Basic Hemodynamic Monitoring Using Ultrasound or Electrical Cardiometry During Transportation of Neonates and Infants

OBJECTIVES: Electrical cardiometry and heart ultrasound might allow hemodynamic evaluation during transportation of critically ill patients. Our aims were 1) to test feasibility of stroke volume monitoring using electrical cardiometry or ultrasound during transportation and 2) to investigate if transportation impacts on electrical cardiometry and ultrasound reliability. DESIGN: Prospective, pragmatic, feasibility cohort study. SETTING: Mobile ICUs specialized for neonatal and pediatric transportation. PATIENTS: Thirty hemodynamically stable neonates and infants. INTERVENTIONS: Patients enrolled underwent paired stroke volume measurements (180 before/after and 180 during the transfer) by electrical cardiometry (SVEC) and ultrasound (SVUS). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: No problems or malfunctioning occurred neither with electrical cardiometry nor with ultrasound. Ultrasound lasted on average 90 (10) seconds, while 45 (15) seconds were needed to instigate electrical cardiometry monitoring. Coefficient of variation was higher for SVUS (before/after: 0.57; during: 0.66) than for SVEC (before/after: 0.38; during: 0.36). Correlations between SVEC and SVUS before/after and during the transfer were r equal to 0.57 and r equal to 0.8, respectively (p always \textless 0.001). Bland-Altman analysis showed that stroke volume tends to be higher if measured by electrical cardiometry. SVEC measured before (5.5 [2.4] mL), during (5.4 [2.4] mL), and after the transfer (5.4 [2.3] mL) are similar (p = 0.955); same applies for SVUS before (2.6 [1.5] mL), during (2.4 [2] mL), and after (2.9 [2] mL) the transfer (p = 0.268). CONCLUSIONS: Basic hemodynamic monitoring is feasible during pediatric and neonatal transportation both with electrical cardiometry and ultrasound. These two techniques show comparable reliability, although stroke volume was higher if measured by electrical cardiometry. The transportation itself does not affect the reliability of stroke volume measurements

Characterization of Kcnk3 -Mutated Rat, a Novel Model of Pulmonary Hypertension

International audienceRATIONALE: Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a severe lethal cardiopulmonary disease. Loss of function mutations in KCNK3 (potassium channel subfamily K member 3) gene, which encodes an outward rectifier K + channel, have been identified in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients. OBJECTIVE: We have demonstrated that KCNK3 dysfunction is common to heritable and nonheritable pulmonary arterial hypertension and to experimental pulmonary hypertension (PH). Finally, KCNK3 is not functional in mouse pulmonary vasculature. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we generated a 94 bp out of frame deletion in exon 1 of Kcnk3 gene and characterized these rats at the electrophysiological, echocardiographic, hemodynamic, morphological, cellular, and molecular levels to decipher the cellular mechanisms associated with loss of KCNK3. Using patch-clamp technique, we validated our transgenic strategy by demonstrating the absence of KCNK3 current in freshly isolated pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells from Kcnk3-mutated rats. At 4 months of age, echocardiographic parameters revealed shortening of the pulmonary artery acceleration time associated with elevation of the right ventricular systolic pressure. Kcnk3-mutated rats developed more severe PH than wild-type rats after monocrotaline exposure or chronic hypoxia exposure. Kcnk3-mutation induced a lung distal neomuscularization and perivascular extracellular matrix activation. Lungs of Kcnk3-mutated rats were characterized by overactivation of ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase1-/2), AKT (protein kinase B), SRC, and overexpression of HIF1-α (hypoxia-inducible factor-1 α), survivin, and VWF (Von Willebrand factor). Linked with plasma membrane depolarization, reduced endothelial-NOS expression and desensitization of endothelial-derived hyperpolarizing factor, Kcnk3-mutated rats presented predisposition to vasoconstriction of pulmonary arteries and a severe loss of sildenafil-induced pulmonary arteries relaxation. Moreover, we showed strong alteration of right ventricular cardiomyocyte excitability. Finally, Kcnk3-mutated rats developed age-dependent PH associated with low serum-albumin concentration. CONCLUSIONS: We established the first Kcnk3-mutated rat model of PH. Our results confirm that KCNK3 loss of function is a key event in pulmonary arterial hypertension pathogenesis. This model presents new opportunities for understanding the initiating mechanisms of PH and testing biologically relevant therapeutic molecules in the context of PH. VISUAL OVERVIEW: An online visual overview is available for this article. P ulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is an uncommon , progressive, and severe disease with an estimated prevalence of 15 to 50 per million. 1 PAH has been hemodynamically defined by an elevation of the mean pulmonary artery pressure >20 mm Hg and pulmonary vascular resistance >3 Wood units at rest. 2 PAH results from increased pulmonary vascular resistance because of remodeling of the small distal pulmonary arteries (PAs) and arterioles (diameter <500 µm), causing adaptive right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy and Downloaded from http://ahajournals.org by on May 7, 202

Bmpr2 Mutant Rats Develop Pulmonary and Cardiac Characteristics of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

BACKGROUND: Monoallelic mutations in the gene encoding bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 ( Bmpr2) are the main genetic risk factor for heritable pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) with incomplete penetrance. Several Bmpr2 transgenic mice have been reported to develop mild spontaneous PAH. In this study, we examined whether rats with the Bmpr2 mutation were susceptible to developing more severe PAH. METHODS: The zinc finger nuclease method was used to establish rat lines with mutations in the Bmpr2 gene. These rats were then characterized at the hemodynamic, histological, electrophysiological, and molecular levels. RESULTS: Rats with a monoallelic deletion of 71 bp in exon 1 (Δ 71 rats) showed decreased BMPRII expression and phosphorylated SMAD1/5/9 levels. Δ 71 Rats develop age-dependent spontaneous PAH with a low penetrance (16%-27%), similar to that in humans. Δ 71 Rats were more susceptible to hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension than wild-type rats. Δ 71 Rats exhibited progressive pulmonary vascular remodeling associated with a proproliferative phenotype and showed lower pulmonary microvascular density than wild-type rats. Organ bath studies revealed severe alteration of pulmonary artery contraction and relaxation associated with potassium channel subfamily K member 3 (KCNK3) dysfunction. High levels of perivascular fibrillar collagen and pulmonary interleukin-6 overexpression discriminated rats that developed spontaneous PAH and rats that did not develop spontaneous PAH. Finally, detailed assessments of cardiomyocytes demonstrated alterations in morphology, calcium (Ca2+), and cell contractility specific to the right ventricle; these changes could explain the lower cardiac output of Δ 71 rats. Indeed, adult right ventricular cardiomyocytes from Δ 71 rats exhibited a smaller diameter, decreased sensitivity of sarcomeres to Ca2+, decreased [Ca2+] transient amplitude, reduced sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ content, and short action potential duration compared with right ventricular cardiomyocytes from wild-type rats. CONCLUSIONS: We characterized the first Bmpr2 mutant rats and showed some of the critical cellular and molecular dysfunctions described in human PAH. We also identified the heart as an unexpected but potential target organ of Bmpr2 mutations. Thus, this new genetic rat model represents a promising tool to study the pathogenesis of PAH.status: publishe

Bmpr2 Mutant Rats Develop Pulmonary and Cardiac Characteristics of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

International audienceBACKGROUND: Monoallelic mutations in the gene encoding bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 (Bmpr2) are the main genetic risk factor for heritable pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) with incomplete penetrance. Several Bmpr2 transgenic mice have been reported to develop mild spontaneous PAH. In this study, we examined whether rats with the Bmpr2 mutation were susceptible to developing more severe PAH

Antithrombotic therapy in pediatric ventricular assist devices: Multicenter survey of the European EXCOR Pediatric Investigator Group

OBJECTIVES: Mechanical circulatory support for pediatric heart failure patients with the Berlin Heart EXCOR ventricular assist system is the only approved and established bridging strategy for recovery or heart transplantation. In recent years, the burden of thromboembolic events has led to modifications of the recommended antithrombotic therapy. Therefore, we aimed to assess modifications of antithrombotic practice among the European EXCOR Pediatric Investigator Group members. METHODS: We sent a questionnaire assessing seven aspects of antithrombotic therapy to 18 European hospitals using the EXCOR device for children. Returned questionnaires were analyzed and identified antithrombotic strategies were descriptively compared to "Edmonton protocol" recommendations developed for the US EXCOR pediatric approval study. RESULTS: Analysis of 18 received surveys revealed substantial deviations from the Edmonton protocol, including earlier start of heparin therapy at 6-12 h postoperatively and in 50% of surveyed centers, monitoring of heparin effectiveness with aPTT assay, administering vitamin K antagonists before 12 months of age. About 39% of centers use higher international normalized ratio targets, and platelet inhibition is changed in 56% including the use of clopidogrel instead of dipyridamole. Significant inter-center variability with multiple deviations from the Edmonton protocol was discovered with only one center following the Edmonton protocol completely. CONCLUSION: Current antithrombotic practice among European EXCOR users representing the treatment of more than 600 pediatric patients has changed over time with a trend toward a more aggressive therapy. There is a need for systematic evidence-based evaluation and harmonization of developmentally adjusted antithrombotic management practices in prospective studies toward revised recommendations

Comparison of Human and Experimental Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) occurs in humans either as a heritable form (hPVOD) due to biallelic inactivating mutations of EIF2AK4 (encoding GCN2) or as a sporadic form in older age (sPVOD). The chemotherapeutic agent mitomycin C (MMC) is a potent inducer of PVOD in humans and in rats (MMC-PVOD). Here, we compared human hPVOD and sPVOD, and MMC-PVOD pathophysiology at the histological, cellular, and molecular levels to unravel common altered pathomechanisms. MMC exposure in rats was associated primarily with arterial and microvessel remodeling, and secondarily by venous remodeling, when PVOD became symptomatic. In all forms of PVOD tested, there was convergent GCN2-dependent but eIF2α-independent pulmonary protein overexpression of HO-1 (heme oxygenase 1) and CHOP (CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein [C/EBP] homologous protein), two downstream effectors of GCN2 signaling and endoplasmic reticulum stress. In human PVOD samples, CHOP immunohistochemical staining mainly labeled endothelial cells in remodeled veins and arteries. Strong HO-1 staining was observed only within capillary hemangiomatosis foci, where intense microvascular proliferation occurs. HO-1 and CHOP stainings were not observed in control and pulmonary arterial hypertension lung tissues, supporting the specificity for CHOP and HO-1 involvement in PVOD pathobiology. In vivo loss of GCN2 (EIF2AK4 mutations carriers and Eif2ak4 -/- rats) or in vitro GCN2 inhibition in cultured pulmonary artery endothelial cells using pharmacological and siRNA approaches demonstrated that GCN2 loss of function negatively regulates BMP (bone morphogenetic protein)-dependent SMAD1/5/9 signaling. Exogenous BMP9 was still able to reverse GCN2 inhibition-induced proliferation of pulmonary artery endothelial cells. In conclusion, we identified CHOP and HO-1 inhibition, and BMP9, as potential therapeutic options for PVOD.status: publishe

Comparison of Human and Experimental Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease

International audiencePulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) occurs in humans either as heritable form (hPVOD) due to biallelic inactivating mutations of EIF2AK4 (encoding GCN2), or as a sporadic form at older age (sPVOD). The chemotherapeutic agent Mitomycin C is a potent inducer of PVOD in humans and in rats (MMC-PVOD). Here we compared human hPVOD and sPVOD, and MMC-PVOD pathophysiology at the histological, cellular and molecular levels to unravel common altered pathomechanisms. MMC-exposure in rats was primarily associated with arterial and microvessels remodeling and secondarily followed by venous remodeling, when PVOD became symptomatic. In all forms of PVOD tested, there were convergent GCN2-dependent but eIF2α-independent pulmonary protein overexpression of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) homologous protein (CHOP), two downstream effectors of GCN2 signaling and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. In human PVOD samples, CHOP immunohistochemical staining mainly labeled endothelial cells in remodeled veins and arteries. Strong HO-1 staining was observed only within capillary hemangiomatosis foci, where intense microvascular proliferation occurs. HO-1 and CHOP stainings were not observed in control and pulmonary arterial hypertension lung tissues, supporting the specificity for CHOP and HO-1 involvement in PVOD pathobiology. In vivo loss of GCN2 (EIF2AK4 mutations carriers and Eif2ak4-/- rats) or in vitro GCN2 inhibition in cultured pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) using pharmacological and siRNA approaches demonstrated that GCN2 loss-of-function negatively regulates BMP-dependent SMAD1/5/9 signaling. Exogenous BMP9 was still able to reverse GCN2 inhibition-induced PAECs proliferation. In conclusion, we identified CHOP and HO-1 inhibition, and BMP9 as potential therapeutic options for PVOD

Supplementary_Material-EEPIG_Questionnaire – Supplemental material for Antithrombotic therapy in pediatric ventricular assist devices: Multicenter survey of the European EXCOR Pediatric Investigator Group

<p>Supplemental material, Supplementary_Material-EEPIG_Questionnaire for Antithrombotic therapy in pediatric ventricular assist devices: Multicenter survey of the European EXCOR Pediatric Investigator Group by Oliver Miera, Katharina L Schmitt, Hakan Akintuerk, Angele Boet, Robert Cesnjevar, Teresa Chila, Thilo Fleck, Ranny Goldwasser, Luis G Guereta, Beatrice Heineking, Juergen Hoerer, Alexander Horke, Tain Y Hsia, Michael Huebler, Andrzej Kansy, Ann Karimova, Bohdan Maruszewski, Constancio Medrano, Szymon Pawlak, Zdenka Reinhardt, Birgitta Romlin, Eugen Sandica, Florian Schmidt, René Schramm, Martin Schweiger, Joanna Śliwka, Brigitte Stiller, Josef Thul and Antonio Amodeo in The International Journal of Artificial Organs</p

Familial Recurrence Patterns in Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries: An International Study

International audienc