News Release

Children's Hospital Boston presents at the American College of Cardiology Scientific Sessions

Peer-Reviewed Publication

Boston Children's Hospital

Is prenatal cardiac intervention safe?
(Embargoed until Monday, 3/26, 4 p.m. CT)

Treating congenital heart defects in babies still in the womb is a high-risk procedure, but one that can improve babies’ outcomes after birth. Researchers at Children’s Hospital Boston and Brigham and Women’s Hospital reviewed the cases of 80 fetuses who had prenatal cardiac interventions during a six-year period (most often to avert hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a life-threatening condition in which most of the structures on the left side of the heart are small and underdeveloped). The intervention was successful in 79 percent of fetuses. Although 43 percent developed unstable cardiac function during the procedure, all regained normal heart rate and ventricular function within about half an hour, and the cardiac procedure had to be halted in only six of these 34 fetuses. There were six fetal deaths within 72 hours, of whom four had developed unstable cardiac function during the procedure. Further follow-up of the babies with successful interventions will be crucial, say the researchers. Efforts are ongoing to further improve the safety of these minimally invasive but high-risk procedures.

Monday, Mar 26, 2007, 4-4:15 p.m.
Room: 228
Presentation Number: 823-3 (Oral presentation)
Abstract Title: Fetal Hemodynamic Instability During Prenatal Cardiac Intervention: Risk Factors, Management, and Outcome


Children with heart transplants do regain heart function sufficient for exercise
(Embargoed until Monday, 3/26, 2:30 p.m. CT)

Not only can most children with a heart transplant exercise safely, but new research suggests that the transplanted heart’s response to exercise gradually improves. Researchers at Children’s Hospital Boston analyzed 182 maximal treadmill exercise tests performed serially (usually annually) in 51 children who had received a heart transplant. The tests showed a steady improvement in peak heart rate; 2, 4, 6 and 8 years after transplant, peak heart rates were 75, 78, 81 and 84 percent of predicted heart rate, respectively. More importantly, over time, heart rates recovered more quickly from peak exercise. "These data suggest that there is a spontaneous re-growth of nerves into a substantial proportion of transplanted hearts, allowing patients to reach higher heart rates with exercise and to cool down more quickly," says T. P. Singh, MD, a cardiologist in the Heart Failure/Transplant Service at Children's and the study’s lead author.

Monday, Mar 26, 2007, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Room: Hall H
Presentation Number: 1023-32 (Pediatric Cardiology Poster Session)
Abstract Title: Longitudinal Changes in Chronotropic Response to Exercise and Heart Rate Recovery in Pediatric Heart Transplant Recipients


This is a just a test: using simulators to practice high-risk resuscitations
(Embargoed until Tuesday, 3/27, 9 a.m. CT)

In a pediatric cardiac intensive care unit, children often must be resuscitated, but these “code blues” are technically complex and require close teamwork. Through its Simulator Program, Children's Hospital Boston provides specialized training using a mannequin with realistic heartbeats, pulses and other vital signs to rehearse high-stakes clinical situations. Each scenario is videotaped and followed by an extensive debriefing, focusing on technical issues and, equally important, team communication and organization. After training, participants felt more confident in participating in a resuscitation and were significantly more likely to voice concerns about a patient’s management to the team leader.

Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007, 9-10 a.m.
Room: Hall H
Presentation Number: 1030-190 (Quality of Care and Outcomes poster session)
Abstract Title: Simulation-Based Crisis Resource Management Program in a Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Improves Participant's Self-Perception of Resuscitation Skills.

###

Founded in 1869 as a 20-bed hospital for children, Children’s Hospital Boston today is the nation’s leading pediatric medical center, the largest provider of health care to Massachusetts children, and the primary pediatric teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. In addition to 347 pediatric and adolescent inpatient beds and comprehensive outpatient programs, Children’s houses the world’s largest research enterprise based at a pediatric medical center, where its discoveries benefit both children and adults. More than 500 scientists, including eight members of the National Academy of Sciences, 11 members of the Institute of Medicine and 10 members of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute comprise Children’s research community. For more information about the hospital visit: www.childrenshospital.org/newsroom.


Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.