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Gene-based therapy may slow development of life-threatening heart condition

Researchers have found that a gene-based therapy targeting plakophilin-2 can interrupt the progression of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, a rare inherited disorder. The treatment reduced episodes of arrhythmia and slowed the deterioration of the heart's walls in mice.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCirculation Genomic and Precision Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2024

Common heart medication digoxin shows promise in enhancing survival after surgery for infants with certain heart defects

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that digoxin treatment significantly reduced mortality and the need for a transplant among infants undergoing a hybrid procedure for single-ventricle physiology. The researchers analyzed data from 259 infants who received digoxin during their interstage per...

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 26, 2023

Heart vest could help predict sudden cardiac death risk

A new study by UCL researchers suggests that a vest mapping the heart's electrical activity could help identify people at high risk of sudden cardiac death. The electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI) vest combines signals with MRI images to generate 3D models, potentially predicting risk factors for life-threatening heart rhythms.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 18, 2023

Deaths from heart valve infections drop across U.S. overall, but surged among young adults

A new study found that deaths from infective endocarditis decreased overall in the US, but rose sharply among people ages 25-44, likely linked to the opioid crisis. Researchers call for more investigation into the trends and recommend comprehensive care plans including substance use disorder screening and treatment.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateDec 13, 2023

Congenital Heart Surgeons' Society (CHSS) and fourteen professional organizations announce recommendations for performing pediatric heart surgery in US

Leading professional organizations announce first-time multidisciplinary consensus guidelines for essential and comprehensive care centers in the US. The guidelines aim to address known variation in outcomes at different centers, providing structure, process, and outcome components necessary for quality care.

SourceSAGE·JournalWorld Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery·DateSep 29, 2023

UCLA research suggests that heart transplantation is safer for adults with single-ventricle CHD than previously thought

Researchers analyzed data from 2005-2020 and found that 10-year conditional survival was similar between biventricular and most single-ventricle CHD patients. Biventricular CHD patients also showed better 10-year survival compared to non-CHD heart transplant recipients.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 11, 2023

Prenatal diagnosis matters: Linked to earlier surgery for 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.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·DateAug 4, 2023

New pediatric investigation article reviews the potential of transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement for congenital heart disorders

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...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalPediatric Investigation·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 3, 2023

New 3D model shows how cadmium exposure may affect heart development

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.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2022

Scientists at the CNIC and Hospital Puerta de Hierro develop a tool to determine if dilated cardiomyopathy has a genetic origin

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.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 12, 2022

Pediatric cardiologists uncover possible cause of racial disparity affecting congenital heart disease

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.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 26, 2022

First intermediate to long-term study of the harmony transcatheter pulmonary valve system validates safety and efficacy

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.

Doctors diagnosing fetal heart disease benefit from explanatory AI

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.

SourceRIKEN·JournalBiomedicines·DateApr 4, 2022

For youth with a heart defect, shift to adult-focused care is key to health, quality of life

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.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMar 17, 2022

Getting to the heart of complex disease

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.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell·DateFeb 18, 2022

Fetal MRI is a valuable adjunct to ultrasound in detecting abnormal extracardiac development in fetuses with congenital heart defects

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.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateDec 20, 2021

Genetic study of heart defects and autism finds new causative genes

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 4, 2021

Study links high lipid levels in early pregnancy with congenital heart disease in children

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...

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateAug 4, 2021

SCAI issues recommendations on adult congenital cardiac interventional training

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.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateApr 16, 2020