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Zhang Y, Wang J, Zhao J, Huang G, Liu K, Pan W, Sun L, Li J, Xu W, He C, Zhang Y, Li S, Zhang H, Zhu J, He Y. Current status and challenges in prenatal and neonatal screening, diagnosis, and management of congenital heart disease in China. THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2023; 7:479-489. [PMID: 37301215 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(23)00051-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD), a wide spectrum of diseases with varied outcomes, is the most common congenital malformation worldwide. In this Series of three papers, we describe the burden of CHD in China; the development of screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up strategies; and challenges associated with the disease. We also propose solutions and recommendations for policies and actions to improve the outcomes of CHD. In the first paper in this Series, we focus on prenatal and neonatal screening, diagnosis, and management of CHD. Based on advanced international knowledge, the Chinese Government has developed a network system comprising prenatal screening, diagnosis of CHD subtypes, specialist consultation appointments, and treatment centres for CHD. A new professional discipline, fetal cardiology, has been formed and rapidly developed. Consequently, the overall coverage of prenatal and neonatal screening and the accuracy of CHD diagnoses have gradually improved, and the neonatal CHD mortality rate has decreased substantially. However, China still faces several challenges in the prevention and treatment of CHD, such as insufficient diagnostic capabilities and unqualified consultation services in some regions and rural areas. TRANSLATION: For the Chinese translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Zhang
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Centre in Fetal Heart Disease, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine in Fetal Heart Disease, Beijing, China; Beijing Laboratory for Cardiovascular Precision Medicine, Beijing, China; School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Jingyi Wang
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Centre in Fetal Heart Disease, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine in Fetal Heart Disease, Beijing, China; Beijing Laboratory for Cardiovascular Precision Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jianxin Zhao
- National Office for Maternal and Child Health Surveillance of China, National Centre for Birth Defect Surveillance of China, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guoying Huang
- Pediatric Heart Centre, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaibo Liu
- Department of Perinatal Health, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Department of Perinatal Health, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Pan
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Cardiology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Luming Sun
- Department of Fetal Medicine & Prenatal Diagnosis Centre, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Xijing Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Wenli Xu
- National Office for Maternal and Child Health Surveillance of China, National Centre for Birth Defect Surveillance of China, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunhua He
- National Office for Maternal and Child Health Surveillance of China, National Centre for Birth Defect Surveillance of China, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunting Zhang
- Child Health Advocacy Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shoujun Li
- Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Center and State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Heart Center and Shanghai Institute of Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease and Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Rare Pediatric Diseases, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Zhu
- National Office for Maternal and Child Health Surveillance of China, National Centre for Birth Defect Surveillance of China, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, and Sichuan Birth Defects Clinical Research Centre, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yihua He
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Centre in Fetal Heart Disease, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine in Fetal Heart Disease, Beijing, China; Beijing Laboratory for Cardiovascular Precision Medicine, Beijing, China.
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2
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Olutoye OO, Joyeux L, King A, Belfort MA, Lee TC, Keswani SG. Minimally Invasive Fetal Surgery and the Next Frontier. Neoreviews 2023; 24:e67-e83. [PMID: 36720693 DOI: 10.1542/neo.24-2-e67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Most patients with congenital anomalies do not require prenatal intervention. Furthermore, many congenital anomalies requiring surgical intervention are treated adequately after birth. However, there is a subset of patients with congenital anomalies who will die before birth, shortly after birth, or experience severe postnatal complications without fetal surgery. Fetal surgery is unique in that an operation is performed on the fetus as well as the pregnant woman who does not receive any direct benefit from the surgery but rather lends herself to risks, such as hemorrhage, abruption, and preterm labor. The maternal risks involved with fetal surgery have limited the extent to which fetal interventions may be performed but have, in turn, led to technical innovations that have significantly advanced the field. This review will examine congenital abnormalities that can be treated with minimally invasive fetal surgery and introduce the next frontier of prenatal management of fetal surgical pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluyinka O Olutoye
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Luc Joyeux
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.,Texas Children's Fetal Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.,Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Alice King
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.,Texas Children's Fetal Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.,Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Michael A Belfort
- Texas Children's Fetal Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Timothy C Lee
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.,Texas Children's Fetal Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.,Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Sundeep G Keswani
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.,Texas Children's Fetal Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.,Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
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3
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Advances in the Prenatal Management of Fetal Cardiac Disease. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9060812. [PMID: 35740749 PMCID: PMC9222001 DOI: 10.3390/children9060812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Advances in the field have improved the prenatal management of cardiovascular diseases over the past few decades; however, there remains considerable challenges in the approach towards patient selection as well as the applicability of available therapies. This review aims to discuss the current knowledge, outcomes and challenges for prenatal intervention for congenital heart disease.
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4
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Stephens EH, Dearani JA, Qureshi MY, Segura LG, Arendt KW, Bendel-Stenzel EM, Ruano R. Toward Eliminating Perinatal Comfort Care for Prenatally Diagnosed Severe Congenital Heart Defects: A Vision. Mayo Clin Proc 2021; 96:1276-1287. [PMID: 33958058 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Over the past 40 years, the medical and surgical management of congenital heart disease has advanced considerably. However, substantial room for improvement remains for certain lesions that have high rates of morbidity and mortality. Although most congenital cardiac conditions are well tolerated during fetal development, certain abnormalities progress in severity over the course of gestation and impair the development of other organs, such as the lungs or airways. It follows that intervention during gestation could potentially slow or reverse elements of disease progression and improve prognosis for certain congenital heart defects. In this review, we detail specific congenital cardiac lesions that may benefit from fetal intervention, some of which already have documented improved outcomes with fetal interventions, and the state-of-the-science in each of these areas. This review includes the most relevant studies from a PubMed database search from 1970 to the present using key words such as fetal cardiac, fetal intervention, fetal surgery, and EXIT procedure. Fetal intervention in congenital cardiac surgery is an exciting frontier that promises further improvement in congenital heart disease outcomes. When fetuses who can benefit from fetal intervention are identified and appropriately referred to centers of excellence in this area, patient care will improve.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joseph A Dearani
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | - Leal G Segura
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Katherine W Arendt
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Ellen M Bendel-Stenzel
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Division of Neonatal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Rodrigo Ruano
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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5
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Liao H, Tang C, Qiao L, Zhou K, Hua Y, Wang C, Li Y. Prenatal Management Strategy for Immune-Associated Congenital Heart Block in Fetuses. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:644122. [PMID: 33996939 PMCID: PMC8113399 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.644122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal congenital heart block (CHB) is the most commonly observed type of fetal bradycardia, and is potentially life-threatening. More than 50% of cases of bradycardia are associated with maternal autoimmunity, and these are collectively termed immune-associated bradycardia. Several methods have been used to achieve reliable prenatal diagnoses of CHB. Emerging data and opinions on pathogenesis, prenatal diagnosis, fetal intervention, and the prognosis of fetal immune-associated CHB provide clues for generating a practical protocol for clinical management. The prognosis of fetal immune-associated bradycardia is based on the severity of heart blocks. Morbidity and mortality can occur in severe cases, thus hieratical management is essential in such cases. In this review, we mainly focus on optimal strategies pertaining to autoimmune antibodies related to CHB, although the approaches for managing autoimmune-mediated CHB are still controversial, particularly with regard to whether fetuses benefit from transplacental medication administration. To date there is still no accessible clinical strategy for autoimmune-mediated CHB. This review first discusses integrated prenatal management strategies for the condition. It then provides some advice for clinicians involved in management of fetal cardiovascular disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Liao
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education (MOE), Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Changqing Tang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education (MOE), Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lina Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education (MOE), Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kaiyu Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education (MOE), Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yimin Hua
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education (MOE), Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education (MOE), Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yifei Li
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education (MOE), Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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6
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Yuan SM, Xu ZY. Fetal arrhythmias: prenatal evaluation and intrauterine therapeutics. Ital J Pediatr 2020; 46:21. [PMID: 32050988 PMCID: PMC7017517 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-020-0785-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Fetal arrhythmias are a common phenomenon with rather complicated etiologies. Debates remain regarding prenatal diagnosis and treatment of fetal arrhythmias. Methods The literature reporting on prenatal diagnosis and treatment of fetal arrhythmias published in the recent two decades were retrieved, collected and analyzed. Results Both fetal magnetocardiogram and electrocardiogram provide information of cardiac time intervals, including the QRS and QT durations. M-mode ultrasound detects the AV and VA intervals, fetal heart rate, and AV conduction. By using Doppler ultrasound, simultaneous recording of the atrial and ventricular waves can be obtained. Benign fetal arrhythmias, including premature contractions and sinus tachycardia, do not need any treatment before and after birth. Sustained fetal arrhythmias that predispose to the occurrence of hydrops fetalis, cardiac dysfunction or eventual fetal demise require active treatments. Intrauterine therapy of fetal tachyarrhythmias has been carried out by the transplacental route. If maternal transplacental treatment fails, intraumbilical, intraperitoneal, or direct fetal intramuscular injection of antiarrhythmic agents can be attempted. Conclusions The outcomes of intrauterine therapy of fetal tachyarrhythmias depend on the types or etiology of fetal arrhythmias and fetal conditions. Most are curable to a transplacental treatment by the first-line antiarrhythmic agents. Fetal cardiac pacings are effective methods to restore sinus rhythm in drug-resistant or hemodynamically compromised cases. Immediate postnatal pacemaker implantation is warranted in refractory cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Min Yuan
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Putian, Teaching Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 389 Longdejing Street, Chengxiang District, Putian, 351100, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Yang Xu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Putian, Teaching Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 389 Longdejing Street, Chengxiang District, Putian, 351100, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China.
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7
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Pedra SRFF, Zielinsky P, Binotto CN, Martins CN, Fonseca ESVBD, Guimarães ICB, Corrêa IVDS, Pedrosa KLM, Lopes LM, Nicoloso LHS, Barberato MFA, Zamith MM. Brazilian Fetal Cardiology Guidelines - 2019. Arq Bras Cardiol 2019; 112:600-648. [PMID: 31188968 PMCID: PMC6555576 DOI: 10.5935/abc.20190075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Simone R F Fontes Pedra
- Instituto Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologia, São Paulo, SP - Brazil.,Hospital do Coração (HCor), São Paulo, SP - Brazil
| | - Paulo Zielinsky
- Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS - Brazil
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8
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Pruetz JD, Miller JC, Loeb GE, Silka MJ, Bar-Cohen Y, Chmait RH. Prenatal diagnosis and management of congenital complete heart block. Birth Defects Res 2019; 111:380-388. [PMID: 30821931 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Congenital complete heart block (CCHB) is a life-threatening medical condition in the unborn fetus with insufficiently validated prenatal interventions. Maternal administration of medications aimed at decreasing the immune response in the fetus and beta-agonists intended to increase fetal cardiac output have shown only marginal benefits. Anti-inflammatory therapies cannot reverse CCHB, but may decrease myocarditis and improve heart function. Advances in prenatal diagnosis and use of strict surveillance protocols for delivery timing have demonstrated small improvements in morbidity and mortality. Ambulatory surveillance programs and wearable fetal heart rate monitors may afford early identification of evolving fetal heart block allowing for emergent treatment. There is also preliminary data suggesting a roll for prevention of CCHB with hydroxychloroquine, but the efficacy and safety is still being studied. To date, intrauterine fetal pacing has not been successful due to the high-risk invasive placement techniques and potential problems with lead dislodgement. The development of a fully implantable micropacemaker via a minimally invasive approach has the potential to pace fetal patients with CCHB and thus delay delivery and allow fetal hydrops to resolve. The challenge remains to establish accepted prenatal interventions capable of successfully managing CCHB in utero until postnatal pacemaker placement is successfully achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay D Pruetz
- Department of Pediatrics/Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.,Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jennifer C Miller
- Department of Pediatrics/Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.,Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, California
| | - Gerald E Loeb
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, California
| | - Michael J Silka
- Department of Pediatrics/Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.,Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, California
| | - Yaniv Bar-Cohen
- Department of Pediatrics/Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.,Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ramen H Chmait
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology/Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, California
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9
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Gardiner HM. In utero intervention for severe congenital heart disease. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2019; 58:42-54. [PMID: 30772145 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The aim of foetal cardiac therapy is to treat an abnormality at the developmental stage so that the process of cardiac growth, which is complex and relies on the volume and direction of circulating blood as well as genetic determinants, can continue. In reality, most cardiac interventions are palliative; hence, major abnormalities are still present at birth. Nevertheless, tangible benefits following successful foetal intervention include improved haemodynamics and reduction in secondary damage leading to better postnatal outcomes. In cases of semilunar valve stenosis, or atresia, foetal valvuloplasty aims to achieve a biventricular, rather than univentricular, circulation. Opening and stenting a restrictive atrial foramen may preserve the pulmonary function in cases of hypoplastic left heart syndrome, thereby increasing the chances of successful postnatal surgery. More recent endeavours include percutaneous implantation of a miniaturised pacemaker to treat complete heart block and the promotion of left-sided heart growth by chronic maternal hyperoxygenation. The true clinical benefit of these interventions over natural history remains uncertain because of the paucity of appropriate randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Foetal cardiac therapy must now move from a pioneering approach to one that is supported by evidence, as has been done successfully for other foetal therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena M Gardiner
- The Fetal Center, Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGovern Medical School, UTHealth, Houston, TX, USA.
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10
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Hunter LE, Seale AN. EDUCATIONAL SERIES IN CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE: Prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease. Echo Res Pract 2018; 5:R81-R100. [PMID: 30012852 PMCID: PMC6107762 DOI: 10.1530/erp-18-0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
This review article will guide the reader through the background of prenatal screening for congenital heart disease. The reader will be given insight into the normal screening views, common abnormalities, risk stratification of lesions and also recent advances in prenatal cardiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey E Hunter
- Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, UK
| | - Anna N Seale
- Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Birmingham, UK
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11
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Abstract
Fetal cardiac abnormalities are some of the commonest congenital disorders seen in prenatal life. They can be anatomical or functional and can develop de novo or as a consequence of either maternal or fetal disease. Untreated, morbidity and mortality rates are high for hypoplastic left heart disorders and for some fetal tachy and bradyarrhythmias. Optimum management strategies are often not clear because of the lack of knowledge about the precise natural history of some of these conditions. Prenatal therapy ranges from invasive fetal cardiac intervention to maternal administration of drugs for transplacental transfer to the fetus. This comprehensive review covers many fetal cardiac disorders and various prenatal therapeutic options that are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sailesh Kumar
- a Mater Research Institute / University of Queensland , Brisbane , Australia.,b Mater Centre for Maternal Fetal Medicine , Mater Mothers' Hospital , Brisbane , Australia.,c Faculty of Medicine , the University of Queensland , Brisbane , Australia
| | - Jade Lodge
- b Mater Centre for Maternal Fetal Medicine , Mater Mothers' Hospital , Brisbane , Australia
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12
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A potentially curative fetal intervention for hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Med Hypotheses 2018; 110:132-137. [PMID: 29317056 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Revised: 11/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) encapsulates a spectrum of complex congenital cardiovascular malformations involving varying degrees of underdevelopment of the left-sided heart structures. However, despite improved survival rates since the introduction of staged surgical reconstruction, treatment options for HLHS remain palliative rather than curative. A major limiting factor in the development of definitive curative therapy for HLHS is an incomplete understanding of its pathogenesis. Currently, the aetiology HLHS is best conceptualised by the 'flow theory' of cardiogenesis, which states that normal cardiac development is reliant on the interrelationship of normal flow patterns of blood through the developing heart, and appropriate growth of the cardiac valves and myocardium. Thus, congenital cardiac malformations, such as HLHS, are thought to arise when these two processes are incorrectly coupled in utero. The rationale for the hypothesis proposed herein rests upon the flow theory of cardiogenesis. Morphological studies of HLHS indicate that, although underdeveloped, all left-sided cardiac structures are present and anatomically correct. Further, of the various structural abnormalities that can occur within the spectrum of HLHS, the presence of a ventricular septal defect (VSD) is rare. The rarity of a VSD within the morphological spectrum of HLHS suggests the syndrome may not develop in the presence of a functionally significant VSD. Presumably, the presence of a functional VSD establishes a communication between the two ventricles during cardiac development, and preserves the normal pressure-flow-dependent growth of the left ventricular (LV) myocardium, despite inflow/outflow valve defects. It is proposed that surgical creation of a VSD in utero will 'rescue' the LV of hearts with left-sided valvular deformities that render them susceptible to the development of HLHS later in gestation. In evaluating this hypothesis, potential techniques for surgical creation of a VSD in utero are offered. These techniques are based on already established catheter-based in utero interventions, and conventional postnatal percutaneous procedures for VSD creation. Further discussion is also offered on techniques to avoid, and manage, potential complications (i.e. conduction system damage) of the proposed technique(s). Finally, if VSD creation in utero is indeed practically feasible, and successfully establishes the hypothesised hemodynamic and myocardial growth normalisation within the abnormally developing LV, the clinical implications are profound. This procedure may hold a potential cure for almost every sub-type of HLHS.
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13
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Vest AN, Zhou L, Huang X, Norekyan V, Bar-Cohen Y, Chmait RH, Loeb GE. Design and Testing of a Transcutaneous RF Recharging System for a Fetal Micropacemaker. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON BIOMEDICAL CIRCUITS AND SYSTEMS 2017; 11:336-346. [PMID: 28212097 PMCID: PMC5510743 DOI: 10.1109/tbcas.2016.2620805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
We have developed a rechargeable fetal micropacemaker in order to treat severe fetal bradycardia with comorbid hydrops fetalis. The necessarily small form factor of the device, small patient population, and fetal anatomy put unique constraints on the design of the recharging system. To overcome these constraints, a custom high power field generator was built and the recharging process was controlled by utilizing pacing rate as a measure of battery state, a feature of the relaxation oscillator used to generate stimuli. The design and in vitro and in vivo verification of the recharging system is presented here, showing successful generation of recharging current in a fetal lamb model.
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14
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Zhou L, Vest AN, Peck RA, Sredl JP, Huang X, Bar-Cohen Y, Silka MJ, Pruetz JD, Chmait RH, Loeb GE. Minimally invasive implantable fetal micropacemaker: mechanical testing and technical refinements. Med Biol Eng Comput 2016; 54:1819-1830. [PMID: 27021067 PMCID: PMC5040620 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-016-1470-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This paper discusses the technical and safety requirements for cardiac pacing of a human fetus with heart failure and hydrops fetalis secondary to complete heart block. Engineering strategies to meet specific technical requirements were integrated into a systematic design and implementation consisting of a novel fetal micropacemaker, a percutaneous implantation system, and a sterile package that enables device storage and recharging maintenance in a clinical setting. We further analyzed observed problems on myocardial fixation and pacing lead fatigue previously reported in earlier preclinical trials. This paper describes the technical refinements of the implantable fetal micropacemaker to overcome these challenges. The mechanical performance has been extensively tested to verify the improvement of reliability and safety margins of the implantation system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhou
- Medical Device Development Facility, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, 1042 Downey Way, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
| | - Adriana Nicholson Vest
- Medical Device Development Facility, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, 1042 Downey Way, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Raymond A Peck
- Medical Device Development Facility, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, 1042 Downey Way, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Jonathan P Sredl
- Medical Device Development Facility, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, 1042 Downey Way, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Xuechen Huang
- Medical Device Development Facility, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, 1042 Downey Way, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Yaniv Bar-Cohen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1975 Zonal Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Michael J Silka
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1975 Zonal Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Jay D Pruetz
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1975 Zonal Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1300 North Vermont Avenue, Suite 710, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA
| | - Ramen H Chmait
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1300 North Vermont Avenue, Suite 710, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA
| | - Gerald E Loeb
- Medical Device Development Facility, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, 1042 Downey Way, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
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15
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Vest AN, Zhou L, Bar-Cohen Y, Eli Loeb G. A novel method to estimate safety factor of capture by a fetal micropacemaker. Physiol Meas 2016; 37:1172-85. [PMID: 27340134 DOI: 10.1088/0967-3334/37/7/1172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
We have developed a rechargeable fetal micropacemaker in order to treat severe fetal bradycardia with comorbid hydrops fetalis, a life-threatening condition in pre-term non-viable fetuses for which there are no effective treatment options. The small size and minimally invasive form factor of our design limit the volume available for circuitry and a power source. The device employs a fixed-rate and fixed-amplitude relaxation oscillator and a tiny, rechargeable lithium ion power cell. For both research and clinical applications, it is valuable to monitor the electrode-myocardium interface in order to determine that adequate pacemaker output is being provided. This is typically accomplished by observing the minimal stimulus strength that achieves threshold for pacing capture. The output of our simple micropacemaker cannot be programmatically altered to determine this minimal capture threshold, but a safety factor can be inferred by determining the refractory period for ventricular capture at a given stimulus strength. This is done by measuring the minimal timing between naturally occurring QRS complexes and pacing stimuli that successfully generate a premature ventricular contraction. The method was tested in a pilot study in four fetal sheep and the data demonstrate that a relative measure of threshold is obtainable. This method provides valuable real-time information about the electrode-tissue interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Nicholson Vest
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, 1042 Downey Way, Denney Research Bldg, Ste 140, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
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16
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Yuan SM, Humuruola G. Fetal cardiac interventions: clinical and experimental research. ADVANCES IN INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY 2016; 12:99-107. [PMID: 27279868 PMCID: PMC4882381 DOI: 10.5114/aic.2016.59359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal cardiac interventions for congenital heart diseases may alleviate heart dysfunction, prevent them evolving into hypoplastic left heart syndrome, achieve biventricular outcome and improve fetal survival. Candidates for clinical fetal cardiac interventions are now restricted to cases of critical aortic valve stenosis with evolving hypoplastic left heart syndrome, pulmonary atresia with an intact ventricular septum and evolving hypoplastic right heart syndrome, and hypoplastic left heart syndrome with an intact or highly restrictive atrial septum as well as fetal heart block. The therapeutic options are advocated as prenatal aortic valvuloplasty, pulmonary valvuloplasty, creation of interatrial communication and fetal cardiac pacing. Experimental research on fetal cardiac intervention involves technical modifications of catheter-based cardiac clinical interventions and open fetal cardiac bypass that cannot be applied in human fetuses for the time being. Clinical fetal cardiac interventions are plausible for midgestation fetuses with the above-mentioned congenital heart defects. The technical success, biventricular outcome and fetal survival are continuously being improved in the conditions of the sophisticated multidisciplinary team, equipment, techniques and postnatal care. Experimental research is laying the foundations and may open new fields for catheter-based clinical techniques. In the present article, the clinical therapeutic options and experimental fetal cardiac interventions are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Min Yuan
- The First Hospital of Putian, Teaching Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Putian, Fujian Province, China
| | - Gulimila Humuruola
- People's Hospital of Jimunai, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
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17
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Yuan SM. Fetal cardiac interventions: an update of therapeutic options. Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 2015; 29:388-95. [PMID: 25372914 PMCID: PMC4412330 DOI: 10.5935/1678-9741.20140099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This article aims to present updated therapeutic options for fetal congenital
heart diseases. Methods Data source for the present study was based on comprehensive literature retrieval
on fetal cardiac interventions in terms of indications, technical approaches and
clinical outcomes. Results About 5% of fetal congenital heart diseases are critical and timely intrauterine
intervention may alleviate heart function. Candidates for fetal cardiac
interventions are limited. These candidates may include critical aortic valve
stenosis with evolving hypoplastic left heart syndrome, pulmonary atresia with an
intact ventricular septum and evolving hypoplastic right heart syndrome, and
hypoplastic left heart syndrome with an intact or highly restrictive atrial septum
as well as fetal heart block. The advocated option are prenatal aortic
valvuloplasty, pulmonary valvuloplasty, creation of atrial communication and fetal
cardiac pacing. Conclusion Fetal cardiac interventions are feasible at midgestation with gradually improved
technical success and fetal/postnatal survival due mainly to a well-trained
multidisciplinary team, sophisticated equipment and better postnatal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Min Yuan
- Teaching Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Putian, China
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18
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Abstract
The present article aims to highlight fetal cardiac interventions (FCIs) in terms of indications, strategies, and fetal prognoses. FCIs of the early years were predominantly pharmacological therapies for fetal arrhythmia or heart block. A transplacental transmission of therapeutic agents has now become the main route of pharmacological FCIs. There have been various FCI strategies, which can be categorized into three types: pharmacological, open FCIs, and closed FCIs. Rather than as a routine management for materno-fetal cardiac disorders, however, FCIs are only applied in those fetal cardiac disorders that are at an increased risk of mortality and morbidity and warrant an interventional therapy. Pharmacological FCIs have been well applied in fetal arrhythmias but require further investigations for novel therapeutic agents. The development of open FCI in humans is an issue for the long run. Closed FCIs may largely rely on advanced imaging techniques. Hybrid FCIs might be the future goal in the treatment of fetal heart diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Min Yuan
- The First Hospital of Putian, Teaching Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Putian, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China.
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19
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20
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Satomi G. Guidelines for fetal echocardiography. Pediatr Int 2015; 57:1-21. [PMID: 25711252 DOI: 10.1111/ped.12467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gengi Satomi
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Nagano Children's Hospital, Azumino, Nagano, Japan
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21
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Abstract
The update course in foetal cardiology held by the Fetal Working Group of the Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology in Istanbul in May 2012 included a session on foetal cardiac therapy. In the introductory overview to this symposium, we critically examine the level of evidence supporting or refuting proposed foetal cardiac therapies including transplacental treatment of foetal tachyarrhythmias, steroid treatment in foetal atrioventricular block, and foetal aortic valvuloplasty. In summary, the evidence for the efficiency and safety of currently available foetal cardiac therapies is low, with no therapy based on a randomised controlled trial. Transplacental treatment of foetal tachycardia is generally accepted as effective and safe, based on extensive and widespread clinical experience; however, there is no consensus on which drugs are the most effective in different electrophysiological situations. Randomised studies may be able to resolve this, but this is complicated because tachyarrhythmias are relatively rare conditions, the foetus is not accessible for direct treatment, and it is the healthy mother who accepts treatment she does not need on behalf of her foetus. The indications for steroid treatment in foetal atrioventricular block and for foetal valvuloplasty are even more controversial. Although randomised trials would be desirable, the practical issues of recruiting sufficient sample sizes and controlling for variation in practice across multiple sites is not to be underestimated. Multicentre registries, analysed free of bias, may be an alternative way to improve the evidence base of foetal cardiac therapy.
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22
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Zhou L, Vest AN, Chmait RH, Bar-Cohen Y, Pruetz J, Silka M, Zheng K, Peck R, Loeb GE. A percutaneously implantable fetal pacemaker. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2014; 2014:4459-4463. [PMID: 25570982 PMCID: PMC4346192 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2014.6944614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
A miniaturized, self-contained pacemaker that could be implanted with a minimally invasive technique would dramatically improve the survival rate for fetuses that develop hydrops fetalis as a result of congenital heart block. We are currently validating a device that we developed to address this bradyarrhythmia. Preclinical studies in a fetal sheep model are underway to demonstrate that the device can be implanted via a minimally invasive approach, can mechanically withstand the harsh bodily environment, can induce effective contractions of the heart muscle with an adequate safety factor, and can successfully operate for the required device lifetime of three months using the previously-developed closed loop transcutaneous recharging system.
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23
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24
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Nicholson A, Chmait R, Bar-Cohen Y, Zheng K, Loeb GE. Percutaneously injectable fetal pacemaker: electronics, pacing thresholds, and power budget. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2013; 2012:5730-3. [PMID: 23367231 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2012.6347296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
We are developing a cardiac pacemaker that is designed to be implanted percutaneously into a fetus to treat complete heart block and consequent hydrops fetalis, which is otherwise fatal. One of the most significant considerations for this device is the technical challenges presented by the battery and charging system. The size of the device is limited to about 3 mm in diameter; batteries on this scale have very small charge capacities. The smaller capacity means that the device needs to be designed so that it uses as little current as possible and so that its battery can be recharged wirelessly. We determined the pacing thresholds for a simple relaxation oscillator that can be assembled from discrete, surface mount components and analyzed the power consumption of the device given different electrode configurations and stimulus parameters. An inductive recharging system will be required for some patients; it is feasible within the package constraints and under development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Nicholson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
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25
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Zhou L, Chmait R, Bar-Cohen Y, Peck RA, Loeb GE. Percutaneously injectable fetal pacemaker: electrodes, mechanical design and implantation. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2013; 2012:6600-3. [PMID: 23367442 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2012.6347507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We are developing a self-contained cardiac pacemaker with a small, cylindrical shape (~3 × 20 mm) that permits it to be implanted percutaneously into a fetus to treat complete heart block and consequent hydrops fetalis, which is otherwise fatal. The device uses off-the-shelf components including a rechargeable lithium cell and a highly efficient relaxation oscillator encapsulated in epoxy and glass. A corkscrew electrode made from activated iridium can be screwed into the myocardium, followed by release of the pacemaker and a short, flexible lead entirely within the chest of the fetus to avoid dislodgement from fetal movement. The feasibility of implanting the device percutaneously under ultrasonic imaging guidance was demonstrated in acute adult rabbit experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
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26
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Affiliation(s)
- C Chang
- Division of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Thomas Jefferson University, Nemours/A.I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
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27
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Design and testing of a percutaneously implantable fetal pacemaker. Ann Biomed Eng 2012; 41:17-27. [PMID: 22855119 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-012-0631-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2012] [Accepted: 07/14/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
We are developing a cardiac pacemaker with a small, cylindrical shape that permits percutaneous implantation into a fetus to treat complete heart block and consequent hydrops fetalis, which can otherwise be fatal. The device uses off-the-shelf components including a rechargeable lithium cell and a highly efficient relaxation oscillator encapsulated in epoxy and glass. A corkscrew electrode made from activated iridium can be screwed into the myocardium, followed by release of the pacemaker and a short, flexible lead entirely within the chest of the fetus to avoid dislodgement from fetal movement. Acute tests in adult rabbits demonstrated the range of electrical parameters required for successful pacing and the feasibility of successfully implanting the device percutaneously under ultrasonic imaging guidance. The lithium cell can be recharged inductively as needed, as indicated by a small decline in the pulsing rate.
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28
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29
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Chang C. Neonatal autoimmune diseases: a critical review. J Autoimmun 2012; 38:J223-38. [PMID: 22402339 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2011.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2011] [Accepted: 11/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal autoimmune diseases are distinctly rare. Most neonatal autoimmune diseases result from the transplacental transfer of maternal antibodies directed against fetal or neonatal antigens in various tissues. In neonatal lupus, the heart seems to be particularly susceptible. Primary autoimmunity in newborns, with the exception of familial autoinflammatory diseases, is virtually non-existent. The pathophysiologic basis for the development of neonatal autoimmunity is not entirely clear, but differences in the neonatal immune system compared with the adult immune system, as well as unique characteristics of target antigens in the newborn period may be important factors. Neonatal lupus is the most common presentation of autoimmunity in the newborn. But the characteristics defining neonatal lupus are not well defined and the presentation of neonatal lupus differs from that of classical lupus. Other neonatal autoimmune diseases involving the interaction between maternal antibodies and fetal/neonatal antigens include neonatal anti-phospholipid syndrome, Behcet's disease, neonatal autoimmune thyroid disease, neonatal polymyositis and dermatomyositis, neonatal scleroderma and neonatal type I diabetes mellitus. While autoantibodies have been detected in patients with neonatal autoimmune disease, the pathogenic role of autoantibodies has not been well defined. Other mechanisms may play a role in the development of neonatal autoimmunity, including fetal/maternal microchimerism and aberrant apoptosis of fetal cells. The autoinflammatory syndromes are a completely different category, but are also included in discussion of neonatal autoimmune diseases. The autoinflammatory syndromes include the cryopyrin associated periodic syndromes (CAPS) - familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome (FCAS), neonatal onset multisystem inflammatory disease (NOMID) and Muckle-Wells syndrome, which all share a common pathophysiologic mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Chang
- Division of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Thomas Jefferson University, Nemours/AI duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA.
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30
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Hutter D, Silverman ED, Jaeggi ET. The benefits of transplacental treatment of isolated congenital complete heart block associated with maternal anti-Ro/SSA antibodies: a review. Scand J Immunol 2010; 72:235-41. [PMID: 20696021 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2010.02440.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Isolated congenital complete atrio-ventricular block (CAVB) is associated with the transplacental passage of maternal autoantibodies directed to foetal Ro/SSA ribonucleoproteins. Their interactions most likely trigger the inflammation of the atrio-ventricular node and the myocardium in susceptible foetuses. The inflamed tissues may then heal with fibrosis that may cause heart block, endocardial fibroelastosis, and dilated cardiomyopathy. CAVB, the most common cardiac complication, typically develops between 18 and 24 gestational weeks. Untreated, the condition carries a significant mortality risk as the foetus needs to overcome the sudden drop in ventricular rate, the loss of normal atrial systolic contribution to ventricular filling, and perhaps concomitant myocardial inflammation and fibrosis. The rationale to treat a foetus at the stage of CAVB is primarily to mitigate myocardial inflammation and to augment foetal cardiac output. Maternal dexamethasone administration has been shown to improve incomplete foetal AV block, myocardial dysfunction, and cavity effusions. Beta-sympathomimetics may be useful to increase the foetal heart rate and myocardial contractility. Published data from our institution suggest an improved survival >90% if maternal high-dose dexamethasone was initiated at the time of CAVB detection and maintained during the pregnancy and if a beta-adrenergic drug was added at foetal heart rates below 55 beats/min. Despite the improvement in outcome, there is an ongoing debate about treatment-related risks. In this review, we will appraise the natural history of untreated CAVB, discuss currently available management options, and examine the results and risks of in-utero treatment of antibody-mediated CAVB.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Hutter
- Division of Cardiology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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31
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Abstract
The human fetal heart develops arrhythmias and conduction disturbances in response to ischemia, inflammation, electrolyte disturbances, altered load states, structural defects, inherited genetic conditions, and many other causes. Yet sinus rhythm is present without altered rate or rhythm in some of the most serious electrophysiological diseases, which makes detection of diseases of the fetal conduction system challenging in the absence of magnetocardiographic or electrocardiographic recording techniques. Life-threatening changes in QRS or QT intervals can be completely unrecognized if heart rate is the only feature to be altered. For many fetal arrhythmias, echocardiography alone can assess important clinical parameters for diagnosis. Appropriate treatment of the fetus requires awareness of arrhythmia characteristics, mechanisms, and potential associations. Criteria to define fetal bradycardia specific to gestational age are now available and may allow detection of ion channelopathies, which are associated with fetal and neonatal bradycardia. Ectopic beats, once thought to be entirely benign, are now recognized to have important pathologic associations. Fetal tachyarrhythmias can now be defined precisely for mechanism-specific therapy and for subsequent monitoring of response. This article reviews the current and future diagnostic techniques and pharmacologic treatments for fetal arrhythmia.
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32
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Affiliation(s)
- Doff B McElhinney
- Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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33
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Boudjemline Y, Rosenblatt J, de La Villeon G, Bénifla JL, Bonnet D, Jouannic JM. Development of a new lead for in utero fetal pacing. Prenat Diagn 2010; 30:122-6. [PMID: 20020429 DOI: 10.1002/pd.2422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The results from preliminary studies on fetal pacing preclude an application to the human fetus. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of acute fetal cardiac pacing following ultrasound-guided epicardial anchorage of a new pacing lead dedicated to the fetal heart. METHODS In 12 pregnant ewes, a needle was placed in contact with cardiac chambers under echo-guidance. Using the lumen of the needle, a 3-Fr pacing lead was advanced and fixed on the cardiac wall using a built-in screw. Pacing was attempted using an external pacing system. RESULTS Lead insertion was successful in all but one. In the first fetus, the needle was advanced too far into the right ventricle leading to pericardial bleeding. The fetal heart rate was overdriven in all at 220/ min. After assessment, pacing lead was unscrewed and retrieved without any complication. Pregnancy was electively interrupted in six animals. The other six fetuses were delivered vaginally after uneventful pregnancy and autopsy at day 3 did not show any significant injury. CONCLUSIONS Transcutaneous echo-guided fetal acute pacing is feasible using a specially designed lead. Additional refinement of both the equipments and the operative technique are needed before considering permanent pacing in the human fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Younes Boudjemline
- Service de Cardiologie Pédiatrie, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, and Faculté de Médecine Necker-Enfants Malades, Université Paris V, Paris, France
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Sekar P, Hornberger LK. The role of fetal echocardiography in fetal intervention: a symbiotic relationship. Clin Perinatol 2009; 36:301-27, ix. [PMID: 19559322 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2009.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In this review, the authors explore the role of noninvasive and invasive fetal interventions in fetal cardiovascular disease guided by observations at fetal echocardiography. They first review fetal cardiac lesions that may be ameliorated by fetal intervention and then review noncardiac fetal pathologic findings for which fetal echocardiography can provide important insight into the pathophysiology and aid in patient selection for and timing of intervention and postintervention surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Sekar
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, Fetal and Neonatal Cardiology Program, WCMC 4C2 Stollery Children's Hospital, Alberta, Canada
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35
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Hayashi T, Kaneko M, Kim KS, Eryu Y, Shindo T, Isoda T, Murashima A, Ito Y, Sago H. Outcome of prenatally diagnosed isolated congenital complete atrioventricular block treated with transplacental betamethasone or ritodrine therapy. Pediatr Cardiol 2009; 30:35-40. [PMID: 18661167 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-008-9273-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2008] [Revised: 05/14/2008] [Accepted: 07/06/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The effectiveness of transplacental drug therapy for prenatally diagnosed isolated congenital complete atrioventricular block (CCAVB) is controversial. Nine cases of prenatal isolated CCAVB were treated from 2002 to 2007. Ritodrine was administered transplacentally to all fetuses and betamethasone to those whose mothers tested positive for maternal anti-SSA/Ro antibodies. Six of the nine patients had an anti-SSA/Ro-positive mother and received transplacental betamethasone 4 mg/day at a median gestational age of 28 weeks (range, 24-31 weeks). No patients exhibited an improvement in the degrees of complete heart block, and one patient died in utero. No serious adverse events occurred. After the mean follow-up period of 1.7 +/- 1.3 years, all five patients treated with transplacental betamethasone experienced a good cardiac function, whereas one of the three patients not treated with transplacental betamethasone experienced cardiomyopathy and died at the age of 4 months. Pacemaker implantation was required for seven of the eight live-born infants. Transplacental betamethasone therapy for the patients with isolated CCAVB neither improved the degree of atrioventricular block nor decreased the rate of patients requiring pacemaker implantation, but it probably reduced the risk for the development of myocardial disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiyu Hayashi
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan.
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36
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Outcome of high-risk neonates with congenital complete heart block paced in the first 24 hours after birth. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2008; 136:767-73. [PMID: 18805283 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2008.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2007] [Revised: 02/05/2008] [Accepted: 04/11/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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37
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Matsui H, Gardiner H. Fetal intervention for cardiac disease: the cutting edge of perinatal care. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2007; 12:482-9. [PMID: 17827079 DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2007.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Fetal cardiac valvuloplasty has been proposed for progressive cardiac disease with a poor prognosis, such as critical aortic stenosis and pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and balloon atrial septostomy for hypoplastic left heart syndrome, or simple transposition of the great arteries with closed or restrictive inter-atrial communication. It is anticipated that early rescue of ventricles or the pulmonary veins from an unfavourable environment may promote healthier ventricular and vascular growth and improve postnatal outcomes. While close collaboration between the fetal medicine specialist and perinatal cardiologist may optimize the chances of technical success, obstacles to progress include the relative rarity of suitable cases and late referral for therapy. In common with other interventions in fetal medicine, there is a learning curve, and it would benefit progress if the procedures were initially concentrated in just a few centres to enable them to develop skills and experience. Following careful evaluation, it may then be desirable to train further centres and roll out best practice models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hikoro Matsui
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital, Hammersmith Campus, London W12 ONH, UK
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38
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Abstract
The concept of fetal therapy is well established for many disorders diagnosed before birth but practical issues regarding its introduction into clinical practice are more difficult. Cardiac malformations are common, with major lesions affecting about 3.5 per thousand pregnancies; however, only a small proportion of these is likely to benefit from an intrauterine intervention. In addition, there are no good animal models of human cardiac disease and our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms is at best sketchy. This combination of factors has resulted in slow progress in developing effective therapies for the intrauterine management of cardiac disease. Recent research and clinical developments have included percutaneous valvuloplasty for severe aortic and pulmonary stenosis, perforation of the closed or restrictive inter-atrial septum and pacing for complete heart block. Progress in these endeavours has been variable but - overall - shows promise for treatment of the human fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena M Gardiner
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, W12 ONN, UK.
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39
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Friedman DM, Rupel A, Buyon JP. Epidemiology, etiology, detection, and treatment of autoantibody-associated congenital heart block in neonatal lupus. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2007; 9:101-8. [PMID: 17502039 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-007-0003-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal lupus syndrome is a model of passively acquired autoimmunity in which the pregnant woman's serum contains specific antibodies to 52 or 60 kd SSA/Ro and/or 48 kd SSB/La, which cross the placenta and are associated with the development of congenital heart block in the fetus and/or a transient rash or various liver and blood cell abnormalities in the newborn. To date, congenital heart block is a permanent condition that entails significant morbidity and mortality, with nearly all affected infants requiring pacemakers and with an 80% cumulative probability of survival at 3 years of age. An intensive search is on for the specific etiopathophysiology and for new clinical tools to approach and treat this disease.
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MESH Headings
- Autoantibodies/blood
- Comorbidity
- Heart Block/diagnosis
- Heart Block/drug therapy
- Heart Block/etiology
- Heart Block/mortality
- Heart Defects, Congenital/diagnosis
- Heart Defects, Congenital/drug therapy
- Heart Defects, Congenital/etiology
- Heart Defects, Congenital/mortality
- Humans
- Infant, Newborn
- Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/complications
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/diagnosis
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/diet therapy
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/mortality
- Survival Rate
- United States/epidemiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah M Friedman
- New York University School of Medicine, 560 First Avenue, TCH-407, New York, NY 10016, USA
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40
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Abstract
Neonatal lupus has become an important model of passively acquired autoimmunity since the seminal observation in the late 1970s that sera from nearly all mothers of children with isolated congenital heart block (CHB) contain specific autoantibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Izmirly
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, New York University School of Medicine, 560 First Avenue, TCH-407, New York, NY 10016, USA
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41
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Jayaprasad N, Johnson F, Venugopal K. Congenital complete heart block and maternal connective tissue disease. Int J Cardiol 2006; 112:153-8. [PMID: 16815568 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2005.11.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2005] [Revised: 11/12/2005] [Accepted: 11/27/2005] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Congenital complete heart block can be isolated or can occur in association with other structural heart diseases. Isolated congenital complete heart block (CCHB) is due to transplacental transfer of autoantibodies from mothers with connective tissue disease. Congenital heart block is usually complete, but incomplete blocks, sinus bradycardia and QTc prolongation are also reported. Anti SS A and Anti SS B antibodies transferred from mothers have inflammatory and arrhythmogenic effects in the fetal conduction system. Cardiac manifestations reported include dilated cardiomyopathy, endocardial fibroelastosis and mitral insufficiency. Low ventricular rate, QT prolongation and arrhythmias on monitoring are high risk features. CCHB has a mortality of 30%, and 60% of infants require pacemaker therapy. Fetal echocardiography is useful in early diagnosis. Prophylactic steroid therapy is controversial. Beta adrenergic agonists were tried in mothers with fetuses having congenital heart block to increase fetal heart rate. Early pacemaker therapy is indicated in patients with symptomatic bradycardia and ventricular dysfunction. The indications for pacing in congenital heart block continue to evolve with advances in techniques and most of these children will ultimately require permanent pacemakers by adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Jayaprasad
- Department of Cardiology, Medical College, Calicut, Kerala State, 673008, India.
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42
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43
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Jaeggi ET, Nii M. Fetal brady- and tachyarrhythmias: new and accepted diagnostic and treatment methods. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2005; 10:504-14. [PMID: 16213203 DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2005.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Sustained bradyarrhythmias are typically the result of symptomatic sinus bradycardia, atrial bigeminy or complete atrioventricular (AV) block. Fetal tachyarrhythmias relate to sinus tachycardia, atrial flutter and supraventricular tachycardia as the main aetiology. Ultrasound is essential to understand the underlying arrhythmia mechanism, to study the impact on cardiac function, to exclude cardiac defects or tumours, and to survey the fetal heart rate and well-being, e.g. during anti-arrhythmic treatment. Based on retrospective studies, several more or less safe, effective and well-tolerated anti-arrhythmic agents are currently available for the treatment of atrial and supraventricular tachycardia. Isolated congenital complete AV block is mainly related to maternal anti-Ro/La auto-antibodies. The rationale to treat a fetus at this irreversible stage of AV nodal damage is primarily to mitigate or prevent concomitant myocardial inflammation and to augment cardiac output. A recently published study demonstrated a significant improved outcome with transmaternal dexamethasone and beta-stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar T Jaeggi
- Fetal Cardiac Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada.
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44
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Larmay HJ, Strasburger JF. Differential diagnosis and management of the fetus and newborn with an irregular or abnormal heart rate. Pediatr Clin North Am 2004; 51:1033-50, x. [PMID: 15275987 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2004.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This article separately discusses the differential diagnosis and management of irregular or abnormal heart rate in both the fetus and the newborn. Conditions covered include ectopic beats, tachyarrythmias,atrial flutter, bradyarrythmias, tachycardia, congenital atrioventricular block, long QT syndrome, and bradycardias,among others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather J Larmay
- Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
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45
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Since the early 1990s, advances in endoscopic equipment and the commercial availability of micro-catheters, mini-balloons, tiny laser fibers and other ingenious tools have set the trend toward the development of minimally invasive fetoscopic surgical techniques for the treatment of some congenital malformations that progress in severity over the course of gestation and may destroy entire organ systems of the unborn. The purpose of this review is to provide a state-of-the-art overview of these new procedures for the anesthesiologist. RECENT FINDINGS Procedures like diagnostic fetoscopies, laser coagulation of inter-twin placental vascular connections in twin-twin transfusion syndrome, fetal tracheal balloon occlusion in diaphragmatic hernia, laser perforation of posterior urethral valves, vocal cord division in congenital high-airway obstruction syndrome and most recently even coverage of spina bifida aperta can be performed entirely percutaneously using minimally invasive fetoscopic techniques. Careful selection of anesthetic methods and intensive maternal monitoring by the anesthesiology team are paramount to the success of these procedures, particularly in hemodynamically unstable fetuses or procedures that employ gas insufflation of the amniotic cavity. SUMMARY An increasing spectrum of congenital malformations can be treated by fetoscopic surgery. Compared to open fetal surgery, fetoscopic surgery results in significantly less maternal trauma. Like the open procedures, the efficacy of the fetoscopic procedures to improve fetal outcome over postnatal treatment strategies will have to be assessed in further studies under close supervision of committees for human research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kohl
- German Center for Fetal Surgery and Minimally-Invasive Therapy, Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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46
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Karpawich PP. Chronic Right Ventricular Pacing and Cardiac Performance:. The Pediatric Perspective. PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY: PACE 2004; 27:844-9. [PMID: 15189514 DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-8159.2004.00545.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac stimulation from right ventricular apical or free-wall lead positions alters inter- and intraventricular impulse conduction and distorts biventricular contractility. This may contribute to eventual cellular remodeling and the development of histopathological changes which, over time, adversely affect left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions. This concept has especially important implications when pacemaker therapy is initiation in young patients. Recent studies demonstrating physiological benefits of right ventricular septal, outflow, or bundle of His pacing, in deference to the apical implant site, have gained interest to potentially prevent dysfunction and improve paced myocardial contractility. Pacing initiated in children can be expected to have more far-reaching consequences than pacing initiated in the elderly. Unfortunately, there have been limited clinical pediatric studies that evaluate precise site-specific lead locations. This current report presents a review of pacemaker applications in children, both with and without structural congenital heart defects, including the earliest applications in which patient survival was the prime concern, to more recent studies attempting to optimize physiological and histological parameters associated with pacemaker induced contractility. The past decade has seen direct evidence that right ventricular apical pacing in children contributes to adverse histological remodeling and eventual contractile dysfunction. More recent studies demonstrate that selective site pacing can be effectively applied to all children with and without structural congenital defects and shows promise in the prevention of previously documented adverse remodeling and deterioration of systemic ventricular contractility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter P Karpawich
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA.
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47
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Abstract
Fetal cardiac arrhythmias have been recognized with increasing frequency during the past several years. Most fetal arrythmias are intermittent extrasystoles, often presenting as irregular pauses of rhythm. These are significant only when they occur with appropriate timing to initiate sustained tachycardia, mediated by anatomic bypass pathways. The most common important fetal arrhythmias are: 1) supraventricular tachycardias, and 2) severe bradyarrhythmias, associated with complete heart block. Symptomatic fetal tachycardias are usually supraventricular in origin, and may be associated with the developmet of hydrops fetalis. These patients may respond to antiarrhythmic drug therapy, administered via maternal ingestion or via direct fetal injection. Such therapy should be offered with careful fetal and maternal monitoring, and must be based on a logical, sequential analysis of the electrical mechanism underlying the arrhythmia, and an appreciation of the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of the maternal, placental fetal system. Bradycardia from complete heart block may either be associated with complex congential heart malformations involving the atrioventricular junction of the heart, or may present in fetuses with normal cardiac structure, in mothers with autoimmune conditions associated with high titres of anti-SS-A or anti-SS-B antibody, which cross the placenta to cause immune-related inflammatory damage to the fetal atroventricular node. This paper reviews experience with the analysis of fetal caridac rhythm, a detailed discussion of the pathophysiology of arrhythmias and their effect on the fetal circulatory system, and offers a logical framework for the construction of treatment algorithms for fetuses at risk for circulatory compromise from fetal arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Kleinman
- Clinical Pediatrics in Obstetrics & Gynecology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA.
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Garson A. Arthur Garson, Jr., MD, MPH: a conversation with the editor. Interview by William Clifford Roberts. Am J Cardiol 2003; 92:421-35. [PMID: 12914873 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9149(03)00703-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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49
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Assad RS, Zielinsky P, Kalil R, Lima G, Aramayo A, Santos A, Costa R, Marcial MB, Oliveira SA. New lead for in utero pacing for fetal congenital heart block. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2003; 126:300-2. [PMID: 12878975 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-5223(03)00220-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Renato S Assad
- Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo Medical School, Brazil.
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50
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Dell'Orfano J, Chou HA, Park D, Mirza H, Stys T, Mahan V, Zavitz DH, Petrikovsky BM, Ovadia M. The monolithic fetal pacemaker: prototype lead design for closed thorax deployment. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol 2003; 26:805-11. [PMID: 12715839 DOI: 10.1046/j.1460-9592.2003.t01-1-00143.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal sudden cardiac death and hydrops fetalis are often due to complete heart block. However, no pacing modality exists for intrauterine application for fetal bradycardia. A prototype lead for a novel fetal pacemaker has been developed and used in a direct pacing model. It has been demonstrated that the lead can be safely and successfully deployed using a hypochondriac and transdiaphragmatic or subxiphoid approach. Pacing with ventricular capture was evident with the widening of QRS duration from 50.2 +/- 9.8 to 95.1 +/- 12.8 ms (P = 0.0001). Further studies by echocardiogram revealed an increase in the pulse with pacing, confirming pacing. This study documents proof-of-concept for closed thorax over-the-wire deployment of a novel lead design applicable to fetal pacing. By combining the lead design with microcircuitry and a small power source, it is possible to create a monolithic fetal pacemaker system capable of being deployed in utero.
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