pediatric cardiology and found that the majority of nurses and physicians reported the availability of palliative care, with some even offering specialized pediatric palliative care. However, the consultation of PPC was mainly for end-of-life matters rather than as part of a holistic treatment plan. Nurses favored the consultation of PPC specialists, possibly due to an ethical dilemma between caring and curing. The study suggests that early integration of PPC in the trajectory of the disease could benefit pediatric cardiac patients with severe defects and compromised organ functions. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (TCM), a relatively uncommon but reversible form of cardiomyopathy in pediatric heart failure patients. The study conducted a comprehensive review of medical records and identified eight cases of TCM characterized by severe heart failure and impaired cardiac function. The cases were treated with antiarrhythmic, anticongestive, and/or inotropic therapy, and successful catheter ablation was performed without recurrence of tachycardia. All cases showed symptom improvement and cardiac function recovery after the management of the tachyarrhythmias. The article emphasizes the importance of recognizing the diverse manifestations of tachycardiomyopathies for accurate diagnosis and treatment. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the use of transient elastography (TE) in the follow-up of Fontan patients in Germany. Fontan associated liver disease (FALD) is a concern after Fontan surgery, but there are currently no consensus guidelines for diagnosing and monitoring FALD. The study found that only 20% of centers in Germany offer TE directly, with most transferring patients to another department or not offering TE at all. The study suggests that TE should be systematically introduced as a part of routine follow-up for Fontan patients to effectively monitor and screen for FALD. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the case of a 4-year-old girl with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) who presented in cardiogenic shock and severe ventricular failure. After initial therapy, she underwent left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement. The article describes the identification and successful ablation of an arrhythmogenic substrate in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), which resulted in the termination of ventricular tachycardia and subsequent recovery of ventricular function. The patient was successfully weaned off the LVAD and discharged home. This case highlights the importance of investigating and addressing arrhythmias in severe DCM to avoid heart transplantation. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses two cases of acute yew intoxication in teenagers, which resulted in severe cardiac arrhythmias. In the first case, a boy consumed a smoothie made from yew fruit and leaves, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Despite multiple attempts at treatment, the patient's condition worsened until the identification of the yew intoxication and the initiation of digoxin-specific Fab antibody fragments, which stabilized his heart rhythm. The second case involved a boy who experienced a seizure and cardiac arrest, with similar cardiac arrhythmias. The identification and removal of yew leaves, along with gastric charcoal administration, led to the normalization of his heart rhythm. The article emphasizes the importance of promptly identifying yew intoxication and implementing appropriate treatment. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the long-term effects of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) on microcirculation. The study conducted microcirculatory and endothelial assessments in MIS-C patients during the acute phase and three to six months later. The results showed significant microcirculatory changes associated with MIS-C, including reductions in microvascular flow, vessel density, and the proportion of perfused vessels. These abnormalities persisted even after the inflammation subsided. The findings suggest that MIS-C patients experience acute and persistent microvascular dysfunction, which may have implications for long-term cardiovascular health. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the therapy of an enormous extracranial carotid artery aneurysm using a covered coronary stent. The case study involves a 2-year-old boy with chronic cervical lymphadenopathy who developed a giant pseudoaneurysm of the left internal carotid artery. Due to the proximity to the skull base, surgical intervention was not possible, so endovascular stenting was chosen as the treatment option. The implantation of a covered coronary stent was successful, and the patient remains asymptomatic with a mild Horner's syndrome. The article concludes that endovascular treatment with covered coronary stent systems can be a safe and effective approach for pediatric patients with excellent mid-term outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the use of transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) as a technique for monitoring liver disease in patients with Fontan palliation and congenital heart defects (CHD). The study involved four patients with Fontan circulation and three patients with CHD who underwent TJLB during routine cardiac catheterization. The procedures were successful with no complications, and the samples obtained were suitable for histopathological assessment. The authors conclude that TJLB is a safe and efficient method for obtaining liver specimens in these patient populations and should be considered as a standard approach in their follow-up care. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the use of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels as a prognostic tool in pediatric patients with heart failure who receive left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). The study found that BNP levels decreased in all patients after LVAD implantation, and patients who were successfully weaned from the LVAD had significantly lower BNP levels compared to those who required transplantation. The authors suggest that patients with BNP levels within the upper limit of normal after 2 months of LVAD support have a potential for successful explantation, while patients with BNP levels exceeding 3 should be transferred to transplantation. These findings may help guide clinical decisions regarding transplantation or the chance of recovery. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the evaluation of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) using a standardized stair climbing test (SCT) in comparison to standard treadmill cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and the 6-minute walking test (6MWT). The study evaluated CRF in various groups, including healthy individuals, obese adults, Fontan patients, and patients after heart transplantation. The results showed significant correlations between the SCT and CPET, indicating that the SCT can be used as an alternative or additional test to evaluate CRF in different groups. The SCT is described as an easy, cost-effective, and reliable test. [Extracted from the article]