Our objective was to investigate the short- and mid-term results of transcatheter ventricular septal defect (VSD) closure with the Nit-Occlud(®) Lê VSD coil. Retrospective data collection study. Data were collected from 20 patients who underwent transcatheter VSD closure with the Nit-Occlud(®) Lê VSD coil device between October 2011 and June 2013. The mean age of the study subjects was 7.3 ± 4.0 years, and the mean weight was 25.7 ± 11.8 kg. The distance between the defect and the aortic valve, measured using angiography, was an average of 5.1 ± 2.0 mm, and the left ventricular opening averaged 8.2 ± 2.1 mm. The mean value of the Q p/Q s ratio was 1.7 ± 0.4. Intravascular hemolysis developed in the first few hours after the procedure in three patients. In one of these cases, despite medical treatment and the implantation of a detachable coil placed into the Nit-Occlud(®) device transcatheterly, hemolysis persisted. This device was removed and the VSD was closed surgically. In the other two cases, although the residual shunt persisted on echocardiography, the hemolysis regressed spontaneously. There were no rhythm problems or other complications during the follow-up period of 12.3 ± 6.6 months. In the selected cases, for the transcatheter treatment of VSD, the Nit-Occlud(®) Lê VSD coil device can be used. When compared with other VSD closure devices, there was no development of a permanent atrioventricular block, which is an important advantage. However, patients with a residual shunt should be monitored closely for the development of hemolysis during the first few hours.

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We evaluated the predictors of renal scar in children with urinary tract infections (UTIs) having primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Data of patients who were examined by dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy between 1995 and 2005 were evaluated retrospectively. Gender, age, reflux grade, presence/development of scarring, breakthrough UTIs, and resolution of reflux, were recorded. The relation of gender, age and VUR grade to preformed scarring and the relation of gender, age, VUR grade, presence of preformed scarring, number of breakthrough UTIs and reflux resolution to new scarring were assessed. There were 138 patients [male/female (M/F) 53/85]. Multivariate analysis showed that male gender [odds ratio (OR) 2.5], age > or = 27 months in girls (OR 4.2) and grades IV-V reflux (OR 12.4) were independent indicators of renal scarring. On the other hand, only the presence of previous renal scarring was found to be an independent indicator for the development of new renal scar (OR 13.4). In conclusion, while the most predictive variables for the presence of renal scarring among children presenting with a UTI were male gender, age > or = 27 months in girls, and grades IV-V reflux, the best predictor of new scar formation was presence of previous renal scarring.

Poor preoperative oxygenation, presence of coronary anomaly, complete AV block in the early postoperative period, high RV pressure and requirement of ECMO appear to be the most significant factors that affect early mortality in the surgical treatment of TOF. Appropriate preoperative assessment, correct surgical strategies and attentive intensive care monitoring are required in order to reduce mortality.

The authors investigated demographics, clinical and laboratory features, treatment responses, and outcomes of 93 children (median age 5 years) admitted for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The therapy responses of high-dose methylprednisolone (HDMP) (n = 77) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) (n = 10) treatments were similar. None of the patients with hemorrhage died. Fifteen patients (16.1%) had progressed into chronic ITP. Seven infants had a probable relationship with vaccination; none of these infants progressed into chronic ITP. In conclusion, the overall prognosis in childhood ITP is good. The therapy responses of HDMP and IVIG treatments are similar. Also, ITP cases who havw vaccination history have a benign course.