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Medicina
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Advances in Pediatrics Heart Diseases
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Advances in Pediatrics Heart Diseases

A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144). This special issue belongs to the section "Cardiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2025) | Viewed by 4161

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Sérgio Laranjo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
Interests: cardiology; cardiovascular; biomedical signal processing; cardiovascular physiology; blood pressure; electrocardiography; heart; cardiac surgery; heart failure; atrial fibrillation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue focuses on “Advances in Pediatrics Heart Diseases”, aiming to capture the most recent advancements in imaging techniques, surgical procedures, and pharmacotherapy, which have significantly improved the outcomes and quality of life of pediatric patients. With growing research into genetic predispositions and congenital anomalies, early detection and intervention have become increasingly attainable. Alongside these traditional approaches, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, 3D printing, and digital twins in personalized medicine are revolutionizing the field. These innovations are enhancing diagnostic accuracy, refining surgical planning, and offering more targeted treatment options. This Special Issue invites submissions that explore both conventional methodologies and these state-of-the-art technologies, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of pediatric cardiology. We encourage contributions that discuss both diagnostic advancements and therapeutic innovations to broaden the existing knowledge base in this critical area of medicine.

Dr. Sérgio Laranjo
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Medicina is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • pediatric cardiology
  • congenital heart disease
  • artificial intelligence
  • augmented reality
  • 3D printing
  • digital twins
  • advanced imaging
  • early diagnosis
  • personalized medicine
  • minimally invasive surgery
  • clinical trials

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 239 KiB  
Article
Impact of Preterm Birth on Long-Term Cardiac Function: A Comprehensive Echocardiographic Study in School-Aged Children
by Nidai Dalokay, Ayse Sulu, Pelin Kosger, Tugba Barsan Kaya and Birsen Ucar
Medicina 2025, 61(4), 573; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61040573 - 23 Mar 2025
Viewed by 462
Abstract
Background and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the cardiac functions of 7- to 11-year-old children with a history of preterm birth using echocardiography and to assess the relationship between these functions and neonatal factors. Materials and Methods: A total of [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the cardiac functions of 7- to 11-year-old children with a history of preterm birth using echocardiography and to assess the relationship between these functions and neonatal factors. Materials and Methods: A total of 64 children were included in the study, consisting of 32 children aged 7 to 11 years with a history of preterm birth and 32 age- and gender-matched term birth controls. Results: While no significant differences were detected between the preterm and term birth groups regarding age, height, and body weight, echocardiographic data revealed higher values of mitral E, mitral A, and tricuspid A by pulse wave Doppler, as well as septal E by tissue Doppler, in the preterm group compared to the term birth group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the left ventricular global longitudinal peak strain, right ventricular free wall and right ventricular 4-chamber strain, IVRT, MPI, MAPSE, and LVESV values were lower in the preterm group than in the term birth group (p < 0.05). No significant differences were detected in circumferential strain measurements. Right ventricular strain measurements were significantly lower in the preterm group (p = 0.001). Conclusions: While conventional echocardiographic examinations did not reveal obvious pathological findings in school-age children with a history of preterm birth, further echocardiographic assessments demonstrated differences compared to term birth controls, particularly in diastolic functions and right and left ventricular longitudinal strain measurements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pediatrics Heart Diseases)
12 pages, 715 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Paediatric Fontan Circulation Patients: A Prospective Intervention Study
by Luna van de Ven, Ana Clara Félix, Joana Suarez, Bruno Rodrigues, Jorge Dias, Fátima F. Pinto and Sérgio Laranjo
Medicina 2024, 60(10), 1566; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60101566 - 24 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1443
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The Fontan procedure, a palliative surgery for univentricular heart physiology, often reduces exercise capacity and quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on improving outcomes in Fontan patients to inform evidence-based care. Materials [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: The Fontan procedure, a palliative surgery for univentricular heart physiology, often reduces exercise capacity and quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on improving outcomes in Fontan patients to inform evidence-based care. Materials and Methods: Fontan patients aged 8–30 participated in a structured CR program for at least three months. The program included weekly aerobic and resistance training sessions with educational and nutritional guidance. Baseline and post-CR assessments included cardiac function, fitness, daily activity, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Results: The cohort included ten Fontan patients, of whom six had a right systemic ventricle. CR significantly improved cardiorespiratory fitness, as seen in VO2 max (from 27.92 ± 5.15 to 34.69 ± 1.14 mL/kg/min, p = 0.0089) and percent predicted VO2 (from 0.67 ± 0.18 to 0.90 ± 0.02, p = 0.005). VCO2 increased by +8.68 ± 8.59 mL/kg/min but did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.05). Most haemodynamic and ventilatory parameters showed no significant improvement. All the SF-36 questionnaire domains showed significant HRQOL gains (p < 0.001). High adherence (85–93%), no adverse events, and reduced NT-proBNP levels supported the program’s safety. Conclusions: This study’s findings have important implications for the care of Fontan patients. CR significantly improved exercise capacity and HRQOL in Fontan patients across various anatomies, particularly in the right systemic ventricle. Integrating physical conditioning into standard care could reduce long-term morbidity and mortality; however, further research is needed to refine the protocols and confirm sustained benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pediatrics Heart Diseases)
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10 pages, 896 KiB  
Article
The Relationship between Depression Symptoms and Physical Activity in Children with Idiopathic Ventricular Extrasystoles
by Rita Kunigeliene, Odeta Kinciniene, Vytautas Usonis and Sigita Lesinskiene
Medicina 2024, 60(2), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60020213 - 26 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1778
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Depression in childhood often co-occurs with anxiety disorders and a range of somatic symptoms. Recent studies have identified physical activity as a target for preventing the onset of depression. However, idiopathic ventricular extrasystoles (VEs) in children are sometimes associated with [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Depression in childhood often co-occurs with anxiety disorders and a range of somatic symptoms. Recent studies have identified physical activity as a target for preventing the onset of depression. However, idiopathic ventricular extrasystoles (VEs) in children are sometimes associated with somatic symptoms and limitations in physical activity. The occurrence of arrhythmia can also be distressing for children and their parents. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between symptoms of depression, physical activity, and somatic symptoms in children with idiopathic VE. Materials and Methods: This study of children with structurally normal hearts and VE was approved by the local ethics committee (no. 2021/10-1383˗859(1). The authors designed a questionnaire to assess symptoms, physical activity, and general well-being. As part of that, symptoms of depression were evaluated with a modified pediatric PHQ-9 (MP-PHQ-9) questionnaire, with scores ≤4 for no, 5–9 for mild, 10–14 for moderate, and ≥15 for severe depression. Children aged ≥12 years and parents who assessed their children’s condition completed the questionnaires. All children also underwent 24-h electrocardiography and echocardiography to evaluate arrhythmia frequency and cardiac condition. Results: Questionnaires were completed by 60 children’s parents and 39 children (≥12 years old). The median children’s age was 13 years. Palpitations were experienced by 26 (43.3%), chest pain by 13 (21.7%), and exercise intolerance by 15 (25%) children. All patients had normal ventricular function and hemodynamically normal hearts. The median score of the MP-PHQ-9 completed by parents was 2, and by children was 4. The median VE frequency was 4.77 (0.1–32.77) % per 24 h. We found that 31 (51.7%) children engaged in extra-sports participation with a median time of 3.75 h per week. Eleven of the children were suspended from sports. There was no significant difference between VE frequency and MP-PHQ-9 scores. Higher MP-PHQ-9 scores were noted for symptomatic children who engaged in <5 h per week of physical activity. Conclusions: Higher depression scores were found for children with somatic symptoms than those without symptoms. Children who were physically active for less than 5 h per week also had higher depression risk scores than those who were more active. Our research has shown that parents underestimate the signs of depression in their children. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pediatrics Heart Diseases)
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