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Background: The availability of nomograms is crucial for the correct interpretation of pediatric and neonatal echocardiograms. Echocardiographic Z-score applications/websites use Western nomograms as reference, which may not be an appropriate standard for gauging Indian neonates. Currently available Indian pediatric nomograms either have not included neonates or have not been specifically designed for neonates. This gross underrepresentation of neonates renders available nomograms unreliable for use as standards for comparison. Objectives: The objective of this study was to collect normative data for the measurement of various cardiac structures using M-Mode and two-dimensional (2D) echo in healthy Indian neonates and to derive Z-scores for each measured parameter. Methods: Echocardiograms were performed on healthy term neonates (within first 5 days of life). Birth weight and length were recorded, and body surface area was calculated using Haycock's formula. Twenty M-mode and 2D-echo parameters were measured (including left ventricular dimensions, atrioventricular valves, and semilunar valves' annuli sizes, pulmonary artery and branches, aortic root, and arch). Results: We studied 142 neonates (73 males) with a mean age of 1.83 ± 1.12 days and mean birth weight of 2.89 ± 0.39 Kg. Regression equations with linear, logarithmic, exponential and square root models were tested to select the best model of fit for the relationship between birth weight and each echocardiographic parameter. Scatter plots and nomogram charts with Z-scores were prepared for each echocardiographic parameter. Conclusions: Our study provides nomograms with Z-scores for term Indian neonates weighing between 2 kg and 4 kg at birth, within first 5 days of life, for a set of echocardiographic parameters that are frequently used in clinical practice. This nomogram has poor predictability for babies at extremes of birth weight. There is a need for further indigenous studies to include neonates at extremes of weight, both term, and preterm.

Our study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of point-of-care nitrite and leukocyte esterase (LE) dipsticks in the diagnosis of suspected urinary tract infection (UTI) in infants <6 months (young infants) versus older children. The secondary objectives were to study the dipstick efficacy in children with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) versus those without CAKUT; in children with simple UTI versus complicated UTI; and to evaluate the clinico-microbiological profile of children presenting with UTI. In this prospective observational study, cases with suspected UTI were enrolled from pediatric emergency or outpatient departments. Urine was collected for performing the urine dipstick and culture. Descriptive data regarding CAKUT, age, gender, etc., were recorded in a predesigned pro forma. We screened 506 children with suspected UTI, of whom 221 had urine culture positive. Approximately 38.4% of the children with UTI had underlying CAKUT, while 7.6% had renal scars. The most common CAKUT was vesicoureteric reflux (VUR). About 12 patients (2.3%) were known to have CAKUT at the time of enrollment in the study. In infants <6 months, LE dipstick had sensitivity 92%, specificity 89.7%, positive predictive value (PPV) 86.7%, negative predictive value (NPV) 93.8%, likelihood ratio (LR) + 8.9, LR- 0.09. In infants <6 months, nitrite dipstick had sensitivity 38%, specificity 97%, PPV 90.4%, NPV 68%, LR+ 12.6 and LR-0.63. In the age group 6 months to 12 years, the efficacy was better for both dipsticks. In age group more than 6 months to 12 years, LE dipstick had sensitivity 96.4%, specificity 95.8%, PPV 94.8 %, NPV 97.2%, LR+ 22.9, LR- 0.04. In age group more than six months to 12 years, nitrite dipstick had sensitivity 94.7%, specificity 99.5%, PPV 99.3%, NPV 96%, LR+ 189.4, and LR-0.05.

The literature on neonatal outcomes in preterm twins delivered before 34 weeks but within and after 14 days of a single initial steroid course is limited. This bidirectional (226 prospective and 42 retrospectives) cohort study was performed at a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India. We compared the respiratory distress syndrome and neonatal death amongst preterm twins from 28 to 34 weeks born < 14 days (Group A, n=268) and after 14 days (Group B, n=268) of completion of a single course of antenatal steroids. We used multivariable regression analysis (log-binomial model) to adjust for confounding variables. We generated a propensity-matched score with probit regression to analyse outcomes (respiratory distress and neonatal deaths). The two groups had significant differences in the distribution of birthweight, gestation period and mode of delivery. On adjusted analysis, the period of gestation below 33 weeks and weight below 1.5 kg had the maximum influence on respiratory and other morbidities, and weight less than 1 kg on neonatal death. [adjusted relative risk (ARR) 26.06, (95%CI=2.37-285.5), p=0.008]. On propensity scoring after matching all these variables, we found an [ARR of 2.0 (95% CI: 1.03-3.88), P=0.017] for neonatal death after 14 days of steroid injection. The ARR for respiratory distress syndrome was 1.13 in those born after 14 days of steroids, though it did not reach statistical significance. On propensity scoring, the steroid-delivery interval more than 14 days was associated with a significantly increased risk (ARR of 2) of neonatal death.

To compare cardiac complications and pregnancy outcomes in women with mechanical heart valves (MHVs) on two different anticoagulation regimens in a middle-income country. We conducted a retrospective cohort study comparing outcomes in pregnant women with MHVs that received vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) throughout pregnancy versus sequential anticoagulation (heparins in the first trimester and peripartum period and VKAs for the remainder of pregnancy), at a tertiary centre in South India, from January 2011 to August 2020. We identified 138 pregnancies in 121 women, of whom 32 received VKAs while 106 were on sequential anticoagulation. There were no differences between groups with regard to maternal deaths [0 vs. 6 (5.7%), p = 0.34], thromboembolic events [2 (6.3%) vs. 15 (14.2%), p = 0.36], haemorrhagic complications [4 (12.5%) vs. 12 (11.3%), p = 0.85], cardiac events [1 (3.1% vs. 17 (16%), p = 0.07], spontaneous miscarriages [5 (15.6%) vs. 13 (12.3%), p = 0.62], stillbirths [0 vs. 5 (5.4%), p = 0.581] or neonatal deaths [2 (8.7%) vs. 1 (1.1%), p = 0.11]. Both cases of warfarin embryopathy received >5 mg warfarin in the first trimester. Thromboembolic events were associated with subtherapeutic doses of heparin in the first and third trimesters and the early postpartum period. Fetal growth restriction and preterm birth complicated 34 (29.3%) and 26 (22.4%) pregnancies respectively. Pregnancy complications associated with MHVs in middle-income countries may be reduced by multidisciplinary surveillance, avoiding first-trimester warfarin if daily doses >5 mg and ensuring therapeutic levels of heparin during bridging in the first and third trimesters and peripartum period. Administration of low-dose aspirin should be considered as this may prevent placentally-mediated complications of pregnancy. Pregnancy complications associated with MHVs in LMICs may be reduced by multidisciplinary surveillance, avoiding first-trimester warfarin if the daily dose is >5 mg, ensuring therapeutic levels of heparin in the first trimester and peripartum period.Placentally-mediated complications of pregnancy can be prevented by administering low-dose aspirin.Vitamin K antagonists or sequential regimen can be used as suitable alternatives to LMWH for anticoagulation in pregnant women with MHVs.

[14] Three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) for measurements might be better than two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) for certain parameters such as left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction, but its superiority over 2DE in acquisition of valvular and arterial dimensions is questionable.Geometric method for measuring body surface area: a height-weight formula validated in infants, children, and adults.Recommendations for quantification methods during the performance of a pediatric echocardiogram: A report from the Pediatric Measurements Writing Group of the American Society of Echocardiography Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease Council.

ObjectiveTo assess the incidence of adverse cardiac events in pregnant women with rheumatic valvular heart disease (RHD) and to derive a clinical risk scoring for predicting it.MethodsThis is an observational study involving pregnant women with RHD, attending a tertiary centre in south India. Data regarding obstetric history, medical history, maternal complications and perinatal outcome till discharge were collected. Eight-hundred and twenty pregnancies among 681 women were included in the analysis. Primary outcome was composite adverse cardiac event defined as occurrence of one or more of complications such as death, cardiac arrest, heart failure, cerebrovascular accident from thromboembolism and new-onset arrhythmias.ResultsOf the 681 women with RHD, 180 (26.3%) were diagnosed during pregnancy. Composite adverse cardiac outcome during pregnancy/post partum occurred in 122 (14.9%) pregnancies, with 12 of them succumbed to the disease. In multivariate analysis, prior adverse cardiac events (OR=8.35, 95% CI 3.54 to 19.71), cardiac medications at booking (OR=0.53, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.86), mitral stenosis (mild OR=2.48, 95% CI 1.08 to 5.69; moderate OR=2.23, 95% CI 1.19 to 4.18; severe OR=7.72,95% 4.05 to 12.89), valve replacement (OR=2.53, 95% CI 1.28 to 5.02) and pulmonary hypertension (OR=6.90, 3.81 to 12.46) were predictive of composite adverse cardiac events with a good discrimination (area under the curve=0.803) and acceptable calibration. A predictive score combining these factors is proposed for clinical utility.ConclusionHeart failure remains the most common adverse cardiac event during pregnancy or puerperium. Combining the lesion-specific characteristics and clinical information into a predictive score, which is simple and effective, could be used in routine clinical practice.

Background: Almost all presently available pediatric echocardiography Z-score nomograms are based on Western data. They may not be a suitable reference standard for assessing the sizes of cardiac structures of children from developing countries. Objective: This study's objective was to collect normative data of 21 commonly measured cardiovascular structures using M-mode and two-dimensional echocardiography in Indian children aged between 4 and 15 years and to derive Z-score nomograms for each. Subjects and Methods: The study was conducted at two centers in India . Ajmer, Rajasthan, and Mohali, Punjab. We studied a community-based sample involving healthy school going children. After excluding children with cardiovascular abnormalities on the screening echocardiogram, 746 children were included in the final analysis. Echocardiographic assessment was performed using a Philips iE33 system. Results and Analysis: For each parameter measured, seven models were evaluated to assess the relationship of that parameter with the body surface area and the one with the best fit was used to plot the Z-score chart for that parameter. Z score charts were thus derived. Conclusions: The Z-score nomograms derived by this study may be better alternatives to the Western nomograms for use in India and other developing countries for preprocedural decision making in the pediatric population. However, they will require validation in large-scale studies before they can become clinically applicable.

Objectives To compare the growth of preterm neonates with fetal growth restriction (FGR) and preterm neonates born appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) from birth to 12–18 mo of corrected age (CA). Methods In this prospective cohort study, 85 preterm neonates with FGR and 85 gestation- and gender-matched AGA neonates were followed up from birth till 12–18 mo corrected age. Anthropometric indices were compared at specific time points and the risk factors for underweight status were analyzed. Results Mean gestational age of the cohort was 32.8 ± 2.1 wk. Mean birth weight was 1414 ± 248 g in the FGR and 1806 ± 416 g in AGA neonates. At 12–18 mo of corrected age, a significantly greater proportion of FGR infants were wasted (24.3% vs. 7.2%, P  = 0.005). A greater proportion of FGR infants were underweight (27% vs. 17.4%, P  = 0.11), stunted (41.9% vs. 36.2%, P  = 0.30), and microcephalic (27% vs. 23.1%, P  = 0.36), although the differences were not statistically significant. Significant catch-up growth from 40 wk postmenstrual age (PMA) to 12–18 mo corrected age in weight (52.8% vs. 13.1%, P  <0.001) and length (37.9% vs. 8.7%, P  <0.001) was observed in the FGR neonates. The z-score of weight for age at 3 mo (adjusted OR 0.65, 95% CI: 0.52–0.8; P  <0.001), the median time to full feeds (aOR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.04–1.15; P  = 0.001), and hypothyroidism (aOR 2.44, 95% CI: 1.46–4.08; P  = 0.001), were independent predictors of underweight status at 12–18 mo. Conclusions At 12–18 mo of corrected age, a significantly greater proportion of preterm FGR neonates were wasted compared to AGA ones. The former also exhibited significantly greater catch-up growth than the latter.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1007/s13224-023-01782-8.].