Relationship between heparin dosing and coagulation tests after cardiopulmonary bypass in young infants with congenital heart disease and low birth weight北大核心CSCD

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of early heparin anticoagulation on D-dimer of blood coagulation parameters in young and low-birth-weight congenital heart disease (CHD) after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). MethodsFrom December 2019 to December 2021, the relevant clinical data were retrospectively reviewed for 102 children undergoing CPB-assisted open-heart surgery for CHD at Shanxi Children's Hospital.There were 57 boys and 45 girls.Based upon an injection of heparin or not, they were assigned into two groups of observation (5 U·kg -1·h -1 low-dose heparin dosing) and control (non-heparin dosing). Fifty-four children in observation group were (119.81±66.90) day in age and (5.4±1.1) kg in weight.And 48 children in control group were (138.00±67.67) day in age and (5.65±1.31) kg in weight.Coagulation functions of two groups were detected preoperatively, postoperatively (admission into CCU), before medication (before heparin on the next day post-operation) and after medication (24h after heparin dosing). The change trends of D-dimer of coagulation function and the difference were observed between two groups.Pearson χ 2 test was utilized for counting data and t-test or Wilcoxon two-sample rank sum test for measurement data. ResultsNo significant inter-group differences existed in gender, age or weight ( P>0.05). No significant inter-group differences in D-dimer distribution pre/postoperatively or before medication ( P>0.05); After medication, D-dimer was significantly lower in observation group than that in control group and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-2.21, P=0.027). The inter-group change of D-dimer after and before medication was statistically significant ( Z=-2.17, P=0.030). In observation group, D-dimer level continued rising pre/postoperatively and before medication and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05); No significant difference existed between before and after medication ( Z=-0.33, P=0.740). The difference was statistically significant after medication and post-operation ( Z=-3.41, P=0.001). The difference of D-dimer was statistically significant after medication as compared with that preoperatively ( Z=-3.06, P=0.002). It was still higher than that pre-operation.In control group, D-dimer continued rising from preoperative to after medication and statistically significant differences existed in D-dimer during each period ( P<0.05). ConclusionsEarly use of low-dose heparin anticoagulant therapy after CPB can relieve the coagulation dysfunction caused by CPB, and is conducive to the prevention of postoperative thrombosis and DIC. © 2023 Chinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co.Ltd. All Rights Reserved.     

Lumpy Skin Disease in Iraq: Study of the Disease Emergence

This study intends to report the first emergence of lumpy skin disease (LSD) in Iraq, in addition to describing its related clinical signs. In August 2013, 21 cases of four outbreaks developed clinical signs suggestive of LSD in the Nineveh (Mosul) and Baghdad Governorates, which were considered as the first infected foci of LSD in Iraq. The disease was diagnosed tentatively, on the basis of clinical signs and epidemiological features, and it was confirmed as positive by the polymerase chain reaction and histopathological features. In September 2013, eight new outbreaks of LSD also appeared in Baghdad and Nineveh. In 2014, the disease spread rapidly to the governorates of Kirkuk, Salah Al‐Din, Al‐Anbar, Diyala, Wasit, Babil, Karbala, Najaf, Al‐Diwaniyah, Muthanna, Maysan, DhiQar and Basra. The total number of infected cows and calves reported was 7396 and 227, respectively. The apparent morbidity and mortality rates were 9.11% and 0.51%, respectively, while the apparent case‐fatality rate was 5.56%. Skin nodules, anorexia, reduce in milk production and decrease in bodyweight were the common clinical signs. Moreover, myiasis and mastitis were seen as complications in some infected animals. Attempts were made to stop the distribution of the disease including quarantine and treatment, control over animal movement and arthropod control. Ring vaccination was used in a 10 km radius zone around the outbreak with live sheep pox vaccine. The highly contagious transboundary nature of the LSD, its endemic distribution in the Iraqi neighbouring countries, and the current armed conflict in the area were the possible factors for the disease being introduced into the country. LSD had spread through the Middle East and Gulf peninsula and could be a cause of danger to the rest of Asia and Europe. International precaution, cooperation and exchange of information could guarantee the prevention and further spread of the disease to the rest of Asia and Europe.     

Management of Leigh syndrome: Current status and new insights

Leigh syndrome (LS) is an inherited mitochondrial encephalopathy associated with gene mutations of oxidative phosphorylation pathway that result in early disability and death in affected young children. Currently, LS is incurable and unresponsive to many treatments, although some case reports indicate that supplements can improve the condition. Many novel therapies are being continuously tested in pre‐clinical studies. In this review, we summarize the genetic basis of LS, current treatment, pre‐clinical studies in animal models and the management of other mitochondrial diseases. Future therapeutical strategies and challenges are also discussed.