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The article discusses the results of a study that examined the postoperative nutrition of newborns who are undergoing heart surgery (HS). The postoperative growth rates of newborns with congenital heart defects (CHD) breastfed and using a starting or preterm formula are compared. The study showed no significant differences in the growth rate of neonates. It notes that human milk in newborns undergoing HS allowed a growth rate similar to that of neonates fed with starting formulas and preterm formulas. It cites several reasons for the lack of differences among the types of milk used.

The results of epicardial pacing in infants with isolated congenital complete atrioventricular block (CAVB) are reported. Thirty-four patients, aged 1 day to 20 months (22 patients < 1 month), were paced between 1988 and 1998. Thirty had bradycardia < 50 beats/min with symptoms in 12 patients, and 4 patients were paced because of associated ventricular ectopy or prolonged QT interval. In thirty cases, the electrodes were implanted through a left thoracotomy and connected to an abdominal generator; in four, the subxyphoid approach was preferred. Twenty-two children had dual chamber units. There was no operative death, but three patients died later of cardiomyopathy. Seven infants were reoperated for electrode displacement, infection, exit block, and pacemaker sensitivity. Chronic ventricular thresholds ranged from 0.3 to 2 V except in one case (4 V) and proper atrial sensing was lost in two cases. All children are doing well and the generator has lasted at least 5 years in 16 cases. In conclusion, epicardial pacing in infants with CAVB can be done with satisfactory results. There was no mortality in relation with pacing and thresholds have improved with the use of steroid-eluting electrodes. The deep location of the generator prevents cutaneous erosion and allows implantation of large units with a longer life duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the possibility to perform both percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) and atrial septal defect (ASD) transcatheter treatment during the same session. Transcatheter ASD closure is a well-established alternative to surgery and the treatment of choice for single vessel coronary artery disease (CAD) is accepted to be PCI. Methods: From January 2000 to December 2005, 985 patients were referred to our center for ASD closure. One hundred thirty four patients (59 males, mean age 58 +/- 4 years, range 45-72 years) were included in a prospective protocol of ASD transcatheter closure and coronary angiography. Results: In 7 patients we found a coronary artery disease. A combined single setting definitive percutaneous approach (ASD closure and PCI) was performed in 6 patients. The patient number 4 was judged unsuitable for PCI and then was referred for surgery. There was no acute intra-procedural complication in all patients; renal functions pre and post procedure showed no change despite the increase in the amount of contrast used. Conclusion: Our report showed the feasibility of both PCI and ASD transcatheter treatment during the same session. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the highlights of a round-table discussion on the psycho-social support of patients with congenital heart disease (ConHD) to be presented at the 2009 International Workshop on Interventional Pediatric Cardiology. Elisabeth Utens cites that her research determined that children who had surgical correction for ConHD before 1980 had higher levels of emotional/behavioral problems compared to others. In his research on psychological aspects in adults with congenital heart disease, Edward Callus was able to gauge the importance of helping ConHD patients understand their condition and maximize the resources they have.