Articles tagged with Congenital Heart Disease
A study by Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that prenatal diagnosis is associated with earlier surgery for babies with congenital heart defects, leading to improved outcomes. Prenatally diagnosed babies had surgery on average one week sooner than those with postnatal diagnosis.
Researchers from Sanford Burnham Prebys have identified new genes that contribute to hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), a rare and life-threatening heart disease. The findings, published in eLife, bring scientists one step closer to unraveling the biology of this complex disease.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine identified molecular pathways critical for heart development, revealing that the mevalonate pathway regulates embryonic heart cell cycling and signaling molecules. This study provides a foundational data set to identify biological causes of congenital heart disease.
Researchers at TUM have developed a method to create mini-hearts in Petri dishes using stem cells. The resulting organoids mimic the earliest stages of human heart development and can be used to investigate congenital heart defects, potentially leading to new treatment methods.
A specialized mRNA translation circuit controlled by protein RBPMS determines the competence for heart formation in human embryonic development. The study provides a better understanding of human cardiac development and reveals potential molecular targets for therapeutic interventions.
Researchers found better survival rates at all points in time for pediatric patients with more serious heart disease, thanks to improved immunosuppression therapies, techniques, and postoperative care. A multidisciplinary team approach also contributed to the better outcomes.
Researchers discovered that bone marrow transplants can halt the development and progression of brain blood vessel disease in adults with sickle cell disease. The study found that receiving stem cell transplants led to positive changes in blood vessels, reducing the risk of stroke among patients with the condition.
A 20-year study reveals that recent advances in surgical and clinical care have significantly reduced brain injuries in babies with congenital heart disease. Infants who received higher postoperative blood pressure had a 20% lower risk of brain injury compared to those in earlier stages.
A science advisory highlights critical gaps in research on developmental care interventions for infants with complex congenital heart disease. The advisory calls for prioritizing research and implementation of developmental care to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes.
The procedure requires thorough pre-procedural evaluation and assessment of anatomical and hemodynamic data. Long-term results indicate that TPVR can effectively restore RVOT function, while improving survival rates and reducing the need for reintervention across age groups. Vigilant testing is recommended to avoid rare but serious com...
Researchers developed a 3D organoid model that mimics human heart development, revealing how low levels of cadmium can block cardiomyocyte formation and induce heart abnormalities. The study supports decades of toxicology research on environmental exposures contributing to human diseases.
A new daily anti-clotting pill, edoxaban, shows promise in preventing bleeding and clotting instances rare in children with heart conditions. The study's findings indicate edoxaban is a viable alternative to current treatments, eliminating injections and reducing frequent blood tests.
A study led by the Masonic Medical Research Institute found that VGLL4 is required for embryo development but dispensable for myocardial growth, providing new insights into congenital heart defects and heart failure. This discovery has significant implications for treating heart malformations.
A new software application predicts the likelihood that a case of dilated cardiomyopathy has a genetic mutation. The Madrid Genotype Score identifies patients most likely to have inherited the disease, facilitating genetic screening and tailored treatment adjustments.
A recent study by pediatric cardiologists has found that certain maternal health conditions can partially explain the racial disparities in congenital heart disease outcomes. The research assessed over 8,000 infant and mother records from diverse populations and identified placental and metabolic syndromes as contributing factors.
A case-control study found that pregnant women with higher folate levels are at a lower risk of having children with congenital heart disease. The researchers measured red blood cell folate levels and found that those with CHD had significantly lower median levels than those without CHD.
A team of researchers uncovered new genomics evidence of unique differences in heart muscle cells and immune systems of CHD patients, providing a roadmap for personalized medicine. The study aims to improve the natural history of congenital heart disease by targeting individual cell types and gene pathways.
A one-year study validated the Harmony transcatheter pulmonary valve (TPV) system's safety and efficacy in treating congenital heart disease patients with severe pulmonary regurgitation. The study showed favorable clinical and hemodynamic outcomes, including low mortality rates and minimal interventions.
Researchers discovered that non-cardiac protein subunit CHD4 interacts with three cardiac genes mutated in patients with congenital heart disease, leading to misexpression of non-cardiac genes and faulty heart development. This finding provides a new mechanism for the prevalence of congenital heart disease in humans.
A study found that fetuses with single-ventricle congenital heart disease are more susceptible to social-emotional problems compared to those with two-ventricle congenital heart disease. Infants with impaired prenatal brain growth also experience worsened language, cognitive, and motor outcomes by 18 months.
Disparities in social determinants of health affect people with congenital heart disease, leading to unequal access to care. Strategies to address these issues include increasing specialist availability and improving telehealth capabilities.
Researchers discovered that Viagra and a common over-the-counter drug TUDCA restored mitochondrial processes, which drive heart failure in HLHS patients. This could lead to new therapies for treating heart failure without relying on heart transplants.
Researchers found that AI-enhanced diagnosis helps doctors accurately detect fetal congenital heart disease, with fellows making the most accurate diagnoses. The new system uses graphical charts to represent the AI's analysis of ultrasound videos, improving accuracy and trust among medical professionals.
Most people born with heart defects now survive past childhood, requiring seamless transition to adult-oriented healthcare. The American Heart Association updates guidelines for managing congenital heart disease in adolescents and young adults, highlighting the importance of involving individuals and families in research.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have developed a novel method for identifying genetic variants that are likely to play important roles in congenital heart disease. The study leverages interactions between proteins to pinpoint candidate genes, including GLYR1, which is involved in turning other genes on and off.
Scientists found a protective gene that counters a deleterious mutation causing atrial septal defects, allowing some people with the mutation to thrive. The discovery provides valuable clinical information for families affected by congenital heart disease.
Researchers from Osaka University created patient-derived heart cells that exhibit reduced contractility and impaired desmosome assembly when carrying a mutation associated with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Replacing the mutated gene restored normal function, suggesting a potential treatment approach for this disease.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that fetal MRI can detect at least one other abnormality in almost 57% of fetuses with heart defects. Additionally, approximately a quarter of all fetuses had structural brain abnormalities, regardless of the severity of the heart defect.
Researchers from Monash University have developed a method to determine which genes are responsible for congenital heart disease (CHD). The technique identified 35 new genes not previously suspected in the disease, opening the way for more accurate pre-natal genetic testing.
Researchers identified 23 genes contributing to congenital heart disease, including 12 previously unknown, using a new algorithm called M-DATA. This method combines genetic data from people with related conditions, increasing the power to identify risk factors and potentially leading to improved treatments.
A study of 7,512 pregnancies in women with congenital heart disease found no maternal deaths, but more health complications for mothers and babies compared to a control group. Babies born to CHD mothers had an increased risk of stillbirths, low birthweight, and major visible abnormalities.
Researchers developed VarSAn, a computational tool that analyzes SNPs to predict disease pathways, including breast and prostate cancer. The tool uses network analysis to identify perturbed pathways, offering a new approach to understanding genetic variation.
A study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica found that pregnant women with elevated blood lipids, particularly triglycerides and Apolipoprotein-B, were more than twice as likely to deliver children with congenital heart disease. The research highlights the importance of maintaining good health during pregnancy an...
A new international registry analysis reveals benefits of using longer covered stents for interventional procedures in congenital heart disease patients. The study found that these longer stents significantly reduce the need for additional stents and minimize procedural risk factors, potentially replacing open-heart surgery.
The Harmony transcatheter pulmonary valve system is a less invasive treatment option for patients with CHD and RVOT abnormalities. The one-year results show no mortality, endocarditis, or need for surgical intervention, with over 90% of patients reporting little to no pulmonary regurgitation.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes and UCSF have discovered a complex network of genes and proteins that go awry in a subset of congenital heart diseases. The study sheds light on how genetic mutations contribute to the disease, offering new insights into potential prevention or treatment strategies.
A new imaging technique has been developed that allows scientists to study the tiny details of a whole animal heart in 3D. This technique may lead to new insights into congenital heart disease and improve survival rates for people born with heart defects. The study reveals structural differences between healthy and defective heart cell...
A recent study of over 7,000 patients with congenital heart defects found that these individuals had a lower-than-expected risk of developing moderate or severe COVID-19 symptoms. However, patients with certain genetic syndromes and those with advanced disease were more likely to develop severe symptoms.
Researchers at King's College London have developed a new method for detecting congenital heart disease in babies, using 4D visualizations of the heart to measure blood flow and vessel function. This technology could become a new tool for aiding diagnosis, potentially improving outcomes for babies born with the condition.
Adults with congenital heart disease require lifelong management, including regular appointments, pregnancy planning, and exercise recommendations. The ESC guidelines provide guidance on diagnosis, treatment, and support to help these individuals lead normal lives.
ESC Congress 2020 presented over 400 topics covering the entire spectrum of cardiology, including late-breaking science studies, clinical trials, and ESC Guidelines. The event featured four new Clinical Practice Guidelines launched live during the congress.
The recommended updates to newborn screening guidelines aim to refine the algorithm and improve reporting for critical congenital heart disease. The new guidelines simplify the passing threshold, trigger clinical assessment faster when oxygen saturation is low, and increase education about tool strengths and limitations.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions has issued recommendations on adult congenital cardiac interventional training, focusing on eligibility, training environment, and procedural volume. The guidelines suggest a minimum of 150 ACHD catheterization cases for trainees to participate in as primary or first assistant.
A comprehensive study of congenital heart disease found lower predicted long-term survival, higher remission rates, and lower prevalence in low-income countries compared to high-income nations. The study revealed a significant disparity in CHD mortality rates between countries, with most deaths occurring in infants under one year old.
Researchers at Children's National Hospital aim to use mesenchymal stromal cells collected from bone marrow to promote brain growth and repair in newborns undergoing cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease. The NIH-funded trial seeks to determine the safety of this treatment and set the stage for a Phase 2 efficacy trial.
Research published in European Journal of Preventive Cardiology suggests that fathers-to-be should not consume alcohol for at least six months before fertilization, while mothers should stop drinking one year prior to pregnancy. This can lower the risk of congenital heart disease in offspring.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found a higher risk of cancer among children and young adults with congenital heart disease compared to the general population. The researchers analyzed national registry data from Sweden, assessing cancer incidence from birth to age 41.
Researchers at MUSC discovered that silencing the gene Ccdc117 impedes rapid growth of precursor cells, leading to abnormal heart development. Exercise and improved nutrition may lessen the likelihood of heart malformations in fetuses.
Researchers have successfully tested a new ultrasound technology on human patients, enabling detailed images of internal structure and blood flow. The vector flow imaging method provides advanced detail of blood flow patterns within cardiac chambers, across valves, and in the great arteries.
Research reveals Hispanic infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and d-transposition of the great arteries face poorer outcomes in their first year compared to non-Hispanic white counterparts. Maternal education and insurance status are significant factors contributing to these disparities.
Researchers found that hospitalized infants with both conditions were four times more likely to die than those with only congenital heart disease. Infants with central sleep apnea and a heart abnormality stayed twice as long and had double the hospital bills at discharge.
A study by Gemma Scholes and colleagues found that newborn babies with congenital heart disease tend to have significantly enlarged kidneys. This contradicts previous assumptions about organ development in these infants. The type of congenital abnormality also influences kidney size, with some having larger or smaller than normal kidneys.
This special issue of CVIA journal presents major review articles and research findings on Adult Congenital Heart Disease, including pulmonary hypertension management, Ebstein anomaly surgery, and heart transplantation. Key topics include pregnancy in congenital heart disease and depression in adults with congenital heart disease.
Ebstein anomaly presents a wide spectrum of presentation, with outcomes varying by age at diagnosis. Surgical management is crucial, with poorer outcomes in neonates and excellent outcomes in adults.
After pulmonary valve replacement, patients with severe right ventricular volume overload due to pulmonary regurgitation often present with decreased RV function. However, the study found that preoperative LV systolic dysfunction is the only independent predictor of postoperative improvement in LV systolic function.
In patients with congenital heart disease, atrial arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation occur at younger ages due to degenerative and progressive changes. Advanced imaging and individualized therapeutic plans using pharmacologic therapy, catheter-based ablation, and surgical therapies can help manage these conditions.
A nationwide study found that mandatory newborn screening policies for critical congenital heart defects significantly reduced infant cardiac deaths. The study, which analyzed data from 2007-2013, showed a notable decrease in early infant deaths due to these defects in states with implemented mandatory screening policies.
A UK study found that less than one per cent of children born with congenital heart disease participate in clinical trials, highlighting a need for improved treatment options. Researchers suggest establishing a congenital heart disease research network to conduct well-designed clinical trials and improve surgical outcomes.
The University of Utah Health has been awarded a $4 million grant to conduct comprehensive research on congenital heart defects. The project, led by Martin Tristani-Firouzi, will focus on discovering causes and developing strategies for prevention and treatment.
Women born with complex congenital heart disease can now have successful pregnancies thanks to new guidance. The American Heart Association journal Circulation published a road map for healthcare providers, emphasizing the need for close monitoring and expert care.