Can transcatheter PDA closure be performed in neonates ≤1000 grams? The Memphis experience

Objective: Advancements in transcatheter technology have now made it possible to safely close patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. The objective of this article is to describe our technique for transcatheter PDA closure (TCPC) in ELBW infants.
Design: The techniques employed are very specific to this population and are drasti‐ cally different when compared to the procedure performed in patients weighing >5 kg.
Setting: A multidisciplinary team approach should be taken to evaluate and manage ELBW infants in order to achieve success. It is important that specific techniques with venous‐only approach outlined in this article be followed to achieve optimal results with low risk of complications.
Patients: To date, in Memphis, 55 ELBW infants have had successful TCPC at a weight of ≤1000 g with minimal procedure‐related complications.
Interventions: It is important that specific techniques with venous‐only approach outlined in this article be followed to achieve optimal results with low risk of complications.
Outcome measures: This procedure entails a steep learning curve and should be lim‐ ited to specialized centers with expertise in these thanscatheter procedures.
Results: There has been 100% procedural success of performing TCPC in children ≤1000 g. There have been only two procedure‐related complications which hap‐ pened to the first two patients, ≤1000 g, that we performed TCPC on.
Conclusions: It is feasible and probably safe to perform TCPC in children ≤1000 g. The techniques described in this article represent our institutional experience and have helped us improve clinical outcomes in ELBW infants.     

Live broadcast of transcatheter PDA closure in a 700 grams ELBW infant during the International PDA Symposium

Objective: The objective of this article is to describe a live case transmission of tran‐ scatheter closure of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in an extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infant during the first International PDA Symposium conducted in Memphis, Tennessee.
Setting: A multidisciplinary team approach including audiovisual specialists, informa‐ tion technology specialists, physicians, nurses, and other health care specialists was required to perform the transcatheter PDA closure (TCPC) in an ELBW infant at LeBonheur Children’s Hospital and the procedure was broadcast live to the attend‐ ees at the International PDA Symposium allowing for a two‐way audiovisual discus‐ sion during the procedure.
Patient: The patient was a 14 days old 24‐week premature ELBW infant, who weighed 700 g at the time of the procedure. The patient was requiring mechanical ventilation secondary to pulmonary hemorrhage. The PDA measured 4 mm in diameter and 12 mm in length.
Interventions: TCPC was performed safely without any procedural complications using a specialized minimally invasive technique.
Outcome Measures: The patient was weaned off the ventilator in < 7 days after the procedure. The child was discharged 9 weeks after the procedure (35 weeks’ cor‐ rected gestation) weighing 2.2 kg, on full oral feeds and no supplemental oxygen.
Results: The successful TCPC allowed for this child to have an uneventful hospital course. The case also highlights the technical nuances involved in setting up the live transmission.
Conclusions: This case demonstrated to the audience in the International PDA Symposium the feasibility and safety of performing TCPC in an ELBW infant. Live cases are useful in exhibiting the nuances involved in any new technique and allows for best learning experience.     

Transport of extremely low birth weight neonates for persistent ductus arteriosus closure in the catheterization lab

Objective: The objective of this article is to describe the elements involved with transporting extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants from referring centers to our center’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and then from the NICU to the catheterization lab for transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).
Setting: Several referring centers are over 300 miles away. ELBW infants are transferred in to our NICU safely for the procedure and transferred back following the procedure. A multidisciplinary team approach is necessary in order to achieve a safe transport of these fragile patients.
Patients: To date, we have over 12 centers referring patients that weigh <1000 g for transcatheter PDA closure (TCPC). Three of these centers are over 300 miles away. Five other centers are between 100 and 300 miles from the hospital in which we perform TCPC.
Interventions: Fixed-wing aircrafts are necessary for long-distance transfers. Various modes of mechanical ventilators including transport oscillators are built into temperature- and humidity-controlled incubators in which these infants are transported. Ambulances are used to take the patient between the airport and the hospital. Shorter distance transports are accomplished via helicopters or ambulances. Transfer from the NICU to the catheterization lab to perform TCPC is a relatively easier endeavor.
Outcome Measures: Patients’ body temperature, fluid balance, and hemodynamics have to be maintained throughout the transport and the procedure for best outcomes.
Results: There has been 100% procedural success of performing TCPC in ELBW infants with no hemodynamic compromise during transport.
Conclusions: TCPC has shown promise in improving overall patient outcomes that the potential hazards associated with complex transport measures are worth it. Successful transfer to and from referring centers and to and from the catheterization lab can be accomplished safely with increasing institutional experience.     

Practice variation in the management of patent ductus arteriosus in extremely low birth weight infants in the United States: Survey results among cardiologists and neonatologists

Background: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is highly prevalent in extremely low birth weight (ELBW), preterm infants. There are diverse management approaches for the PDA in ELBW infants. The objectives of this research were to identify current PDA management practices among cardiologists and neonatologists in the United States, describe any significant differences in management, and describe areas where practices align.
Methods: A survey of 10 questions based on the management of PDA in ELBW infants was conducted among 100 prominent neonatologists from 74 centers and 103 prominent cardiologists from 75 centers. Among the cardiologists, approximately 50% were interventionists who perform transcatheter PDA closures (TCPC). Fisher’s exact test was performed to compare practice variations among neonatologists and cardiologists. A potentially biased audience including a combination of health care providers belonging to cardiology, neonatology, and surgery were also surveyed during the International PDA Symposium. The results of this survey were not included for statistical comparison, due to this audience being potentially influenced by the Symposium.
Results: Statistically significant differences were identified between neonatologists and cardiologists regarding the impact of PDA closure on morbidity and mortality, with 80% cardiologists responding that it does vs 54% of neonatologists (P < .001), the need for PDA closure (P < .001), and the preferred method of PDA closure if indicated (P < .001). There was agreement between neonatologists and cardiologists on symptomatic therapy; however more neonatologists favored watchful waiting over intervention in contrast to more cardiologists favoring intervention over observation (77% vs 95%, P < .001). Survey responses also identified a need for further training and research on TCPC.
Conclusion: Neonatologists and cardiologists have notable differences in managing PDA, and continued discussion across cardiology and neonatology has the potential to facilitate more of a consensus on best management practices. Further investigation is needed to identify outcomes in transcatheter PDA closure, particularly in ELBW infants.     

Impact of feeding mode on neurodevelopmental outcome in infants and children with congenital heart disease

Objective: To investigate the impact of feeding mode on neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with congenital heart defects.
Design: A retrospective cohort study of 208 children with congenital heart disease (CHD), who had surgery from 1 January 2013 until 31 December 2016 at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, US.
Settings: University Hospital, Developmental Outcome Clinic.
Outcomes measures: Standardized cognitive scores were assessed with Capute Scales and motor development with Revised Gesell Developmental Schedules. We analyzed anthropometrics, mode of feeding, surgical complexity, syndrome, and gen‐ der as predictors of developmental outcomes at four time points: hospital discharge, and 6, 12, and 24 months of age.
Results: Mode of feeding is associated with neurodevelopmental outcome in children with CHD. Children on enteral feeding tubes had significantly lower developmental quotient (DQ) scores in cognition, communication, and motor function at 12 and 24 months compared to orally fed children. There were greater proportions of develop‐ mental delays (DQ < 70) in enteral tube fed children at the 6, 12, and 24 months visits. Further, there was a strong association between presence of enteral feeding tube, syndrome, and developmental outcome. Greater surgical complexity, weight gain and ethnicity were not associated with the developmental outcomes.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the presence of an enteral feeding tube fol‐ lowing corrective congenital heart surgery are at increased risk of neurodevelopmen‐ tal delays at 12 and 24 months.     

What is a hemodynamically significant PDA in preterm infants?

Objective: There is no consensus on the definition of a hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA). In this review article, our objective is to discuss the main variables that one should consider when determining the hemodynamic signifi‐ cance of a PDA.
Results: We describe the various approaches that have been utilized over time to define an hsPDA and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each echocardio‐ graphic index. Finally, we propose a comprehensive and individualized approach in determining the hemodynamic significance of the PDA.
Conclusion: There are several PDA‐related clinical, echocardiographic, and other ob‐ jective variables to take into consideration when defining an hsPDA. However, vul‐ nerability based on gestational or chronological age is an important contributor as well.     

Two-year neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants who received red blood cell transfusion

BackgroundStudies aimed at reducing neonatal anaemia or transfusing higher blood volumes did not find improvement in neurodevelopmental function at two years of age. This study investigated the relationship between the receipt, timing, and number of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions and neurodevelopmental outcomes among preterm infants.Materials and methodsThis is a retrospective review of preterm infants (gestational age <34 weeks) with a full neurodevelopmental assessment at 18–36 months corrected age from October 2008 to September 2020. Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, third edition and the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers were collected. Multivariable regressions were used to evaluate neurodevelopmental outcomes.Results654 preterm infants were evaluated with a mean follow-up of 25 months. 295 infants (45%) received a total of 1,322 blood transfusions. After adjustment for gestational age, baseline morbidity, and socioeconomic status, receipt of RBC transfusion was associated with decreased two-year cognitive and motor function, but not language (p=0.047, 0.025, and 0.879, respectively). There was no significant difference in outcomes between receipt of transfusion in the first week of life compared to after. Number of transfusions was associated with decreased cognitive, language, and motor function (all p<0.001), and increased likelihood to develop severe neurodevelopmental impairment (adjusted-odds ratio, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.15; p=0.004).DiscussionOur study demonstrates an association between RBC transfusion and lower cognitive and motor outcomes at two-years after adjustment for prematurity and illness at birth. Increasing number of transfusions worsened neurodevelopmental outcomes.     

Neurodevelopmental assessment of infants with congenital heart disease in the early postoperative period

Objective: Mortality rates for children with congenital heart disease (CHD) have significantly declined, resulting in a growing population with associated neurodevelopmental disabilities. American Heart Association guidelines recommend systematic developmental screening for children with CHD. The present study describes results of inpatient newborn neurodevelopmental assessment of infants after open heart surgery.
Outcome measures: We evaluated the neurodevelopment of a convenience sample of high‐risk infants following cardiac surgery but before hospital discharge using an adaptation of the Newborn Behavioral Observation. Factor analysis examined relationships among assessment items and consolidated them into domains of development.
Results: We assessed 237 infants at a median of 11 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 7‐19 days) after cardiac surgery and median corrected age of 21 days (IQR: 13‐33 days). Autonomic regulation was minimally stressed or well organized in 14% of infants. Upper and lower muscle tone was appropriate in 33% and 35%, respectively. Appropriate response to social stimulation ranged between 7% and 12% depending on task, and state regulation was well organized in 14%. The vast majority (87%) required enhanced examiner facilitation for participation. Factor analyses of assessment items aligned into four domains of development (autonomic, motor, oral motor, and attention organization).
Conclusion: At discharge, postoperative infants with CHD had impairments in autonomic, motor, attention, and state regulation following cardiac surgery. Findings highlight the challenges faced by children with CHD relative to healthy peers, suggesting that neurodevelopmental follow‐up and intervention should begin early in infancy.     

Overview of transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus closure in preterm infants

Clinically significant patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) has been associated with significant morbidity in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. Current management of ELBW infants with hemodynamically significant PDA includes supportive treatment, pharmacological therapy, and surgical ligation. All of these therapeutic options have their advantages and limitations. More recently, transcatheter PDA closure has been described as a viable option in this population. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of this emerging procedure.     

Ductus arteriosus‐associated infective endarteritis: Lessons from the past,future perspective

Background: Since routine clinical use of antibiotics as well as surgical and catheter‐ based closure of a patent arterial duct (PDA), PDA‐associated infective endarteritis (PDA‐IE) is rare but can still occur when the ductus is still open or as it closes. Thus, clinicians should maintain a high index of concern for patients with unexplained fever.
Methods: We report on a PDA‐IE in a young infant shortly after potentially delayed obliteration of a PDA. We discuss this case report by reviewing the literature in regard to the pathogenesis (infection primary or secondary to PDA thrombus formation), clinical (new heart murmur) and diagnostic findings (transthoracic echocardiography, total body MRI, laboratory findings), and clinical outcome during mid‐term follow‐up after successful antibiotic treatment.
Results: A 7‐week‐old term infant with Staphylococcus aureus sepsis and a new heart murmur was diagnosed with PDA‐IE by transthoracic echocardiography at the pul‐ monary artery end of an obliterated PDA. Broad diagnostic workup excluded other reasons for sepsis. After 4 weeks of antibiotic treatment the vegetation reduced in size and the infant recovered completely. A review of all cases of PDA‐IE (in pediatric and adult patients) previously published was performed.
Conclusion: Nowadays, a PDA‐IE is an extremely rare, but still life‐threating condi‐ tion that may even affect patients with a nonpatent ductus arteriosus shortly after its obliteration and should be considered as infective complication in preterms, neo‐ nates, and small infants. Therefore, in septic neonates with bacteremia, transthoracic echocardiography may be integrated in the diagnostic workup, especially by fever without source and clinical signs of IE such as a new heart murmur.     

Predictive Value of Blood N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide Concentrations for Early Patent Ductus Closure in Very Preterm Infants

ObjectivesIt has been shown that blood concentrations of NT-proBNP may be useful in identifying preterm infants at risk of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus and its complications. The aim of the study was to assess predictive value of serum NT-proBNP levels for early ductus arteriosus (DA) closure in very preterm newborns.MethodsFifty-two infants <32 weeks’ gestation aged <72 hours with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) diameter >1.5 mm were involved in a randomized study. Twenty-seven (52%) of them were treated with ibuprofen or paracetamol starting within the first 3 days of life. Expectant management was applied to 25 (48%) infants. All patients underwent planned echocardiographic (daily) and two serum NT-proBNP measurements within the first 10 days after birth. Depending on the DA closure within the first 10 days of life, 2 groups of patients were formed retrospectively, with closed (n = 30) or patent (n = 22) DA by this age.ResultsIn the first 10 days of life, DA closure occurred in 19 (70%) treated infants and in 11 (44%) infants managed expectantly (p > 0,05). Initial concentrations of NT-proBNP were significantly higher in infants that had patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) at 10 days of life. By the eighth day, median NT-proBNP values in both groups significantly decreased but remained considerably higher in newborns with PDA. NT-proBNP serum concentrations on the second day of life could reliably predict DA closure within the first 10 days after birth in treated babies (the AUC was significant 0.81 [95% CI: 0.58–1.03], p < 0.05) but not in infants who were managed expectantly.ConclusionsSerum NT-proBNP concentrations on the second day of life could reliably predict early PDA closure in treated but not in expectantly managed very preterm infants.     

Parenting stress trajectories during infancy in infants with congenital heart disease: Comparison of single‐ventricle and biventricular heart physiology

Objective: Parents of infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) experience increased parenting stress levels, potentially interfering with parenting practices and bear adverse family outcomes. Condition severity has been linked to parenting stress. The current study aimed to explore parenting stress trajectories over infancy in parents of infants with complex CHD, and to compare them by post‐operative cardiac physiology.
Design: Data from a larger prospective cohort study was analyzed using longitudinal mixed‐effects regression modeling.
Setting: Cardiac intensive care unit and outpatient clinic of a 480‐bed children's hospital in the American North‐Atlantic region.
Participants: Parents of infants with complex CHD (n = 90).
Measures: Parenting stress was measured via the parenting stress index‐long form over four time points during infancy.
Results: Parents of infants with a single‐ventricle heart experienced a decrease in total stress over time. Parents of infants with a biventricular heart experienced a decrease in attachment‐related stress, and an increase in stress related to infant temperament over time. Parenting stress trajectories over time significantly differed between groups on infant temperamental subscales.
Conclusions: Findings highlight stressful and potentially risky periods for parents of infants with complex CHD, and introduce additional illness‐related and psychosocial/ familial aspects to the parenting stress concept. Early intervention may promote parental adaptive coping and productive parenting practices in this population.     

Respiratory outcomes study (RESPOS) for preterm infants at primary school age

Abstract

Objective: Pulmonary function abnormalities and hospital re-admissions in survivors of neonatal lung disease remain highly prevalent. The respiratory outcomes study (RESPOS) aimed to investigate the respiratory and associated atopy outcomes in preterm infants <30 weeks gestational age (GA) and/or birth-weight (BWt) <1000?g at primary school age, and to compare these outcomes between infants with and without chronic lung disease (CLD). Methods: In the RESPOS 92 parents of preterm infants admitted to the Neonatal unit in Canberra Hospital between 1/1/2001 and 31/12/2003 were sent a questionnaire regarding their respiratory, atopy management and follow-up. Results: Fifty-three parents responded, including 28 preterm infants who had CLD and 25 who had no CLD. The gestational age was significantly lower in the CLD group compared to the non-CLD group [26.9 (26.3–27.5) CLD and 28.6 (28.3–29.0) non-CLD] [weeks [95% confidence interval (CI)]], as was the birth weight [973 (877.4–1068.8) CLD versus 1221 (1135.0–1307.0) non-CLD] [g (CI)]. CLD infants compared to non-CLD infants were significantly more likely to have been: given surfactant, ventilated and on oxygen at 28 days and 36 weeks. These neonates were also more likely to have: been discharged from the neonatal unit on oxygen, exhibit a history of PDA or sepsis and to have a current paediatrician. However, despite these differences, there was no significant difference in the proportion of asthma or atopic disease between the two groups. Conclusions: The RESPOS could not demonstrate respiratory and/or atopy differences between the CLD and the non-CLD groups at primary school age.     

Effect of enteral erythropoietin on feeding-related complications in preterm newborns: A pilot randomized controlled study

Background and study aimsTo evaluate the effects of enteral administration of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) on feeding-related complications in preterm infants.Patients and methodsThis double-blind, randomized controlled pilot study enrolled 120 preterm infants born ≤ 32 weeks’ gestation who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit in a tertiary hospital; 60 patients randomly received recombinant human erythropoietin while the other 60 received placebo. Newborns who underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation, infants with genetic syndromes, infants with inborn errors of metabolism, infants with major congenital or acquired gastrointestinal tract malformations, infants with previous use of parenteral growth factors such as recombinant human erythropoietin and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimuating factor (GM-CSF) and infants previously treated with intravenous immunoglobulin were excluded. Overall, 48 patients withdrew from the study because of intravenous haematopoietic growth factor intake or death before treatment was completed. A total of 72 preterm infants remained in the study: 36 preterm infants in the erythropoietin (EPO) group, and 36 preterm infants in the placebo group. The day that enteral feeding was successfully started, the time to establishing one-half, two-thirds, and full enteral feedings (reaching at least 150 mL/kg/day), the number of episodes of feeding intolerance, the time to regain birth weight and the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) were recorded.ResultsBoth groups showed no significant difference in the time to achieve one-half, two-thirds, or full enteral feeding, no signs of feeding intolerance, and no cases of NEC were recorded.ConclusionEnteral erythropoietin does not appear to affect feeding intolerance or NEC incidence.     

Patent ductus arteriosus in preterm newborns: A tertiary hospital experience

IntroductionPatent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants has been associated with increased mortality and comorbidities. This study aimed to characterize the population of preterm infants diagnosed with PDA and to identify predictive factors of response to medical treatment of PDA.MethodsAn eight-year retrospective observational study was carried out, which included all preterm infants with a gestational age (GA) between 23 and 32 weeks diagnosed with PDA, admitted to the Neonatal Unit of the CHUSJ. Univariate comparative analysis was performed, and models for predicting the effectiveness of PDA treatment with ibuprofen were explored by multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results115 cases were included and 34 were excluded, with a final sample of 81 preterm infants with PDA. The univariate analysis revealed significant differences in the closure efficacy via medical treatment with ibuprofen in several variables, and a multivariate logistic regression model was obtained (discriminative capacity 72.2%, sensitivity 98.1%, specificity 57.1%), taking into account the effect of GA, type of delivery, need for diuretics treatment and platelet transfusion.ConclusionThis study enabled the population of preterm infants diagnosed with PDA to be characterized and the identification of a predictive model that can help predict the efficacy of medical treatment and thus contribute to optimizing the medical approach to the non-responders.     

Perpulmonary Device Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus with Minimum Diameter More Than 4 mm in Infants

Background: Closure of large patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in older children has been accomplished using surgical and percutaneous techniques with remarkable outcomes. However, outcomes amongst infants have been variable with several drawbacks. Here we describe a novel minimally invasive technique, a product of mini-thoracotomy and traditional percutaneous technique skills, accomplished exclusively under echocardiography guidance. Methods: Symptomatic infants with a significant left-to-right shunt from PDA measuring more than 4 mm were selected. The symptoms were varying degrees of tachypnea, tachycardia, heart failure, failure to thrive, recurrent respiratory tract infections, or intensive care unit treatment for a longer duration. Through a left parasternal mini-thoracotomy, two parallel purse-string sutures were placed on the pulmonary trunk. After purse-string circle puncture, under exclusively transesophageal echocardiography guidance, a device secured to the safety-suture was implanted on the ascending aorta via pulmonary trunk using a specially designed set. The safety-suture prevented device migration in case of dislocation. The basic demographics, PDA size, device size and type, intrapulmonary manipulation time, operation time, PDA parameters (length, diameter, type of duct), redeployment of the device, residual shunt, and retention of safety-suture were all recorded and analyzed. The follow-up was done with transthoracic echocardiography on the 2^nd postoperative day, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, and yearly thereafter. Results: Fifty-two infants with a mean age of 8 months ± 2.8 months (Interquartile range = 0) underwent Perpulmonary device closure of PDA. Successful PDA occlusion was accomplished event-free in all subjects. The mean PDA, mean device, and mean operation time were 5.6 mm ± 1.4 mm, 7.9 mm ± 1.7 mm, and 61.2 min ± 12.9 min, respectively. The immediate acceptable residual shunt was noted among 3 subjects and disappeared at a 1-month follow-up. Eighteen infants had retained safety-suture for added safety. There were no reports of the device or procedure-related complications. Conclusion: Perpulmonary device closure is an effective and safe approach to PDA with a diameter measuring > 4 mm among infants. The safety-suture, in case of dislocation, prevents migration and associated complications.     

Ancillary referral patterns in infants after initial assessment in a cardiac developmental outcomes clinic

Objective: Neurodevelopmental impairment is common after surgery for congeni‐ tal heart disease (CHD) in infancy. While neurodevelopmental follow‐up of high‐risk patients has increased, the referral patterns for ancillary services following initial evaluation have not been reported. The aim of this study is to describe the rates and patterns of referral at the initial visit to our outcomes clinic of patients who under‐ went surgery for CHD during infancy.
Outcomes Measures: The Cardiac Developmental Outcomes Program clinic at Texas Children’s Hospital provides routine longitudinal follow‐up with developmental pedi‐ atricians and child psychologists for children who required surgery for CHD within the first 3 months of life. Demographic, diagnostic, and clinical data, including prior receipt of intervention and referral patterns at initial presentation, were abstracted from our database.
Results: Between April 2013 and May 2017, 244 infants under 12 months of age presented for initial evaluation at a mean age of 7 ± 1.3 months. At presentation, 31% (76/244) were referred for either therapeutic intervention (early intervention or pri‐ vate therapies), ancillary medical services, or both. Referral rates for low‐risk (STAT 1‐3) and high‐risk (STAT 4‐5) infants were similar (28 vs. 33%, P = .48). Referrals were more common in: Hispanic white infants (P = .012), infants with non‐cardiac congeni‐ tal anomalies (P = .001), history of gastrostomy tube placement (P < .001), and infants with prior therapy (P = .043). Infants of non‐English speaking parents were three times more likely to be referred (95% CI = 1.5, 6.4; P = .002).
Conclusion: At the time of presentation, nearly 1 in 3 infants required referral. Referral patterns did not vary by traditional risk stratification. Sociodemographic fac‐ tors and co‐morbid medical conditions increased the likelihood of referral. This sup‐ ports the need for routine follow‐up for all post‐surgical infants regardless of level of surgical complexity. Further research into the completion of referrals and long‐term referral patterns is needed.     

Incidence of aspiration in infants with single‐ventricle physiology following hybrid procedure

Background: Swallowing dysfunction is a known complication for infants with complex congenital heart disease (CHD), but few studies have examined swallowing outcomes following the hybrid procedure for stage 1 palliation in children with single ventricle physiology.
Objectives: (1) Identify the incidence of aspiration in all infants with single ventricle physiology who underwent the hybrid procedure and (2) Compare results of clinical bedside and instrumental swallowing evaluations to examine the predictive value of a less invasive swallowing assessment for this population of high‐risk infants.
Methods: This was a retrospective cohort chart review study. All patients with single‐ventricle physiology who underwent the hybrid procedure received a referral for subsequent instrumental swallow assessment during a 4‐year period. Results from clinical bedside evaluations were compared to those of the instrumental assessment.
Results: Fifty infants were included in this study. During instrumental swallow assessment, aspiration was observed in 28% of infants following the hybrid procedure. Normal swallowing function was identified in 44% of infants, and 28% demonstrated laryngeal penetration. Neither length of intubation nor prematurity were found to be predictors of aspiration. Thirty‐six of these infants were assessed via clinical bedside evaluation prior to the instrumental evaluation. The sensitivity of the clinical bedside evaluation was 0.73 and the specificity was 0.92.
Conclusions: This study reports on a cohort of infants with single ventricle physiology following the hybrid procedure and found the incidence of aspiration to be lower than previously reported. Improved clinical bedside evaluation guidelines are needed so that clinicians can predict more reliably which infants are at risk for aspiration following the hybrid procedure.     

Heart murmurs and echocardiography findings in the normal newborn nursery

Objective: To determine the clinical findings and management implications of echocardiograms performed on infants with murmurs in the nursery.
Design: Retrospective cohort study conducted from January 2008 through December 2015. Patients in the study were followed by chart review for up to 5 years. In addition, a survey of nursery providers was conducted in February 2016.
Setting: A single community hospital associated with a university.
Patients: All 26 573 infants who received care in the normal newborn nursery were eligible for inclusion in the study. Infants with echocardiograms were analyzed. The survey was sent by e‐mail to all 135 physicians who work in the nursery.
Outcome Measures: The primary outcomes include the specific findings on echocar‐ diogram and whether the findings required an acute change in management, outpa‐ tient follow up, or were incidental findings. The primary survey question was how physicians would manage an otherwise asymptomatic newborn with a heart murmur.
Results: Four hundred ninety‐nine infants had echocardiograms, and over the study period the utilization of echocardiography increased from 1.02% to 2.56% (P < .001) of all infants. Three hundred fifty‐four babies had echocardiography performed be‐ cause of a heart murmur. One hundred sixty‐three (46.0%) of these echocardiograms were normal and 160 (45.2%) had findings that did not require additional care. Twenty‐three neonates (6.5%) had echocardiographic findings that necessitated out‐ patient follow‐up and 8 neonates (2.3%) required neonatal intensive care due to the findings on their echocardiogram. In total, 14 infants (4%) would go on to require heart surgery or interventional cardiac catheterization. 63/135 (47%) physicians completed the survey, with wide variations in the management of newborns with heart murmurs.
Conclusions: The use of echocardiography in the normal newborn nursery has in‐ creased with time despite improved prenatal detection of heart disease and the use of pulse oximetry screening, and identifies significant heart disease in a small but important number of infants.     

Reference ranges for cardiac dimensions and blood flow velocity in preterm infants

Aim—To establish reference ranges for cardiac dimensions and Doppler measurements in preterm infants.
Methods—79 infants of less than 34 weeks' gestation were examined by echocardiography on days 0, 7, and 28 after birth, to produce a set of reference ranges and to examine changes in these indices over the first month of life. The following dimensions were measured: interventricular septum, left ventricular posterior wall, left interventricular diameter at end systole and diastole, left atrium, and aortic root; Doppler measurements were made of maximum blood flow velocity (Vmax) through the pulmonary, aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valves.
Results—Reference ranges are given. Cardiac dimensions correlated well with gestation and birth weight but Vmax did not. There was a significant increase in measurements over time. The "normal" preterm infant also appeared to often have asymmetrical septal hypertrophy. Antenatal dexamethasone administration did not appear to affect the measurements.
Conclusions—There is a close correlation with both gestation and birth weight for all physical measurements. Echocardiograms in preterm babies clearly differ from those in older children and adults.

Keywords: cardiac dimensions;  blood flow velocity;  preterm infant