PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

J Janousek

Publications and source records attributed to J Janousek.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Coagulation profile and liver function in 102 patients after total cavopulmonary connection at mid term follow up.

OBJECTIVE: To examine coagulation factors and liver function test abnormalities in patients after total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC). DESIGN: Cross sectional study comprising clinical and echocardiographic evaluation, and biochemical and coagulation profile screening. SETTING: Tertiary referral centre. METHODS: 102 patients aged 4-24 years (median 10 years) at one to eight years (median five years) after TCPC were examined. All patients were maintained on a low dose of aspirin. 96% of patients were in a good clinical condition (New York Heart Association class I or II). No intracardiac thrombi were detected on echocardiography and ventricular function was good in 91% of patients. RESULTS: Total bilirubin was increased in 27% and gamma glutamyltransferase in 54% of patients. Serum total protein, albumin, and prealbumin were normal in almost in all patients. Compared with the control group, patients after TCPC had significantly lower fibrinogen, factor V, factor VII, and protein C concentrations, prolonged international normalised ratio, and increased antithrombin III concentration. Factor V concentration was abnormally decreased in 35%, factor VII in 16%, and protein C in 28% of patients. Antithrombin III was increased in 23% of patients. Factor VII, factor V, protein C, and antithrombin III correlated significantly with serum prealbumin. There was also a significant correlation between procoagulant factor VII and both anticoagulant protein C and antithrombin III. CONCLUSIONS: Almost half of patients after TCPC had laboratory signs of mild cholestasis. Decreased liver synthesis of procoagulant and anticoagulant factors was observed but overall coagulation homeostasis appeared to be in balance in this selected group of patients with a good clinical outcome.

Adolescent↗

[Intraumbilical therapy of fetal supraventricular tachycardia].

The supraventricular tachycardia represents the life threatening disease, which may cause severe heart failure or even during foetal life. The authors present case report of the foetus aged 23 weeks of gestation in whom the supraventricular tachycardia was resistant to standard transplacental treatment by using digoxin and sotalol. The successful rhythm conversion was achieved by intracordal infusion of amiodarone. Further uncomplicated course of pregnancy reached term and healthy boy was subsequently born without having additional psychomotoric complications.

Adult↗

Resynchronization pacing is a useful adjunct to the management of acute heart failure after surgery for congenital heart defects.

The acute hemodynamic effect of atrioventricular (AV) and inter/intraventricular (IV) resynchronization accomplished by temporary pacing using multiple epicardial pacing wires was evaluated in 20 children (aged 3.4 months to 14.0 years) after surgery for congenital heart defects fulfilling the following criteria: (1) presence of AV and/or IV conduction delay, and (2) need for inotropic support. AV resynchronization (n = 13) was achieved by AV delay optimization during atrial synchronous right ventricular outflow tract pacing. IV resynchronization (n = 14) was accomplished by atrial synchronous pacing from the right ventricular lateral wall in 7 patients with right bundle branch block and normal AV conduction and by atrial synchronous multisite ventricular pacing in another 7 patients with previously performed AV resynchronization. Compared with baseline values, AV resynchronization resulted in an increase in arterial systolic, mean, and pulse pressures by 7.2 +/- 8.3% (p <0.01), 8.6 +/- 8.1% (p <0.005), and 6.9 +/- 13.5% (p = NS), respectively. IV resynchronization used either alone or added to previously performed AV resynchronization led to a pressure increase of 7.0 +/- 4.7%, 5.9 +/- 4.7%, and 9.4 +/- 7.8%, respectively (p <0.001 for all). The combined effect of AV and IV resynchronization resulted in a systolic, mean, and pulse pressure increase of 10.2 +/- 5.0% (range 4.0 to 19.1), 8.6 +/- 5.4% (range 0.8 to 14.8), and 15.2 +/- 8.5% (range 6.1 to 33.3), respectively (p <0.001 for all). The increase in systolic arterial pressure after IV resynchronization was positively correlated with the initial QRS duration (r = 0.62, p <0.05) and extent of QRS shortening (r = 0.66, p <0.05). In conclusion, resynchronization pacing led to a significant increase in arterial blood pressure and was a useful adjunct to the treatment of acute postoperative heart failure in patients with AV and/or IV conduction delay.

Adolescent↗

Impact of pulmonary valve replacement on arrhythmia propensity late after repair of tetralogy of Fallot.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pulmonary regurgitation after repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) may lead to right ventricular dilatation, which may be accompanied by ventricular tachycardia and sudden death. We aimed to examine the effects of pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) on (1) certain electrocardiographic markers predictive of monomorphic ventricular arrhythmia and sudden death and (2) sustained atrial flutter/fibrillation and monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 70 patients who underwent PVR for pulmonary regurgitation and/or right ventricular outflow tract obstruction late after repair of TOF. Maximum QRS duration and QT dispersion were measured from standard ECGs before PVR and at the latest follow-up. Arrhythmia was defined as sustained atrial flutter/fibrillation or sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. Concomitant intraoperative electrophysiological mapping and/or cryoablation were performed in 9 patients (60%) with preexisting ventricular tachycardia and 6 patients (50%) with preexisting atrial flutter. QRS duration remained unchanged in the study group (P=0.46), but it was significantly prolonged (P<0.001) in a comparable group of patients with repaired TOF who did not undergo PVR. At a mean follow-up of 4.7 years, the incidence of ventricular tachycardia diminished from 22% to 9% (P<0.001), and atrial flutter/fibrillation decreased from 17% to 12% (P=0.32). Intraoperative ablation prevented recurrence of preexisting tachyarrhythmia (0 of 15 patients). CONCLUSIONS: PVR in patients with previous TOF repair and chronic pulmonary regurgitation leads to stabilization of QRS duration and, in conjunction with intraoperative cryoablation, to a decrease in the incidence of preexisting atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmia. When applicable, this combined approach should be used in patients late after repair of TOF.

Adolescent↗

Hemodynamically optimized temporary cardiac pacing after surgery for congenital heart defects.

Disturbance of normal AV synchrony and dyssynchronous ventricular contraction may be deleterious in patients with otherwise compromised hemodynamics. This study evaluated the effect of hemodynamically optimized temporary dual chamber pacing in patients after surgery for congenital heart disease. Pacing was performed in 23 children aged 5 days to 7.7 years (median 7.3 months) with various postoperative dysrhythmias, low cardiac output, and/or high inotropic support and optimized to achieve the highest systolic and mean arterial pressures. The following four pacing modes were used: (1) AV synchronous or AV sequential pacing with individually optimized AV delay in 11 patients with first- to third-degree AV block; (2) AV sequential pacing using transesophageal atrial pacing in combination with a temporary DDD pacemaker for atrial tracking and ventricular pacing in three patients with third-degree AV block and junctional ectopic tachycardia, respectively, who had poor signal and exit block on atrial epicardial pacing wires; (3) R wave synchronized atrial pacing in eight patients with junctional ectopic tachycardia and impaired antegrade AV conduction precluding the use of atrial overdrive pacing; (4) Atrio-biventricular sequential pacing in two patients. Pressures measured during optimized pacing were compared to baseline values at underlying rhythm (13 patients with first-degree AV block or junctional ectopic tachycardia) or during pacing modes commonly used in the given clinical situation: AAI pacing (1 patient with slow junctional rhythm and first-degree AV block during atrial pacing), VVI pacing (2 patients with third-degree AV block and exit block and poor sensing on epicardial atrial pacing wires) and dual-chamber pacing with AV delays set to 100 ms (atrial tracking) or 150 ms (AV sequential pacing) in 7 patients with second- to third-degree AV block and functional atrial pacing wires. Optimized pacing led to a significant increase in arterial systolic (mean) pressure from 71.5 +/- 12.5 (52.3 +/- 9.0) to 80.5 +/- 12.2 (59.7 +/- 9.1) mmHg (P < 0.001 for both) and a decrease in central venous (left atrial) pressure from 12.3 +/- 3.4 (10.5 +/- 3.2) to 11.0 +/- 3.0 (9.2 +/- 2.7) mmHg (P < 0.001 and < 0.005, respectively). In conclusion, several techniques of individually optimized temporary dual chamber pacing leading to optimal AV synchrony and/or synchronous ventricular contraction were successfully used to improve hemodynamics in patients with heart failure and selected dysrhythmias after congenital heart surgery.

Arrhythmias, Cardiac↗

Late complications and quality of life after atrial correction of transposition of the great arteries in 12 to 18 year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Most adolescents and young adults born with transposition of the great arteries and survivors of Mustard operation are alive today and are leading ordinary lives. How far is the quality of their life influenced by residual findings? METHODS: We have analysed the oldest group of 177 children operated on with the Mustard procedure during 1979-1984 from our total experience of 609 corrections of transposition of the great arteries until 1996. In the long-term follow-up 12 to 18 years after Mustard operation the clinical investigation, 24 hours ECG Holter monitoring, 2D and colour flow Doppler echocardiography, radionuclide angiocardiography and exercise testing were performed. RESULTS: Basic sinus rhythm had 61% of 137 survivors, sinus node dysfunction had 51%. All but 4 patients needed no antiarrhythmic therapy. There were 10 sudden deaths. Severe tricuspid valve regurgitation developed in 15.9% of children, and decreased to 6% after intensive medical treatment. The right ventricular systolic dysfunction was found on radionuclide ventriculography in 8% of children after surgery. The left ventricular ejection fraction was subnormal in 10% and left ventricular diastolic function expressed by rapid filling fraction was subnormal in 80% of patients and may cause inability to increase cardiac output at exercise The obstruction of caval veins was found in 9%. There were neurological complications in 13.3% (10% already preoperatively) but severe brain damage was found in 4.4% only. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise tolerance with the maximum oxygen consumption over 30 ml/kg/min in 96% of investigated children suggests the good ability and full efficiency for recreation sports. Most survivors (84%) are reported to lead ordinary lives and function in NYHA class I.

Adolescent↗

[Aortic reconstruction in neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome] .

The surgical technique and tactics of the Norwood operation in neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome represent a surgical challenge. The Norwood operation was performed from the midline sternotomy approach, in extracorporeal circulation and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest was used for reconstruction of the hypoplastic aorta. Operation consisted of reconstruction of the "neoaorta" and the aortic arch from the original hypoplastic ascendent aorta, pulmonary trunk and a patch cut from a pulmonary homograft or pericardium, excision of the atrial septum and an arterial shunt from a Goretex vascular graft 3.5 or 4 mm in diameter. In patients with well developed aortic arch it was possible to reconstruct the aorta using Damus-Kaye-Stansel operation without circulatory arrest. Out of 12 operated patients with this defect, two (16.7%) died during the early postoperative period, one patient died late. The postoperative course was often complicated. In 6 (50.0%) patients the second step of Norwood operation, the bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis, was performed without mortality. According to our experience, it was necessary to prepare patients adequately before the first surgery. Perfect reconstruction of the aorta and a well functioning shunt had the crucial significance.

Aorta↗

[Erroneous and complicating diagnoses in patients with the sleep apnea syndrome].

A great number of patients suffering from SAS (19.5% according to our study) exhibit other complicating illnesses. This requires a complex diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Of these complicating illnesses the most frequent are neuropathy, thyreopathy and similar metabolic diseases. A polygraphic investigation alone may not suffice. It is necessary for a neurological specialist, acquainted with sleep disorders. This neurologist co-operates with the other specialists. A correctly indicated therapeutic procedure (conservative or surgical) will prevent a future relapse of the illness.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

[Initial experience with surgical treatment of tracheal stenosis in small children using extracorporeal circulation].

Severe tracheal stenosis represents a life threatening malformation which necessitates early surgery. Two patients aged one and two years, respectively, were followed-up for signs of congenital stridor. Following respiratory infection both children became critically ill with severe dyspnoea necessitating intubation and artificial ventilation. In the first patient, echocardiography, tracheobronchoscopy and other investigations revealed a pulmonary artery sling with tracheal compression and hypoplasia of the whole trachea. In the second child, presence of a short local tracheal stenosis was found, the cause of which could not be clarified. In the patient with the pulmonary sling, resection and reimplantation of the anomalous left pulmonary artery was performed first. In both children, however, surgical reconstruction of the lower airways was necessary. Surgery was performed from a midline sternotomy approach in extracorporeal circulation. The hypoplastic trachea with circular rings in the first child was enlarged with a pericardial patch. In the second child, the local tracheal stenosis was resected and a direct anastomosis of the trachea was performed. In both patients, transient formation of granulations was observed. Both children, however, survived and their clinical condition remains good 18 and 9 months, respectively, after surgery. Tracheobronchoscopic controls show very good result. Our experience confirms the possibility of successful surgical reconstruction of lower airways in young children using extracorporeal circulation. Good interdisciplinary cooperation between the surgeon and other specialists is an important prerequisite of good surgical results.

Child, Preschool↗

Safety of oral propafenone in the treatment of arrhythmias in infants and children (European retrospective multicenter study). Working Group on Pediatric Arrhythmias and Electrophysiology of the Association of European Pediatric Cardiologists.

This study was designed to assess adverse effects of oral propafenone in a large number of pediatric patients. Retrospective data from 27 European centers covering 772 patients treated with oral propafenone were analyzed. The following arrhythmias were treated: reentrant supraventricular tachycardia in 388 patients, atrial ectopic tachycardia in 66, junctional ectopic tachycardia in 39, atrial flutter in 21, ventricular premature complexes in 140, ventricular tachycardia in 78, and other arrhythmias in 39 patients. Two hundred forty-nine patients (32.3%) had structural heart disease. Significant electrophysiologic side effects and proarrhythmia were found in 15 of 772 patients (1.9%): sinus node dysfunction in 4, complete atrioventricular block in 2, aggravation of supraventricular tachycardia in 2, acceleration of ventricular rate during atrial flutter in 1, ventricular proarrhythmia in 5, and unexplained syncope in 1 patient. Cardiac arrest or sudden death occurred in 5 of 772 patients (0.6%): 2 patients had supraventricular tachycardia due to the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and a normal heart; the remaining 3 patients had structural heart disease. Overall, adverse cardiac events were more common in the presence (12 of 249 patients, 4.8%) than in the absence (8 of 523 patients, 1.5%) of structural heart disease (p <0.01). There was no difference between patients treated for supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias. Thus, propafenone is a relatively safe drug for the treatment of several pediatric tachyarrhythmias. Proarrhythmic effects seem to be less frequent than those reported for encainide or flecainide and occur predominantly in patients with structural heart disease.

Administration, Oral↗

[Reoperation in congenital heart defects after primary surgery in the neonatal period and infancy].

BACKGROUND: Reoperations in cardiac surgery of congenital heart defects represent not only the difficult technical problem but also a prognostic one. They are demanding reconstructive procedures with broad spectrum of hazards and are definitely cumulating the operative risk. METHODS AND RESULTS: At the Pediatric Kardiocentrum, University Hospital Motol, Prague, there were 2250 children operated on for congenital heart defects in the first year of life and followed up during 1969-1996. There were 1701 primary corrections (75%) and 549 palliative procedures (25%). After operation 1912 survivors (85%) were followed-up to 25 years. Later on 524 children (27%) were reoperated with 672 procedures. There were three main reasons for reoperation: 1. Staged procedures of complex heart defects in 477 children. 2. One hundred seventy four reoperations for residual defects were performed after primary procedure in 123 infants. There were 11 corrections of residual intracardiac shunts and 120 repairs of residual stenoses. There were 58 repairs of recoarctation, 40 pulmonary artery reconstructions after arterial shunts and 43 reoperations on valves for restenosis or worsened regurgitation. 3. Other 21 extracardiac complications of primary operation were solved by pacemaker implantation (8), plication of paralysed diaphragm (6), chylothorax (3) and other (4). The causes of reoperations represent 7 main categories: 1. Solid scars, adhesions and fibrous bands cause stenoses. 2. Palliative procedures influence positively the hemodynamics, but compromise the development and growth of myocardial wall. 3. Synthetic materials are nor growing but produce obstructions. 5. Incomplete primary correction and technical errors. 6. Iatrogenic injury of the phrenic nerve or the bundle of His. 7. False diagnosis. The hazards of reoperations are: 1. High risk of resternotomy with catastrophic bleeding. 2. Difficult cannulation for heart-lung bypass, and problematic induction of cardioplegia. 3. Difficult dissection of all structures with the high risk of bleeding on the site of aorta, lung hilum or coronary arteries. 4. Difficult left heart decompression and defibrillation of the heart. 5. Paralysis of the diaphragm. CONCLUSIONS: Staged procedures are the major source of reoperations. Their volume does not change much and it is difficult to influence it because still a large number of complex heart defects are operated every year. On the contrary the residual or recurrent defects as well as a number of further complications can be influenced by preventive measures during primary operation.

Child↗

Results of primary and two-stage repair of interrupted aortic arch.

OBJECTIVE: Early results of primary and two-stage repair of interrupted aortic arch have improved. Experience with different surgical approaches should be analysed and compared. METHODS: Forty neonates and infants with interrupted aortic arch underwent primary repair (19 patients) or palliative operation (21 patients). Twenty (50%) patients were followed-up for 5.1+/-4.3 years. All patients were regularly examined with the aim of determining clinical development, presence of residual lesions or complications and need for re-intervention. Aortic arch and the left ventricular outflow tract growth were assessed by echocardiographic examination. Data from hospital and outpatient department records were analysed. RESULTS: The early mortality was 61.9% after palliative operations and 36.8% after the primary repair. Presence of complications (P < 0.001), earlier year of surgery (P < 0.01), bad clinical condition and acidosis (P < 0.05) represented statistically significant risk factors for death in the whole series. In seven (87.5%) out of eight early survivors, after the initial palliative operation, closure of ventricular septal defect and debanding were done, and in three (37.5%) patients, re-operation for aortic arch obstruction was also required. Out of 12 patients, after the primary repair, one required early re-operation for persistent left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and two needed late re-intervention for left bronchus obstruction. In three (25%) patients, after the primary repair, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction with a maximal systolic pressure gradient higher than 30 mmHg developed. At present, all 20 early survivors are alive. Five patients, after palliative operation, are in NYHA class 1, but in three patients, who are in class III or IV, the outcome is influenced by severe complications. All patients after the primary repair are in class I or II. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience confirmed better results after the primary repair of interrupted aortic arch, which was associated with lower mortality, prevalence of severe complications and need for re-intervention. Higher prevalence of subaortic stenosis after primary repair could be explained by patient selection early in our experience. We recommend the primary repair of interrupted aortic arch and associated heart lesions in neonates, however, in unfavourable conditions an individualised surgical approach with initial palliative surgery should be considered.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

[Primary repair of interrupted aortic arch in neonates].

In the Kardiocentrum, University Hospital Motol, Prague, protocol of the primary repair of interrupted aortic arch was introduced, and between 1993-1997, 15 neonates aged 1-26 days (median 5 days) were operated on. Treatment with prostaglandins E for maintenance of the ductal patency, correction of metabolic acidosis, and treatment of all complications were necessary before surgery. The correction was performed from the midline sternotomy approach, in extracorporeal circulation and deep hypothermia with circulatory arrest. Direct anastomosis between the ascending and the descending aorta was possible in all the patients. At the same time, associated heart lesions were corrected (ventricular septal defect in 13, persistent truncus arteriosus in 3, subaortic stenosis in 2, transposition of the great arteries, double-outlet right ventricle and aortico-pulmonary window in 1 patient, each). Four (26.7%) patients died after surgery. Out of the first 6 neonates 3 (50.0%) died, but out of the subsequent 9 patients only 1 (11.1%) died. Reoperation was necessary in 2 patients. All 11 early survivors are alive and doing well 8-54 months after the repair. In one of them restenosis at the site of aortic anastomosis and hemodynamically significant subaortic stenosis occurred. All the remaining patients have a nonrestrictive aortic anastomosis. Primary repair of interrupted aortic arch and associated heart lesions can be performed in a neonate with reasonable mortality. Treatment of complications is necessary before surgery. Results depend especially on the patient's clinical condition and experience of the center.

Aorta, Thoracic↗

Nitrogen balance, 3-methylhistidine excretion, and plasma amino acid profile in infants after cardiac operations for congenital heart defects: the effect of early nutritional support.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of nutritional support on proteolysis and plasma amino acid profile in infants early after cardiac operations for congenital heart defects. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients, 2 to 12 months old, were randomized on postoperative day 1 for 24-hour isocaloric metabolic study. Group STANDARD (18 patients) received glucose as the maintenance fluid, and group PN (19 patients) received glucose and crystalloid amino acid solution at a dosage of 0.8 +/- 0.1 gm/kg per day. The nonprotein caloric intake in the two groups was 25 +/- 15 and 33 +/- 9 kcal/kg, respectively (p = not significant). RESULTS: The nitrogen balance was markedly less negative in group PN than in group STANDARD (-114 +/- 81 vs -244 +/- 86 mg/kg, respectively, p = 0.001). There was a highly significant inverse correlation between the nitrogen balance and urinary 3-methylhistidine excretion in both groups, but the muscle proteolysis was blunted more effectively in patients receiving amino acids. Concentrations of the plasmatic branched-chain amino acids, alanine, glycine, and proline, decreased significantly in group STANDARD but not in group PN on postoperative day 2. Glutamine and threonine levels declined significantly on postoperative day 2 in both groups. Low levels of arginine were observed in our patients before operation and in the early postoperative period. The amino acid concentrations normalized on postoperative day 7 in all patients. CONCLUSION: Significant proteolysis and hypoaminoacidemia were observed in infants early after cardiac operations. This hypercatabolic response was blunted by parenteral nutritional support.

Amino Acids↗

Bidirectional Glenn followed by total cavopulmonary connection or primary total cavopulmonary connection?

OBJECTIVE: Analysis of mortality and morbidity of patients treated by primary total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC)-Primary correction group, and comparison to patients treated by bidirectional Glenn (BDG) followed by total cavopulmonary connection-two stage TCPC group. METHODS: Retrospective study of 123 consecutive patients who underwent 144 different types of cavopulmonary connections between 1987-1995: bidirectional Glenn 59, HemiFontan operation 10, primary total cavopulmonary connection 54, and total cavopulmonary connection completion after previous bidirectional Glenn 21. Important preoperative risk factors: age, systemic outflow obstruction, pulmonary venous obstruction, pulmonary artery (PA) hypoplasia (McGoon ratio), PA stenosis/distortion, PA mean pressure, PA vascular resistance, atrioventricular valve regurgitation, systolic and diastolic ventricular function and ventricular hypertrophy were re-evaluated according to Texas Heart Institution Scoring System in both groups. Three different preoperative risk groups were established: low risk, score (0-3) moderate risk (4,5) and high risk score (> or = 6). RESULTS: Mean age was 85.2 month (range 16.1-229.5 months) and 106.6 months (range 42.6-178.9 months) in primary correction group and two stage TCPC group, respectively. Diagnosis was similar in both groups, majority having univentricular heart or hypoplastic one ventricle. Initial palliation (pulmonary artery banding, modified aortopulmonary shunt, coarctation repair etc.) was performed in 38 (70.3%) patients of primary correction group and in 12 (57.1%) two stage TCPC group. The mortality was 7.4% (4 out of 54) and 14.2% (3 out of 21) for primary correction and two stage TCPC group, respectively. There were two take down in the primary correction group. There was no late death in either group. Operative data and postoperative morbidity did not statistically differ in both groups. CONCLUSION: Until 1993 bidirectional Glenn was preferred to primary total cavopulmonary connection for high risk patients. High mortality 14.2% patients of two stage TCPC group vs. 7.4% of primary correction group in patients with the same preoperative hazard led us to change our policy. We now prefer primary TCPC for all patients with functional single ventricle and surgically correctable major associated defects. High risk patients undergo TCPC with fenestration. Patients not suitable for TCPC undergo either HemiFontan operation or some type of initial palliative procedure.

Adolescent↗