Submit to IJERPH Review for IJERPH Edit a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Special Issue "New Insights in Pediatric Cardiology"

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Global Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (4 April 2023) | Viewed by 24622

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Bożena Werner

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Pediatric Cardiology and General Pediatrics, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
Interests: pediatric cardiology; cardiac imaging modalities; hypertension in children; prevention of heart disease in childhood
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, huge progress has been made in the diagnosis and management of heart disease in children.

Currently, modern pediatric cardiology combines the full scope of diagnostic methods, including genetic testing, laboratory testing, echocardiographic imaging using novel techniques and the innovative imaging of computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance; pharmacological, interventional and cardiosurgical treatment of congenital heart defects; pharmacological and invasive treatment of arrhythmias and heart failure.

The diagnostic process starts as early as fetal life and the detection of prenatally diagnosed congenital heart disease has significantly increased. Occasionally, invasive treatment procedures are performed in utero.

Several cardiac imaging modalities are now widely available and are considered a part of standard procedures. Echocardiography provides an accurate information regarding cardiac anatomy and function, and speckle tracking captures tissue deformation at the very early, subclinical stage. Computed tomography is especially valuable in the visualization of the exact morphological details of heart defects and cardiac magnetic resonance allows for the characterization of tissue properties. The integration of image data from different modalities to create 3-D printed models enhances the understanding of cardiovascular pathologies and helps to plan surgical treatment in complex congenital cardiac defects.

Pioneer molecular studies allow for the explanation of the genetic basis of many cardiac diseases, including life-threatening arrhythmia syndromes and heritable cardiomyopathies. The use of cardiac biomarkers enables the evaluation of cardiac status in children with both asymptomatic and symptomatic ventricular dysfunction.

A milestone in the treatment of heart defects was the introduction of percutaneous interventional cardiology procedures which complement or even replace cardiac surgery. The non-operative treatment of congenital heart defects has made enormous progress in the last decade.

A turning point in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias was the introduction of electrophysiological mapping techniques and radiofrequency catheter ablation procedures, which can eliminate rhythm disturbances.

The recent availability of pediatric ventricular assist devices and ECMO has greatly improved the ability to rescue children in life-threatening conditions.

These advancements play a significant role in the increased survival of children with cardiac diseases to adulthood.

Therefore, research focused on the new achievements in pediatric cardiology is welcome, including original research papers, reviews, short communications, and comprehensive case reports.

Prof. Dr. Bożena Werner
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All papers will be peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles, short communications as well as comprehensive case reports are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2300 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Genetic testing
Cardiac biomarkers
Heart rate variability
Cardiac imaging
Congenital heart defects
Arrhythmia
Heart failure
Cardiac tumors
Interventional cardiology
Telemedicine

Published Papers (9 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

Open AccessArticle

Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators for the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death: Pediatric Single-Center Experience

and

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11661; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811661 - 16 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1861

Abstract

Background: The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) was developed as an alternative to the transvenous ICD, to prevent lead-related complications associated with the latter. The absence of intravascular or intracardiac components offers potential advantages to pediatric patients. Aims: The aim of the study is to present an overview of our experience with S-ICDs in the pediatric center that, currently, has performed the largest number of implantations in children in Poland. Methods: Retrospective analysis of data from medical history, qualification, implantation procedure, and S-ICD post-implantation observations in 11 pediatric patients were performed. Results: S-ICDs were implanted in 11 patients, 8 boys and 3 girls, aged 12–17 years. The S-ICD was implanted for primary prevention in seven patients: four with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), two with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and one with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). It was implanted for secondary prevention in four patients: two with sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in the course of idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF), one with long QT syndrome (LQTS) after probable SCA, and one with Brugada syndrome after SCA. In all patients, the device was implanted intramuscularly. One patient did not have a defibrillation test performed due to the presence of an intracardiac thrombus. In one patient, during screening, it was decided to implant an electrode on the right side of the sternum. There were no early or late complications with any of the procedures. So far, no inadequate discharges have been observed. Conclusions: Our results prove the efficacy of the S-ICD treatment option along with technically simple surgery, which supports its further and more widespread application in children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Pediatric Cardiology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients with Marfan Syndrome—Polish Study

Agnieszka Trawicka

Aleksandra Lewandowska-Walter

Mikołaj Majkowicz

Robert Sabiniewicz

and

Lidia Woźniak-Mielczarek

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6827; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116827 - 02 Jun 2022

Viewed by 1220

Abstract

Background: Despite extensive knowledge about the quality of life of people suffering from rare diseases, data on patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) are scarce and inconsistent. Hence, the problem of assessing the quality of life (QOL) and its relationship with the assessment of which ailments are the most burdensome for these patients is still open. Aim: Comparison of the quality of life of patients with MFS and determination as to which of the reported complaints in patients with MFS are related to the QOL of patients. Methods: The study included 35 patients with MFS and 35 healthy controls, matched for gender and age. In the study, the questionnaire of quality of life assessment SF-36 was used to assess the level of health-related quality of life, as well as an interview of the most severe symptoms reported by patients with MFS. Results: The level of the physical dimension of the QOL (p < 0.001) and limiting of roles due to physical health (p = 0.002), as well as the level of general index of the QOL (p < 0.001), were statistically significantly lower in MFS patients when compared to controls. People from both studied groups do not vary in the scope of pain, vitality, social functioning, limiting the roles due to emotional problems, and state of mind but also in the mental dimension of the health-related quality of life (HRQL). Additionally, there has been a correlation between HRQL and the subjective assessment of the effects of orthopedic, ophthalmic, and cardiological problems in life, as well as lower exercise tolerance in the evaluation of people with MFS and QOL in most areas. Conclusions: Patients with MFS present a reduced QOL in the areas of physical functioning, limiting roles due to physical health, general feeling of general health, the physical dimension of the HRQL, and the general index of the QOL; in these areas, they require careful evaluation, as well as medical and psychosocial assistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Pediatric Cardiology)

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Physical Activity Restrictions on Health-Related Fitness in Children with Congenital Heart Disease

Joel Blanchard

Brian W. McCrindle

and

Patricia E. Longmuir

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(8), 4426; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19084426 - 07 Apr 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1253

Abstract

Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) are often restricted from some types of physical activity (PA) despite the lack of evidence regarding the need to restrict recreational PA, apart from those with rhythm disorders. This study retrospectively investigated the associations between parent-reported activity restrictions (on-going need to restrict exertion, body contact or competition) and measures of health-related fitness among 236 children (8.2 ± 2.1 years, range 4–12 years) treated for single ventricle (n = 104), tetralogy of Fallot (n = 48), transposition of the great arteries (n = 47) or atrial septal defect (n = 37). Body mass index (BMI), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA; 7 day accelerometry), strength, flexibility, and movement skill assessment results were collected from the baseline assessment research records for two studies completed in Ontario, Canada. A subset of 62 children also had physician-reported activity restrictions. Regression models empirically tested the goodness of fit between the dependent and independent variables. Participants with body contact restrictions from both parents and physicians had significantly higher BMI z-scores (0.23 ± 1.19 vs. −0.32 ± 0.85; t = 2.55; p = 0.04 and 0.66 ± 1.33 vs. −0.02 ± 0.98; t = 2.25; p = 0.02 for CDC and WHO scores, respectively). Otherwise, BMI z-score was not associated with patient variables (p > 0.36; sex, cardiac diagnosis, age, or activity restriction). Children with any type of parent-reported restriction (0.98 ± 2.06 vs. −0.08 ± 1.99; t = 3.77; p = 0.0002) were less flexible. Movement skill (TGMD-2) scores were 50% lower (25.1 ± 31.2 vs. 52.6 ± 28.6; F = 6.93; p = 0.009) among children with parent-reported competitive sport restrictions. Weekly MVPA (p > 0.18) and strength (p > 0.05) were not associated with activity restriction. Children whose parents reported PA restrictions were less flexible, and had decreased movement skill and increased BMI z-scores if the restrictions impacted competitive sport or body contact, respectively. Future research is recommended to confirm these results among larger samples of children who have both parent- and physician-specified PA restrictions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Pediatric Cardiology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

How to Distinguish Marfan Syndrome from Marfanoid Habitus in a Physical Examination—Comparison of External Features in Patients with Marfan Syndrome and Marfanoid Habitus

Lidia Wozniak-Mielczarek

Michalina Osowicka

Alicja Radtke-Lysek

Magda Drezek-Nojowicz

Natasza Gilis-Malinowska

Anna Sabiniewicz

Maksymilian Mielczarek

and

Robert Sabiniewicz

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(2), 772; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19020772 - 11 Jan 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 8871

Abstract

Marfan Syndrome (MFS) is a systemic disorder caused by mutations in fibrillin-1. The most common cause of mortality in MFS is dissection and rupture of the aorta. Due to a highly variable and age-dependent clinical spectrum, the diagnosis of MFS still remains sophisticated. The aim of the study was to determine if there exist phenotypic features that can play the role of “red flags” in cases of MFS suspicion. The study population included 306 patients (199 children and 107 adults) who were referred to the Department of Pediatric Cardiology due to suspicion of MFS. All patients underwent complete clinical evaluation in order to confirm the diagnosis of MFS according to the modified Ghent criteria. MFS was diagnosed in 109 patients and marfanoid habitus in 168 patients. The study excluded 29 patients with other hereditary thoracic aneurysm syndromes. Comparative analysis between patients with Marfan syndrome and marfanoid habitus was performed. Symptoms with high prevalence and high positive likelihood ratio were identified (pectus carinatum, reduced elbow extension, hindfoot deformity, gothic palate, downslanting palpebral fissures, lens subluxation, myopia ≥ 3 dioptres remarkably high stature). The differentiation between patients with MFS and marfanoid body habitus is not possible by only assessing external body features; however, “red flags” could be helpful in the screening phase. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Pediatric Cardiology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Anthropometric Determinants of Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia in Children

and

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 566; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010566 - 05 Jan 2022

Viewed by 1017

Abstract

Background: The study was conducted to investigate the implications of anthropometry in school-aged children on the degree of respiratory sinus arrhythmia observed in clinical settings. Methods: In a cohort study, 626 healthy children (52% male) aged 10.8 ± 0.5 years attending primary school in a single town underwent a 12-lead electrocardiogram coupled with measurements of height, weight and blood pressure. Indices of respiratory sinus arrhythmia (pvRSA, RMSSD, RMSSDc) were derived from semi-automatic measurements of RR intervals. Height, weight, BMI, blood pressure as well as waist and hip circumferences were compared between subjects with rhythmic heart rate and respiratory sinus arrhythmia, and correlations between indices of sinus arrhythmia and anthropometry were investigated. Results: Respiratory sinus arrhythmia was recognized in 43% of the participants. Subjects with sinus arrhythmia had lower heart rate (p < 0.001), weight (p = 0.009), BMI (p = 0.005) and systolic (p = 0.018) and diastolic (p = 0.004) blood pressure. There were important inverse correlations of heart rate and indices of sinus arrhythmia (r = −0.52 for pvRSA and r = −0.58 for RMSSD), but not the anthropometry. Conclusion: Lower prevalence of respiratory sinus arrhythmia among children with overweight and obesity is a result of higher resting heart rate observed in this population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Pediatric Cardiology)

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Galectin-3 Plasma Concentration in Adolescents with Ventricular Arrhythmia

and

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(5), 2410; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052410 - 02 Mar 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1320

Abstract

Galectin-3 (G3) is a biomarker known as an inflammatory state exponent. The aim of this paper was to analyze the G3 in adolescents with ventricular arrhythmia (VES) in order to evaluate its impact on myocardial tissue preservation. The study group (SG) consisted of 25 VES adolescents. The control group (CG) was 21 healthy children. G3 was assessed in the SG and CG. In the SG electrocardiography, Holter monitoring, echocardiography and CMR were performed. The G3 in SG was 13.45 ± 11.4 ng/mL and in CG 7.2 ± 2.0 ng/mL, p < 0.001. Moderate positive correlation between the G3 and z-score of the left ventricular diameter (r = 0.47, p = 0.041) and moderate negative correlation between the G3 and the left ventricular ejection fraction in cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR EF) (−0.49, p = 0.032) were found. According to the multiple linear regression analysis, CMR EF and VES were independent predictors for G3 elevation. Conclusion: Galectin-3 plasma concentration is elevated and correlates with the chosen left ventricular dysfunction parameters in adolescents suffering from ventricular arrhythmia. Further investigation is necessary to establish if elevated G3 is a useful biomarker for screening young individuals with ventricular arrhythmia who are at risk of structural cardiovascular pathology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Pediatric Cardiology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

Open AccessReview

A Scoping Review of Galectin-3 as a Biomarker of Cardiovascular Diseases in Pediatric Populations

Ewa Smereczyńska-Wierzbicka

Radosław Pietrzak

and

Bożena Werner

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 4349; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19074349 - 05 Apr 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1276

Abstract

Galectin-3 as a cardiac biomarker has proven to be a significant prognostic tool in adults. However, it has not yet been established in the pediatric population as a biomarker in daily clinical practice. The aim of the study was to summarize the current knowledge on galectin-3 as a biomarker in children with cardiac conditions by reviewing the literature. Bibliographic databases such as PubMed, Web of Science and Embase were searched, and consequently twelve articles met the inclusion criteria. Supplemental handsearching of references delivered one additional source. These prospective studies concerning galectin-3 as a cardiac biomarker present analyses performed in cohorts composed of healthy children and children with cardiovascular diseases. The results, despite being based on small cohort studies, inform that galectin-3 could serve as a potential biomarker in cardiovascular risk stratification in children with heart failure, arrhythmia, Kawasaki disease or in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The evidence for the usefulness of galectin-3 in the assessment of such pathologies as idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, coarctation of the aorta, functionally univentricular heart or tetralogy of Fallot were not completely confirmed. Galectin-3 seems to be a promising biomarker; however, there is a need for further research to establish its use in daily clinical practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Pediatric Cardiology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessReview

The Role of 3D Printing in Planning Complex Medical Procedures and Training of Medical Professionals—Cross-Sectional Multispecialty Review

and

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3331; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063331 - 11 Mar 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3958

Abstract

Medicine is a rapidly-evolving discipline, with progress picking up pace with each passing decade. This constant evolution results in the introduction of new tools and methods, which in turn occasionally leads to paradigm shifts across the affected medical fields. The following review attempts to showcase how 3D printing has begun to reshape and improve processes across various medical specialties and where it has the potential to make a significant impact. The current state-of-the-art, as well as real-life clinical applications of 3D printing, are reflected in the perspectives of specialists practicing in the selected disciplines, with a focus on pre-procedural planning, simulation (rehearsal) of non-routine procedures, and on medical education and training. A review of the latest multidisciplinary literature on the subject offers a general summary of the advances enabled by 3D printing. Numerous advantages and applications were found, such as gaining better insight into patient-specific anatomy, better pre-operative planning, mock simulated surgeries, simulation-based training and education, development of surgical guides and other tools, patient-specific implants, bioprinted organs or structures, and counseling of patients. It was evident that pre-procedural planning and rehearsing of unusual or difficult procedures and training of medical professionals in these procedures are extremely useful and transformative. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Pediatric Cardiology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessReview

Treatment of Cardiac Rhabdomyomas with mTOR Inhibitors in Children with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex—A Systematic Review

and

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4907; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094907 - 05 May 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2618

Abstract

Background: Cardiac rhabdomyomas (CRs) are the earliest sign of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Most of them spontaneously regress after birth. However, multiple and/or large tumors may result in heart failure or cardiac arrhythmia. Recently, the attempts to treat CRs with mTOR inhibitors (mTORi) have been undertaken. We reviewed the current data regarding the effectiveness and safety of mTORi in the treatment of CRs in children with TSC. Methods: The review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Medline, Embase, Cochrane library, and ClinicalTrial.gov databases were searched for original, full-text articles reporting the use of mTORi (everolimus or sirolimus) in the treatment of CRs in children with TSC. Results: Thirty articles describing 41 patients were identified (mostly case reports, no randomized or large cohort studies). Thirty-three children (80.5%) had symptomatic CRs and mTORi therapy resulted in clinical improvement in 30 of them (90.9%). CRs size reduction was reported in 95.1%. Some CRs regrew after mTORi withdrawal but usually without clinical symptoms recurrence. The observed side effects were mostly mild. Conclusions: mTORi may be considered as a temporary and safe treatment for symptomatic CRs in children with TSC, especially in high-risk or inoperable tumors. However, high-quality, randomized trials are still lacking. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Pediatric Cardiology)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Special Issue "New Insights in Pediatric Cardiology"

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (9 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI