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We wished to determine the relationship between circulating levels of nitric oxide (NO) and cardiac index (CI) in children with congenital heart diseases. We measured the plasma levels of nitrate/nitrite (NO x), the stable end products of NO production as well as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and brain natriuretic peptide in relation to various parameters determined simultaneously. The plasma NO x levels correlated negatively with CI ( r=−0.541, p < 0.05). No correlation was observed between NO x and cardiac output. TNF-α correlated with NO x levels ( r= 0.593, p < 0.005) but not with either CI or cardiac output. Plasma levels of ANP and TNF-α were higher in atrial septal defect than those in the control group ( p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). Elevated plasma NO x could explain the increased basal release of endothelial NO due to high pulmonary blood flow. Plasma NO x correlate negatively with CI in young patients with left-to-right shunt congenital heart diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the role of retinoic acid in chick limb formation. Results indicate that the primary function of exogenous retinoic acid is to induce polarizing activity in the limb bud.

A 1-day-old male infant with critical aortic valvular stenosis underwent balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) under echocardiographic guidance during cardiopulmonary bypass. Left ventricular function dramatically improved after BAV. This technique combined with a surgical approach was safe and efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]