Cardiac outcomes in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2-associated multisystem inflammatory syndrome at a tertiary paediatric hospital

Introduction: We describe a cohort of children referred with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and compare this cohort with a 2019 cohort of children with Kawasaki disease. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 2019 and 2020 referrals to the inflammatory cardiology service at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children. We compared cardiac and inflammatory parameters of a sub-section of the 2020 cohort who presented with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction with the remainder of the cohort. Results: Referrals significantly increased between February and June 2020 compared to 2019 (19.8/30 days versus 3.9/30 days). Frequency of coronary artery aneurysms (11/79 (13.9%) versus 7/47 (14.9%)) or severe coronary artery aneurysms (6/79 (7.6%) versus 3/47 (6.4%)) was similar between 2020 and 2019, respectively. The 2020 cohort was older (median age 9.07 years versus 2.38 years), more likely to be of Black, Asian, or other minority ethnic group (60/76 (78.9%) versus 25/42 (59.5%)), and more likely to require inotropic support (22 (27.5%) versus 0 (0%)). Even children with significantly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction demonstrated complete recovery of cardiac function within 10 days (mean 5.25 days ± 2.7). Discussion: We observed complete recovery of myocardial dysfunction and an overall low rate of permanent coronary sequelae, indicating that the majority of children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children are unlikely to encounter long-term cardiac morbidity. Although the frequency of myocardial dysfunction and inotropic support requirement is not consistent with a diagnosis of Kawasaki disease, the frequency of coronary artery abnormalities and severe coronary artery abnormalities suggests a degree of phenotypic overlap.

154 Transient left ventricular systolic dysfunction during intravenous immunoglobulins treatment for myasthenia gravis exacerbation

A 61-year-old man suffering from myasthenia gravis with predominant bulbar involvement since 10 months before admission, was diagnosed with thymoma in April 2021. He had no relevant comorbidities except for history of polymorphic ventricular ectopic beats. In this regard, in 2019 he had undergone transthoracic echocardiogram and coronary computed tomography angiography, which resulted both normal. After 1 month, due to poor response to standard medical therapy with prednisone and pyridostigmine and in preparation for thymectomy, an intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) treatment was prescribed leading to mild clinical improvement (Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America Clinical Classification IIIA—MGFA). Two weeks later, the patient underwent robotic-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy without complications. Pathological findings were consistent with type B1 Thymoma classified as Masaoka Stage IIB (TNM Stage pT1a). After discharge the patient complained a rapid worsening of neurological symptoms (MGFA IIIB) leading to an urgent hospitalization for Myasthenia Gravis exacerbation in the middle of June. On admission Intravenous Immunoglobulins (IVIG) treatment was immediately started. After administration of the second IVIG dose, he had a myasthenic crisis complicated by refractory heart failure with significant increase of cardiac troponin up to 5.768 ng/L, requiring invasive ventilation, inotropic support and urgent transfer to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU). The 2D echo showed severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVEF 20%) with diffuse hypokinesis. The patient underwent cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography that confirmed severe reduction of the LVEF (LVEF 23%) with embolic occlusion of the distal posterior descending coronary artery (PDA) without other significant coronary artery stenosis. An endomyocardial biopsy was performed, which revealed cardiomyocytes of normal dimensions with sporadic cytoplasmic vacuolization and excluded signs of inflammation, fibrosis, necrosis and viral myocarditis. The day after the patient completed IVIG treatment. During the following days, despite persistence of severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction, he was successfully weaned form inotropic and ventilatory support. At neurological evaluation he reported persistence of severe bulbar involvement with upper and lower limbs weakness. Five days later, the patient had a sudden cardiac arrest for pulseless electrical activity. Advanced cardiac life support requiring inotropes and invasive ventilation was performed for 28 min before returning to spontaneous circulation. The echocardiogram excluded pulmonary embolism and mechanical complications but showed severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction. A new coronary angiography showed clear coronary arteries including PDA. Because of severe haemodynamic compromise, an Impella CP device was implanted and set at maximum support level (P8 flow, >3 L/min). A neurological exam revealed no severe neurological sequelae. As a result of the long CPR the patient had a massive left haemothorax, initially treated with multiple blood transfusions and pleural drainage. Two days later, due to persistence of haemodynamic instability and active pleural bleeding with incessant severe anaemia the case underwent a Heart Team discussion where it was decided to escalate Impella CP device to Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VA-ECMO) and then perform a video-assisted thoracoscopic evacuation of the haemothorax. Both procedures were carried out without complications. The patient had an immediate haemodynamic improvement which led to rapid weaning from inotropic support. Haemoglobin was stable. The 2D echo showed significant improvement of the LVEF (40%). After 3 days, given the persistence of haemodynamic stability, ECMO device was removed and invasive ventilation stopped shortly afterwards. Eleven days later, another 2D echo demonstrated complete recovery of left ventricular systolic function (LVEF 59%). Notwithstanding, the patient reported a progressive worsening of neurological symptoms with generalized myasthenia and severe bulbar involvement (MGFA IVB) along with episodes of respiratory muscle fatigue requiring non-invasive ventilation. For this reason, the patient was transferred to Subintensive Respiratory Unit and the case underwent a new multidisciplinary discussion involving neurologists, cardiologists and haematologists. Specialists agreed upon potential causal role of IVIG treatment in transient left ventricular dysfunction and considered re-administration absolutely contraindicated. Thus, they prescribed five plasmapheresis treatments and up-titration of corticosteroid therapy (methylprednisolone up to 60 mg od). An immediate and outstanding improvement of neurological symptoms was obtained (MGFA IIIA) and the patient was discharged from hospital 1 week later.

1142. A multicenter cohort study to identify differences between methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in pediatrics in Bogotá, Colombia, 2014-2018

Background The epidemiology of methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) S. aureus in pediatrics has changed in recent years. MRSA infections have been reported to be more severe than MSSA. Methods Multicenter retrospective cohort, in 6 pediatric hospitals in Bogotá, Colombia, between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2018, 1 isolate was included for patient from the same origin. Infections were classified into: SSTI, osteoarticular, bacteremia, or pneumonia.The objective is to establish differences between clinical, laboratory, and outcomes of MSSA and MRSA infections, according to origin of the infection in a pediatric population from Bogotá, Colombia. Results 551 patients were included; 211 (38%) MRSA and 340 (62%) MSSA, in total 703 cultures. Figure 1. Some risk factors were statistically associated with MSSA: Heart disease (3.3% Vs. 0.5%) neurologic disease (5.9% vs. 2.4%), surgery in last 6 months (11% vs. 5%), use of vascular or external devices (3% vs 11%) and previous hospitalization >3 days (11% vs 17%) Table 2. In 84/159 (52%) cases, bacteremia was associated with osteoarticular infection (OI), 19/159 (13%) with pneumonia, 21/159 (13%) with SSTI, 14/159 (9%) with other foci, 21/159 (13%) were primary. Independently of the origin, PICU admittance was more frequent in MRSA (52% vs. 28), as well as mechanical ventilation (MV) (30% vs. 13%) and inotropic support (IS )(38% vs 17%). Of 136 osteoarticular infections, 59 (43,4%) were MRSA and 77 (56,6%) MSSA. MRSA isolates required more than 3 surgical procedures (45% vs 24%), more PICU admittance (36% vs. 12%) and IS (27% vs. 5%). Complicated pneumonia was more frequently associated to MRSA in comparison with MSSA (57% vs. 23%). In pneumonia, MRSA also was significantly associated with PICU. (74%vs 50%), MS (61%vs 32%), and VS (52% vs 27%). SSTI was not associated with greater severity or worse outcome (PICU, MV, IS) according to S. aureus susceptibility. Table 3b. Infection groups depending on the presence or not of resistance Conclusion MRSA was associated with more severe course in bacteremia, OI and pneumonia. It is interesting that some classically risk factors associated with MRSA infections were found to be related to MSSA. In general, with SSTI exception, MRSA increase risk of PICU, mechanical support and inotropic support in a pediatric population in Bogotá, Colombia. Disclosures Ivan Felipe Gutiérrez Tobar, n/a, Pfizer and MSD (Advisor or Review Panel member, Research Grant or Support, Speaker’s Bureau, Has received support from Pfizer and MSD for participation in congresses and has received conference payments from Pfizer)Pfizer and MSD (Speaker’s Bureau, Other Financial or Material Support, Has received support from Pfizer for participation in congresses) Sandra Beltran, n/a, Pfizer (Other Financial or Material Support, Has received support from Pfizer for participation in congresses)

Influence of physical rehabilitation on oxygen and lactate status in "inotrope-dependent" patients with chronic heart failure in class III–IV

Aim. To assess the effect of physical rehabilitation on dynamics of oxygen and lactate status indicators in inotrope-dependent patients with stable chronic heart failure (CHF) of IIIIV functional class (FC). Material and methods. A randomized prospective study included 120 men, aged 1865, hospitalized at Almazov National Medical Research Centre due to CHF IIIIV FC, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 30%; with blood pressure (BP)90/60 mm Hg. Patients who received dobutamine or dopamine for 2 weeks were randomized into 3 groups: 1st participating in the program of physical training (PPT), 2nd not participating; 3rd group patients without inotropic support participating in PPT. Results. Oxygen extraction ratio (O2ER) at rest was increased, while central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) was decreased in all groups at baseline, after 3 and 6 months. Initially, at rest, central venous blood lactate (lactate) was normal in all groups. By the 6th month, lactate in group 2 became higher than in group 1 (p=0.005) and group 3 (p=0.008). Initially, after 3 and 6 months, at peak of exercise in groups 1 and 3, lactate and O2ER increased, and ScvO2 decreased without development of life-threatening adverse events. By the 6th month, in groups 1 and 3, the distance of 6-minute walk test increased: p=0.004 and p0.00001 and the strength of hand muscles increased: p=0.01 and p=0.005. Conclusion. In patients with CHF IIIIV FC at rest, regardless of participation in PPT and inotropic therapy, there were comparable disturbances of oxygen status, characterized by decreased level of ScvO2 and increased level of O2ER, in the absence of decrease in arterial blood saturation. At peak of aerobic exercise of mild and moderate intensity in patients with advanced CHF, regardless of inotropic support, there was a comparable increase in the level of lactate and O2ER, as well as a decrease in ScvO2, which was not accompanied by life-threatening adverse events. The participation of inotrope-dependent patients in PPT is associated with decrease in blood lactate at rest, which, along with increase in hand muscle strength and exercise tolerance, may indicate an improvement in condition of muscle tissue.

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Children: One Year after the Onset of the Pandemic in a High-Incidence Area

SARS-CoV-2 infection in children can trigger cardiovascular manifestations potentially requiring an intensive treatment and defining a new entity named Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), whose features partially overlap with Kawasaki Disease (KD). A cross-sectional study including all diagnoses of MIS-C and KD from April 2020 to May 2021 in our metropolitan area was conducted evaluating clinical, laboratory (including immunological response, cytokines, and markers of myocardial damage), and cardiac (coronary and non-coronary) features at onset of the diseases. Evolution of ventricular dysfunction, valve regurgitations, and coronary lesions was documented. The severity of the disease was also considered based on the need for inotropic support and ICU admission. Twenty-four MIS-C were diagnosed (14 boys, median age 82 months): 13/24 cases (54.17%) presented left ventricular dysfunction, 12/24 (50%) required inotropic support, and 10/24 (41.67%) developed coronary anomalies (CALs). All patients received steroids and IVIG at a median time of 5 days (IQR1:4, IQR3:6.5) from onset of fever and heart function normalized 6 days (IQR1: 5, IQR3: 7) after therapy, while CALs persisted in one. One patient (12.5%) required infliximab because of refractory disease and still presented CALs 18 days after therapy. During the same study period, 15 KD were diagnosed: none had ventricular dysfunction, while 7/15 (46.67%) developed CALs. Three out of 15 patients (20%) still presented CALs 46 days from onset. Compared to KD, MIS-C pts have significantly higher IL8 and similar lymphocytes subpopulations. Despite a more severe presentation and initial cardiac findings compared to KD, the myocardial injury in MIS-C has a rapid response to immunomodulatory treatment (median time 6 days), in terms of ventricular function, valve regurgitations, and troponin. Incidence of CALs is similar at onset, but it tends to regress in most of the cases of MIS-C differently than in KD where CALs persist in up to 40% in the subacute stage after treatment.

Impact of Overt Hypothyroidism on Early Outcomes of Coronary Artery Surgery

Background: The association between preoperative overt hypothyroidism and early outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of overt hypothyroidism on the outcomes of CABG. Methods: The series included 189 overt hypothyroid patients, who underwent CABG at Fuwai Hospital. These patients were 1:4 matched with 737 euthyroid patients using propensity score matching. The early postoperative outcomes were compared. Results: After propensity score matching, the incidences of impaired wound healing, reintubation, and the total complications were higher in hypothyroid patients than euthyroid patients (11.8% vs. 0.9%, P < 0.001; 2.1% vs. 0.4%, P = 0.03; 39.6% vs. 30.3%, P = 0.015, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed overt hypothyroidism was significantly associated with the occurrence of impaired wound healing (odds ratio [OR]=12.29, P < 0.001), reintubation (OR=5.71, P = 0.047), and the total complications (OR=1.31, P = 0.049). The OR of the total complications was 1.43 (P = 0.03) in hypothyroid patients with abnormal thyroid-stimulating hormone compared with euthyroid patients. The proportions of the use of dopamine, adrenaline, milrinone, and dobutamine in hypothyroid patients were higher than euthyroid patients (75.4% vs. 67.6%, P = 0.038; 10.7% vs. 6.1%, P = 0.028; 3.2% vs. 0.3%, P = 0.001; 4.8% vs. 1.2%, P = 0.004, respectively). The total duration of inotropic support and mechanical ventilation time in hypothyroid patients were longer than euthyroid patients (median duration: 4 days vs. 3 days, P = 0.003; 17 hours vs. 15 hours, P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: CABG in overt hypothyroid patients is associated with a higher incidence of postoperative complications, stronger postoperative inotropic support, and longer mechanical ventilation time.

Predictors of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is common both after cardiothoracic and non cardiothoracic surgery.In patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery, the incidence of 16–46% has been reported. Even though POAF can be selflimiting, it may be associated with hemodynamic instability, postoperative stroke, myocardial infarction, ventricular arrhythmias and heart failure. Objective To determine the effect of certain predictors on the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation during the ICU stay after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Patients and Methods This prospective cohort study was done after approval of the Institutional Review Board and written informed consent from patients or first kin. Patients undergoing isolated CABG or CABG with valve replacement were included and monitored for POAF during their postoperative ICU stay and the potential predictors of POAF as age, sex, smoking and left atrial diameter, serum Potassium and Magnesium levels, CHA2DS2-VASc score, valve replacement and inotropic support were recorded. Results 123 patients were included in the study, 76.4% were males with a mean age of 57.4 ±8.7 years and mean left atrial diameter 4.1 ±0.52 cm. The incidence of POAF following CABG surgery was almost 33.3%. There was no statistically significant association between POAF and smoking (P = 0.123). However there were statistically significant associations between POAF and CHA2DS2-VASc score, valve replacement (P &lt; 0.001) and inotropic support (P = 0.005). The logistic regression analysis showed that left atrial diameter, CHA2DS2-VASc score and female sex were independent predictors of POAF. In contrary, there were no statistically significant associations between POAF and serum K+ and Mg ++ levels (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusion There are a wide range of significant epidemiological, clinical, and operative predictors for the development of post-CABG AF including older age, female gender, large LA diameter, higher CHA2DS2-VASc score, valve replacement and postoperative inotropic support. Nevertheless, further large-scale studies are still needed to confirm our findings.

Shock Index, Pediatric Age-Adjusted Predicts Morbidity and Mortality in Children Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit

Background: The shock index, pediatric age-adjusted (SIPA), defined as the maximum normal heart rate divided by the minimum normal systolic blood pressure by age, can help predict the risk of morbidity and mortality after pediatric trauma. This study investigated whether the SIPA can be used as an early index of prognosis for non-traumatic children visiting the pediatric emergency department (ED) and were directly admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). We hypothesized that an increase in SIPA values in the first 24 h of ICU admission would correlate with mortality and adverse outcomes.Methods: This multicenter retrospective study enrolled non-traumatic patients aged 1–17 years who presented to the pediatric ED and were directly admitted to the ICU from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2018, in Taiwan. The SIPA value was calculated at the time of arrival at the ED and 24 h after ICU admission. Cutoffs included SIPA values &gt;1.2 (patient age: 1–6), &gt;1.0 (patient age: 7–12), and &gt;0.9 (patient age: 12–17). The utility of the SIPA and the trends in the SIPA during the first 24 h of ICU admission were analyzed to predict outcomes.Results: In total, 1,732 patients were included. Of these, 1,050 (60.6%) were under 6 years old, and the median Pediatric Risk of Mortality score was 7 (5–10). In total, 4.7% of the patients died, 12.9% received mechanical ventilator (MV) support, and 11.1% received inotropic support. The SIPA value at 24 h after admission was associated with increased mortality [odds ratio (OR): 4.366, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.392–7.969, p &lt; 0.001], MV support (OR: 1.826, 95% CI: 1.322–2.521, p &lt; 0.001), inotropic support (OR: 2.306, 95% CI: 1.599–3.326, p &lt; 0.001), and a long hospital length of stay (HLOS) (2.903 days, 95% CI: 1.734–4.271, p &lt; 0.001). Persistent abnormal SIPA value was associated with increased mortality (OR: 2.799, 95% CI: 1.566–5.001, p = 0.001), MV support (OR: 1.457, 95% CI: 1.015–2.092, p = 0.041), inotropic support (OR: 1.875, 95% CI: 1.287–2.833, p = 0.001), and a long HLOS (3.2 days, 95% CI: 1.9–4.6, p &lt; 0.001). Patients with abnormal to normal SIPA values were associated with decreased mortality (OR: 0.258, 95% CI: 0.106–0.627, p = 0.003), while patients with normal to abnormal SIPA values were associated with increased mortality (OR: 3.055, 95% CI: 1.472–5.930, p = 0.002).Conclusions: In non-traumatic children admitted to the ICU from the ED, increased SIPA values at 24 h after ICU admission predicted high mortality and bad outcomes. Monitoring the trends in the SIPA could help with prognostication and optimize early management.

Cardiogenic shock with complete heart block secondary to dengue myocarditis requiring temporary pacing

This case illustrates acute myocarditis with complete heart block in a 13-year-old teenager as a rare complication of acute dengue illness. He required urgent temporary pacing with inotropic support and antifailure medications. Complete heart block in dengue myocarditis is an acute but reversible condition. A similar presentation in a dengue-endemic country or with a history of travelling to tropical countries warrants a suspicion of dengue infection.