Cardiol Young
· 2026 May · PMID 42204945
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Children with CHD who require surgical or catheter-based intervention in the neonatal period are increasingly surviving into childhood; however, their long-term health-related quality of life remains insufficiently chara...Children with CHD who require surgical or catheter-based intervention in the neonatal period are increasingly surviving into childhood; however, their long-term health-related quality of life remains insufficiently characterised, particularly in the preschool period. We aimed to evaluate health-related quality of life in preschool-aged children treated for CHD during the neonatal period and to identify associated clinical and sociodemographic factors. This retrospective, cross-sectional case-control study included 50 children aged 4-7 years with a history of neonatal CHD intervention and 100 age-matched healthy controls. Health-related quality of life was assessed using the parent-reported Kiddy-KINDL questionnaire. Demographic, clinical, and socio-economic data were obtained from medical records and structured parental interviews. Group comparisons were performed using appropriate parametric or nonparametric tests, and factors associated with health-related quality of life were analysed using multiple linear regression. Total Kiddy-KINDL scores were significantly lower in children with CHD compared with controls (55.4 ± 8.8 vs. 62.3 ± 6.5, < 0.001). All health-related quality of life subdomains, including physical well-being, emotional well-being, self-esteem, family relations, social functioning, and kindergarten adjustment, were significantly impaired in the CHD group (all < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, maternal and paternal education levels and household income were independent predictors of health-related quality of life, whereas the surgical risk category was not significantly associated with health-related quality of life outcomes. Preschool children treated for CHD in the neonatal period demonstrate significantly reduced health-related quality of life compared with healthy peers, with socio-economic factors playing a more prominent role than clinical disease severity. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating family-centred and socioeconomically sensitive strategies into the long-term follow-up of children with CHD.
Ozkok S, Kose B, Yucel IK
… +8 more, Golcez T, Umair M, Kaakeh ME, Saloukha M, Banaz T, Tutuncuoglu B, Kazanbas MF, Pekkan K
Cardiol Young
· 2026 May · PMID 42204939
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Congenital heart disease (CHD) often requires device implantation during childhood, when somatic growth and changing haemodynamics place particular demands on permanent implants. Metallic stents and nitinol occluders are...Congenital heart disease (CHD) often requires device implantation during childhood, when somatic growth and changing haemodynamics place particular demands on permanent implants. Metallic stents and nitinol occluders are effective, but their lifelong persistence can complicate repeat interventions, limit imaging surveillance, and interfere with growth-related remodelling. This review examines the rationale, current evidence, biomechanical constraints, and translational challenges of biodegradable stents and occluders in CHD. These devices aim to provide temporary mechanical support followed by controlled resorption, thereby reducing the burden of permanent foreign material and preserving future interventional options. Translation to congenital practice is, however, not straightforward, as early structural integrity must be balanced against predictable degradation, adequate endothelialisation, and compatibility with somatic growth. Experience from adult coronary bioresorbable scaffolds cannot be directly extrapolated to paediatric anatomies or timelines. Biodegradable septal occluders have accumulated more clinical experience and appear closer to routine use, whereas biodegradable vascular stents remain largely investigational and lack sufficient long-term outcome data to support broader adoption. Further long-term studies in paediatric and congenital populations are needed before biodegradable implants can be recommended as standard alternatives to permanent devices in CHD.
Prabhu S, Maiya S, Kasturi S
… +3 more, Joshi SS, Shetty RS, Karl TR
Cardiol Young
· 2026 May · PMID 42188108
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Aortic valvar atresia is a congenital cardiovascular malformation in which there is no patency of the aortic valve, and thus no communication between aorta and either ventricle. A hypoplastic ascending aorta is a constan...Aortic valvar atresia is a congenital cardiovascular malformation in which there is no patency of the aortic valve, and thus no communication between aorta and either ventricle. A hypoplastic ascending aorta is a constant feature, usually in the context of a small left ventricle and mitral valve. A subset of this group is aortic atresia with a ventricular septal defect with well-developed mitral valve and balanced ventricles. This morphological variant is often misdiagnosed as common arterial trunk on echocardiography and computerised tomography. In the absence of coarctation or focal narrowing of the aortic arch, one can misdiagnose this entity as common arterial trunk with a single coronary artery from the brachiocephalic artery. Patients with this variant may have hypoplastic left heart physiology, but can potentially undergo a biventricular repair. Herein, we describe aortic valvar atresia with a large pulmonary trunk and ventricular septal defect, with balanced ventricles and a well-developed mitral valve. The patient was originally misdiagnosed as having a common arterial trunk. We emphasise the morphological differences, as well as the surgical importance, including technical considerations, conduction of cardiopulmonary bypass, and myocardial protection.
Delany D, Clift CL, Angel P
… +1 more, Gottlieb Sen D
Cardiol Young
· 2026 May · PMID 42187289
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Biofluids are an abundant source of readily accessible biologic information. In the young, biofluids such as saliva, stool, and urine remain an underinvestigated resource of biomarker discovery, which is less invasive an...Biofluids are an abundant source of readily accessible biologic information. In the young, biofluids such as saliva, stool, and urine remain an underinvestigated resource of biomarker discovery, which is less invasive and easily collected in outpatient settings. In this perspective, we summarise the current standing of biomarker mining in young cardiovascular patients, presenting advancements in new technologies that can be leveraged in these low-input samples. We provide our perspective on future work and offer examples of the potential utility of these biofluids for non-invasive and remote and longitudinal monitoring in paediatric patients.
Handa A, Krishnaswamy S, Faisal NV
… +4 more, Kadiyani L, Ramakrishnan S, Jagia P, Gupta SK
Cardiol Young
· 2026 May · PMID 42187286
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BACKGROUND: Sirolimus is increasingly used for symptomatic or large cardiac rhabdomyoma, but the risk of recurrence remain unclear. We evaluated clinical response, tumour regression, recurrence, and safety in infants tre...BACKGROUND: Sirolimus is increasingly used for symptomatic or large cardiac rhabdomyoma, but the risk of recurrence remain unclear. We evaluated clinical response, tumour regression, recurrence, and safety in infants treated with sirolimus. METHODS: This retrospective study included all infants with symptomatic or large cardiac rhabdomyoma treated with sirolimus between January 2022 and June 2025. Sirolimus was initiated at 1 mg/m/day and titrated to maintain trough levels of 5-15 ng/mL. Serial echocardiography and electrocardiography monitored obstruction, cardiac function, arrhythmias, and tumour regression or recurrence. RESULTS: For the 11 infants included, sirolimus was initiated at a mean age of 19.4 ± 8.9 days. Indications overlapped and included heart failure ( = 5), ventricular outflow tract obstruction ( = 4), clinically significant arrhythmias ( = 4), and the presence of a large tumour ( = 7). TSC1/TSC2 mutations were identified in 5 infants, and another 5 had extracardiac features of tuberous sclerosis complex. The mean tumour size reduced by 32% at 1 month and 77% at final follow-up, with complete disappearance in 64%. Arrhythmias resolved except in one infant with persistent congenital complete heart block present at baseline. The mean time to achieve a complete clinical response was 19.3 ± 3.98 days of sirolimus therapy. The mean duration of sirolimus therapy was 215 ± 103 days with a maximum of 385 days. Mild hypertriglyceridaemia ( = 2) was the only adverse effect, but it did not warrant discontinuation of sirolimus therapy. Three (27%) infants had tumour regrowth after treatment cessation; all responded promptly to re-initiation of sirolimus. CONCLUSION: Sirolimus is a safe and effective for symptomatic cardiac rhabdomyoma in infants, producing rapid clinical stabilisation and tumour regression. The optimal duration of therapy is uncertain, and the risk of tumour regrowth after cessation warrants longer follow-up.
Cardiol Young
· 2026 May · PMID 42163512
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BACKGROUND: Paediatric cardiac catheterization in children with CHD requires anaesthetic techniques that balance procedural conditions with physiological risk. We evaluated anaesthesia management at a tertiary centre and...BACKGROUND: Paediatric cardiac catheterization in children with CHD requires anaesthetic techniques that balance procedural conditions with physiological risk. We evaluated anaesthesia management at a tertiary centre and examined associations between anaesthesia strategy and peri-procedural outcomes. METHODS: This single-centre retrospective cohort included 307 catheterization procedures after exclusions. Anaesthesia was categorized as general anaesthesia or sedation. The primary outcome was any recorded complication. RESULTS: Median age was 7.0 years (interquartile range 2.0-13.0), and 155/307 (50.5%) procedures were performed under general anaesthesia and 152/307 (49.5%) under sedation. Overall, 49/307 (16.0%) procedures were associated with at least one recorded complication; complications were more frequent with general anaesthesia than with sedation (20.6% versus 11.2%, = 0.024). In diagnostic catheterization/angiography ( = 175), general anaesthesia was independently associated with higher odds of any complication compared with sedation (adjusted odds ratio 2.78, 95% confidence interval 1.12-6.91; = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort, general anaesthesia was associated with higher recorded complication rates than sedation, and this association persisted after adjustment within diagnostic catheterizations. Comparisons within interventional procedures were limited by sparse sedation data. These findings support procedure-specific, risk-adjusted evaluation when selecting anaesthesia strategy in the paediatric catheterization laboratory.
Linglart L, Gaudin R, Bonnet D
… +1 more, Bajolle F
Cardiol Young
· 2026 May · PMID 42163510
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We report a case of severe Kawasaki disease with giant coronary artery aneurysms, multiple systemic arterial aneurysms, and delayed-onset, independently progressive bivalvular insufficiency due to direct valvulitis. Desp...We report a case of severe Kawasaki disease with giant coronary artery aneurysms, multiple systemic arterial aneurysms, and delayed-onset, independently progressive bivalvular insufficiency due to direct valvulitis. Despite controlled inflammation and favourable coronary evolution under immunosuppressive therapy, the patient required surgical valve repair. This case highlights the unpredictable nature of complex Kawasaki disease phenotypes and underscores the need for comprehensive vascular imaging and lifelong follow-up, as atypical features may lead to independent complications.
Kikano S, Contreras Vega A, Fuchs S
… +2 more, Kavanaugh-McHugh A, Killen S
Cardiol Young
· 2026 May · PMID 42163501
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BACKGROUND: Patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who develop a restrictive atrial septum prenatally have higher rates of postnatal mortality compared to those without atrial restriction. It is not understood whe...BACKGROUND: Patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who develop a restrictive atrial septum prenatally have higher rates of postnatal mortality compared to those without atrial restriction. It is not understood whether the gestational age at which restriction becomes apparent echocardiographically impacts clinical outcomes. METHODS: A single-centre, retrospective cohort study was performed, including 196 patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome from 2008 to 2022. A restrictive atrial septum was diagnosed based on fetal echocardiographic findings of an intact atrial septum, antegrade:retrograde pulmonary vein Doppler velocity time integral ratio <3, and/or the presence of a decompressing vein. Patients were grouped as follows: 1. Without Restriction, 2. Early Restriction (<30 weeks' gestation), and 3. Late Restriction (≥30 weeks' gestation), based on the gestational age at which diagnostic criteria for restriction were met. Comparative postnatal overall survival and transplant-free survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Overall mortality rates were higher in the Early group (62%, = 13) compared to the Late group (29%, = 7) and the group without atrial restriction (40%). Similarly, transplant rates were higher in the Early group (23%) compared to the Late group (14%) and those without restriction (14%). Overall survival and transplant-free survival were not statistically different among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: While not statistically significant in this cohort with a small number of patients with atrial restriction, our data suggest that patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who meet diagnostic criteria for atrial restriction later in gestation may have outcomes more similar to those without atrial restriction.
Koerner TS, Farley M, Tien A
… +6 more, Baust T, Commander B, Guzman C, Cummings D, Gazit A, Lin JI
Cardiol Young
· 2026 May · PMID 42163495
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OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the utility of comprehensive neuromonitoring to allow for early identification of arterial ischaemic strokes in high-risk critically ill infants with CHD. METHODS: Design: Single-center, retrospectiv...OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the utility of comprehensive neuromonitoring to allow for early identification of arterial ischaemic strokes in high-risk critically ill infants with CHD. METHODS: Design: Single-center, retrospective review of Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium registry data, internal cardiac ICU database, and electronic health records. Setting: Tertiary care children's hospital cardiac ICU. Patients: Patients <6 months old who underwent surgical and/or catheter intervention from 01/01/2016 to 12/31/2022. RESULTS: Of 362 patients, 25 were diagnosed with arterial ischaemic strokes. The latter had more complex CHD and underwent higher risk operations: 60% ( = 15) had single ventricle CHD versus 15% ( = 50) of controls ( < 0.001); 88% ( = 22) underwent STAT* 4 or 5 operations versus 32% ( = 108) of controls ( < 0.001). Strokes were identified in 13 patients (52%) because of acute post-procedure neuromonitoring, including head ultrasound ( = 5) and continuous video electroencephalography ( = 8). Strokes manifested clinically in less than half of the episodes (11 of 25), and focal neurologic signs were noted in 20% (5 of 25). A head ultrasound first diagnosed 60% of arterial ischaemic strokes (15/25); 36% (9/25) were diagnosed by head CT, and 4% (1/25) were diagnosed by MRI. CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive neuromonitoring in high-risk critically ill CHD patients leads to identification of arterial ischaemic strokes even in the context of significant haemodynamic lability and limited neurological examination secondary to sedation and neuromuscular blockade. Head ultrasound is useful as an initial screening modality, with advanced imaging used to confirm an injury or in cases of high clinical suspicion.
Ewing K, Cheronis C, Loomba RS
… +5 more, Hammond N, Joong A, Abdalla R, Shaibani A, Mithal D
Cardiol Young
· 2026 May · PMID 42163055
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Acute ischaemic stroke is rare in infancy and presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, particularly in patients supported with mechanical circulatory devices. We describe an infant with CHD supported with a...Acute ischaemic stroke is rare in infancy and presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, particularly in patients supported with mechanical circulatory devices. We describe an infant with CHD supported with a single ventricle assist device who developed an acute ischaemic stroke and underwent successful endovascular thrombectomy. This case highlights the feasibility of thrombectomy in select paediatric patients on mechanical circulatory support and underscores the importance of multidisciplinary decision-making.
Cave DGW, Mustafa K, Cromie K
… +3 more, Feltbower RG, Glaser AW, Bentham JR
Cardiol Young
· 2026 May · PMID 42157689
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OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of ethnicity on survival following paediatric cardiac surgery. METHODS: Observational study of a regional tertiary paediatric cardiac surgical centre in Yorkshire, UK. All children (age 0...OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of ethnicity on survival following paediatric cardiac surgery. METHODS: Observational study of a regional tertiary paediatric cardiac surgical centre in Yorkshire, UK. All children (age 0-15 years) undergoing their first cardiac surgical procedure from January 2005 to December 2021 inclusive. The primary outcome was 5-year survival. Secondary outcomes included 30-day, 1-year, and pre-discharge survival. RESULTS: 3,508 children (46% female) underwent their first cardiac surgical procedure during the study period. Within the study cohort 2,578 (73%) children were White, 634 (18%) were South Asian, 95 (3%) were Black and 201 (6%) were from other ethnic groups. South Asian children were more likely to have a functionally single-ventricle (10% vs. 7% White; relative risk 1.41, 95% confidence interval 1.15-1.69).Mortality after surgery, adjusted for deprivation, was higher for South Asian (hazard ratio 1.50, 1.12-2.01) and Black children (hazard ratio 1.69, 0.93-3.06), compared to White children. Survival differences were not present at discharge or 30 days post-procedure, but widened progressively at 90 days, 1 year and 5 years. This was not influenced by diagnosis or pre-operative risk factors. One-year survival improved for South Asian children across the study period and was similar to that of White children from 2017-2021 (94.7% (89.8-97.3%) vs. 96.8% (94.9-97.9%) White). CONCLUSIONS: Black and South Asian children have a greater risk of death following cardiac surgery compared to White children, independent of pre-operative risk. The majority of excess deaths occurred after hospital discharge. Although inequities have steadily reduced over the past two decades, the explanation for this effect remains unclear.
Cardiol Young
· 2026 May · PMID 42153356
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We present the case of a 14-year-old male patient referred to paediatric cardiology for the incidental finding of a cardiac murmur and initially diagnosed with asymmetric septal hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Due to deteri...We present the case of a 14-year-old male patient referred to paediatric cardiology for the incidental finding of a cardiac murmur and initially diagnosed with asymmetric septal hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Due to deterioration in his functional class (NYHA II/IV), he was admitted to our institution for further evaluation. A hyperechoic mass measuring 35.7 mm × 39.4 mm was identified in the interventricular septum, with central vascularisation and a significant obstructive gradient in the right ventricular outflow tract (112 mmHg). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a highly vascularised lesion, hyperintense on HASTE, T1, and T2 sequences, with an extracellular volume of 67%, consistent with a cardiac haemangioma. Coronary CT angiography demonstrated perfusion by a septal branch of the left anterior descending artery. Given the anatomical involvement and the low feasibility of surgical management, cardiac catheterisation with embolisation of the septal branch using an Interlock Coil occlusion device was performed. Post-procedure angiography confirmed complete occlusion. Cardiac tumours in paediatrics are rare and generally benign, with haemangiomas being one of the least common neoplasms. Diagnosis relies on non-invasive imaging techniques, with echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging playing crucial roles. In this case, the combination of echocardiography, coronary CT angiography, and catheterisation allowed for a comprehensive characterisation of the lesion and the development of a therapeutic strategy while minimising risks. The patient remains stable under follow-up. This multidisciplinary approach optimises the management of paediatric cardiac tumours, enabling individualised therapeutic options.
Savla J, Schumacher K, Mikesell K
… +18 more, Banerjee M, Ball M, Bhat P, Bhat A, Bhatt S, Chan T, Chaudhry P, Frank DU, Killen S, Krishnan A, Mistry K, Neumayr TM, Patel A, Savorgnan F, Son S, Zakaria D, Tabbutt S, Steurer M
Cardiol Young
· 2026 May · PMID 42152729
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INTRODUCTION: Emerging evidence suggests that an impaired foetal environment-defined as maternal factors such as hypertensive disorders and diabetes-might contribute to outcomes in neonates with CHD. With this multicentr...INTRODUCTION: Emerging evidence suggests that an impaired foetal environment-defined as maternal factors such as hypertensive disorders and diabetes-might contribute to outcomes in neonates with CHD. With this multicentre study, we prospectively collected data regarding impaired foetal environment to assess the impact on mortality in two ventricle and single ventricle neonates with CHD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A module of prospectively collected maternal-foetal environment data was linked to established Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium data from June 2019 to July 2020. All neonates undergoing cardiothoracic surgery were included in this study. The outcome was in-hospital mortality. The primary predictor was the degree of impaired foetal environment defined as none, mild, or significant based on the presence of maternal hypertensive and glucose homeostasis disorders. RESULTS: There were a total of 1913 neonates included in this study from 26 different centres. 218 patients had at least 1 missing impaired foetal environment data field (11.8%). Impaired foetal environment was not associated with increased mortality; however, there was a strong trend in the preterm single ventricular population. DISCUSSION: While the overall cohort did not demonstrate a statistically significant relationship between impaired foetal environment and mortality, a notable trend emerged among preterm infants with single-ventricle physiology, suggesting increased mortality associated with more severe impaired foetal environment. The absence of statistical significance in this subgroup is likely attributable to the limited sample size and the substantial proportion of missing data highlighting the challenges of the mother-baby dyad in data collections.
Kucukdagli AC, Tekerlek H, Saglam M
… +6 more, Ertugrul I, Aypar E, Alehan D, Yılmaz M, Karagoz T, Aykan HH
Cardiol Young
· 2026 May · PMID 42152596
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BACKGROUND: The Fontan procedure, a palliative surgical approach for single-ventricle physiology, has significantly improved long-term survival. However, it is frequently associated with reduced exercise capacity and mul...BACKGROUND: The Fontan procedure, a palliative surgical approach for single-ventricle physiology, has significantly improved long-term survival. However, it is frequently associated with reduced exercise capacity and multiorgan dysfunction. In this context, peripheral muscle function and body composition may influence functional outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationships among body composition, handgrip strength, and functional capacity in Fontan patients, as well as to investigate the impact of Fontan-related variables on these parameters. METHODS: This single-centre study included 30 clinically stable patients (age range: 7.0-33.0 years) with Fontan circulation. Data collected included pre-operative primary diagnosis, pre-Fontan mean pulmonary artery pressure, and laboratory parameters such as B-type natriuretic peptide, haemoglobin, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, albumin, and uric acid levels. 6-minute walk test (6MWT), handgrip strength, and body composition via bioelectrical impedance were assessed. Correlation and subgroup analyses were performed according to pre-Fontan surgery history, Bidirectional Glenn, Fontan type, fenestration, and other clinical factors. RESULTS: The median 6MWT distance was 564 m, handgrip strength was 28.3 ± 11.1 kg, and ΔSpO was 4% (IQR: 2-5). Patients with intra-extracardiac Fontan and fenestration exhibited significantly higher ΔSpO ( = 0.03 and = 0.003, respectively). ΔSpO was inversely correlated with 6MWT distance ( = -0.531, = 0.008) and handgrip strength ( = -0.472, = 0.017). Fat-free mass was positively correlated with both 6MWT distance ( = 0.598, < 0.001) and handgrip strength ( = 0.537, = 0.002). Red cell distribution width was negatively correlated with 6MWT ( = -0.631, < 0.001) and grip strength ( = -0.413, = 0.029). CONCLUSION: In Fontan patients, reduced handgrip strength, lower fat-free mass, and greater post-exercise oxygen desaturation were associated with impaired exercise capacity, supporting the clinical value of simple functional and muscle strength assessments in routine follow-up.
Markel F, Thöle M, Menz M
… +8 more, Hoermandinger C, Kuschnerus K, Mader M, Ferentzi H, Berger F, Miera O, Köhler F, Schmitt KRL
Cardiol Young
· 2026 May · PMID 42152558
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BACKGROUND: Paediatric mechanical circulatory support with Berlin Heart-EXCOR® Paediatric is predominantly used as a bridge to transplant or recovery, specifically in children up to 30 kg. While survival with ventricular...BACKGROUND: Paediatric mechanical circulatory support with Berlin Heart-EXCOR® Paediatric is predominantly used as a bridge to transplant or recovery, specifically in children up to 30 kg. While survival with ventricular assist devices has improved, insights into morbidity and quality of life remain limited. Safely discharging children, particularly with the new driving unit EXCOR® Active (BH-EA), is now of clinical interest. Multidisciplinary and caregiver perspectives are needed to inform practice. METHODS: Through semi-structured interviews with 22 professionals (physicians, nurses, psychologists, engineers, physiotherapists, social workers, child education specialists, chaplains) and three caregivers of hospitalised children on BH-EA, we explored: (1) device safety and daily care; (2) hospital environmental factors; (3) requirements for transitioning home with EXCOR® Active. RESULTS: Qualitative analysis yielded three main themes; of which two are explored in this publication: alarm management and home-discharge requirements for paediatric BH-EA patients. Participants described frequent low-priority alarms contributing to alarm fatigue. They called for clearer procedures, shared responsibilities, and enhanced caregiver training and identified prerequisites for safe discharge, including a 24/7 emergency hotline, remote monitoring, comprehensive system-wide support, caregiver training, and strong healthcare networks. CONCLUSION: The interviews highlight that the BH-EA alarm management is conceptualised for in-hospital care, which leads to reservations concerning reliable home monitoring during medical events, such as blood clot formation. Multidisciplinary efforts are essential to enhance device safety, empower caregivers, and develop effective discharge programmes for children on BH-EA. Furthermore, organ allocation systems should be adjusted to avoid disadvantages in organ waiting times following home discharge.
Watson JS, Riforgiate E, Helmick M
… +3 more, White DA, Sherman AK, Raghuveer G
Cardiol Young
· 2026 May · PMID 42152555
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BACKGROUND: This study evaluated whether the 3-minute Step Test, a submaximal measure of cardiorespiratory fitness, can predict cardiometabolic and arterial health in youth with atherosclerosis-promoting cardiometabolic...BACKGROUND: This study evaluated whether the 3-minute Step Test, a submaximal measure of cardiorespiratory fitness, can predict cardiometabolic and arterial health in youth with atherosclerosis-promoting cardiometabolic risk factors. METHODS: Children and adolescents attended a paediatric preventive cardiology clinic for management of cardiometabolic risk factors. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed using a 3-minute Step Test, where an individual steps up/down on a 6-inch step at 24 steps/min for 3 minutes. The percentage of age-predicted maximum heart rate that was attained at the end of the Step Test was recorded as a measure of physiological work (cardiorespiratory fitness). Lifestyle-influenced cardiometabolic risk factors included: body anthropometrics [body mass index -score, waist-to-height ratio -score], systolic blood pressure, and serum markers [triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, haemoglobin A1C, alanine aminotransferase, vitamin D]. Arterial function was assessed by measuring pulse wave velocity and was normalised to sex and height-specific z-score. RESULTS: The sample included 482 patients [age 14.31 ± 2.38 years, 261 (53%) male]. A higher percent predicted peak heart rate strongly correlated with worse lifestyle-influenced cardiometabolic risk factors and with higher pulse wave velocity, suggesting increased arterial stiffness. CONCLUSION: Percent predicted peak heart rate from the 3-minute Step Test was associated with cardiometabolic and arterial health. The 3-minute Step Test is an inexpensive, quick, and low-resource-intensive method to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness, cardiometabolic and arterial health in an outpatient clinical setting.
Sinton JW, Schukei S, Keene C
… +4 more, Stayer S, Nguyen LM, Fraser CD, Gottlieb E
Cardiol Young
· 2026 May · PMID 42152546
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INTRODUCTION: Most children with CHD who undergo cardiac surgery in infancy require anaesthesia for additional non-cardiac procedures early in childhood. The purpose of our study was to characterise the use of non-cardia...INTRODUCTION: Most children with CHD who undergo cardiac surgery in infancy require anaesthesia for additional non-cardiac procedures early in childhood. The purpose of our study was to characterise the use of non-cardiac procedures during the first year of life among neonates requiring cardiac surgery in order to set family and care team expectations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study comprising data collection from the medical record since programme inception from September 1, 2018, to November 3, 2025. The records of all patients undergoing neonatal cardiac surgery were reviewed if they reached their first birthday during the study period. Infants who died during hospitalisation were excluded. RESULTS: Three hundred fourteen unique neonates underwent 862 procedures (Figure ). The typical neonate underwent 2.75 procedures during the first year of life (not including cardiac surgery). The surgical complexity STAT scores of the neonatal operation categories 1-5 had 48, 57, 92, 78, and 39 participants, respectively. The STAT category associated with the most frequent use of anaesthetics was STAT 5. The most common procedures were peripherally inserted central catheter line, cardiac catheterisation, CT with angiography, and gastrostomy tube placement. COMMENT: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study comprising data collection from the medical record since programme inception from September 1, 2018, to November 3, 2025. A requirement for non-cardiac procedures in the first year of life is common but not universal. Neonates undergoing more complex cardiac procedures (STAT 3-5) underwent more frequent non-cardiac anaesthetics compared with STAT 1-2.
Kocoglu Barlas U, Akcay N, Menentoglu ME
… +20 more, Sevketoglu E, Kangel D, Tanidir IC, Ozturk E, Ates B, Telhan L, Kangin M, Tugrul HC, Erdogan S, Ayguler E, Demirkol D, Bay ED, Bayraktar S, Umur O, Citak A, Barlas GC, Talip M, Ozel A, Kutlu NO, Yuce S
Cardiol Young
· 2026 May · PMID 42145046
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OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify the factors associated with mortality and the duration of hospital and paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) stay in children diagnosed with acute myocarditis (AM). METHODS: This...OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify the factors associated with mortality and the duration of hospital and paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) stay in children diagnosed with acute myocarditis (AM). METHODS: This multicentre retrospective study was conducted across 11 PICUs over an 18-month period. Cases were classified as survivors or non-survivors, and comparisons were made between the two groups. The factors influencing hospital and PICU length of stay (LOS) were analysed only among survivors. RESULTS: A total of 90 patients were included, of whom 54 (60%) were female. The PICU mortality rate was 21.1%. Significant differences between survivors and non-survivors were observed in sex distribution, presence of chronic disease, presenting symptoms (exercise intolerance and vomiting), hypoxia, hypotension, and tachycardia at admission, hospital LOS, intensive care scores, initial and peak pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels, initial and final left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), presence of cardiogenic shock, need for respiratory support, and use of inotropic agents Among survivors, younger age and lower initial LVEF were associated with longer PICU LOS, whereas higher intensive care scores and elevated cardiac biomarker levels showed positive correlations with both hospital and PICU LOS. CONCLUSION: In paediatric patients with AM, younger age, lower initial LVEF, and higher intensive care scores and cardiac biomarker values are associated with prolonged PICU stay. Early identification of these factors may help predict clinical course and optimise intensive care management.