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Aim Radiofrequency catheter ablation is a standard treatment for tachyarrhythmia in children. Recently, several centres using cryoenergy for ablation have reported high success and low complication rates, but an increased risk of recurrence of arrhythmia. The aim of this study was to report success, complications and recurrence rates for radiofrequency catheter ablation in children under current conditions. Methods A retrospective cohort study of 333 consecutive children undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation over the last two decades. Results Radiofrequency catheter ablation was performed successfully in 96.7% of patients, but was significantly less successful in patients with a right anterior or right anterolateral accessory pathway (81.8%). Overall mortality was 0%; there was only one (0.3%) major complication, a pericardial haemorrhage, and only 2.8% of the patients developed minor vascular complications at the puncture site. None of the patients developed a persistent atrioventricular block. Over a median observation time of 4.3 years (0.1; 17.8), recurrence of arrhythmia occurred in 9.3% of all patients, but 50% of children with right lateral accessory pathways. Conclusion Radiofrequency catheter ablation can be performed with high success and very low complication rates in children. Recurrence rates are substantially lower than those reported for cryoablation in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Children with inflammatory bowel disease ( IBD) have a high prevalence of growth retardation and low bone mineral density ( BMD). This retrospective study investigated whether the start of infliximab treatment ( IFX) was associated with improvement of growth and bone health. Methods Anthropometry, BMD and bone markers were measured 1 year before and after the start of IFX treatment in 33 patients (51% males), with a median age of 13.5 years at baseline. Outcomes were growth with treatment and indicators of improved bone health. Results Twenty-one children (64%) experienced a positive catch-up growth after IFX. Height standard deviation scores ( SDS) were significantly higher in children in remission. Treatment with IFX was associated with a statistically significant increase in 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25- OHD, p = 0.01). IFX had no influence on BMD. Children with low BMD < −2 had significantly higher inflammation scores, lower body mass index, weight, height SDS and 25- ODH after IFX. Conclusion After treatment with IFX, children with IBD improved significantly in weight, with the majority achieving positive catch-up growth. Bone mass tended to remain static with time of treatment with IFX, despite a significant increase in 25- OHD. Improved nutritional status positively predicts improved bone mineralisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]