Objective
To investigate the effect of WeChat-based telehealth services on the postoperative follow-up of children who underwent congenital heart surgery during the COVID-19 epidemic.
Methods
This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical and family data of 108 children who underwent congenital heart surgery and underwent remote follow-up via the WeChat platform from December 2019 to March 2020 in our hospital.
Results
During the follow-up period, the WeChat platform was used to refer 8 children with respiratory infection symptoms to local hospitals for treatment. Two children with poor incision healing were healed after we used the WeChat platform to guide the parents in dressing the wounds on a regular basis at home. Nutritional guidance was given via the WeChat platform to 13 patients with poor growth and development. The psychological evaluation results of the parents showed that the median (range) SDS score was 43 (34-59), and 7 parents (6.5%) were classified as depressed; the median (range) SAS score was 41 (32-58), and 12 parents (11.1%) were classified as having mild anxiety.
Conclusion
The use of WeChat-based telehealth services was effective for the remote postoperative follow-up of children who underwent congenital cardiac surgery during the COVID-19 epidemic. Providing WeChat-based telehealth services can reduce the amount of travel required for these children and their families, which is helpful for controlling and preventing the spread of COVID-19.
This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of triptolide (TPL) in a rat model of cardiopulmonary bypass with deep hypothermia circulatory arrest (DHCA). Rats were randomly divided into six groups: control, sham, DHCA, and DHCA + TPL (100, 200, 300 μg/kg). Neurobehavioral functions were measured using the elevated plus-maze, Y-maze, and Morris water maze tests. Levels of inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress indices, and brain neurotrophins were measured by ELISA. Microglial activation and cell death was measured by immunofluorescence staining and TUNEL assay, respectively. Finally, activation of the Nrf2 pathway and NF-κB were detected by western blot. The elevated plus-maze, Y-maze, and Morris water maze tests all showed that TPL mitigated anxiety-like behavior, working memory, spatial learning, and memory in DHCA rats. TPL inhibited inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, as well as increased brain neurotrophin levels in DHCA rats. Moreover, TPL attenuated microglia activation and cell death in DHCA rats. Finally, TPL activated the Nrf2 pathway and inhibited NF-κB activity in DHCA rats. These results demonstrated that TPL improved neurobehavioral functions, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress in DHCA rats, which may be associated with the Nrf2 and NF-κB pathways.
Background: To compare and analyze the safety and efficacy of fast-track and conventional anesthesia for transthoracic closure of ventricular septal defects (VSDs) in pediatric patients.
Methods: A total of 82 pediatric patients undergoing transthoracic closure of VSDs between September and December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups, including 42 patients in group F (fast-track anesthesia) and 40 patients in group C (conventional anesthesia). The perioperative clinical data of both groups were collected and statistically analyzed.
Results: There were no fatal complications in both groups. No complete atrioventricular block (AVB), new aortic valve regurgitation, and device closure failure were observed. No significant difference was found in preoperative general data or intraoperative hemodynamic changes between the two groups (P >0.05). However, the mechanical ventilation time, length of postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) stay, length of hospital stay, and hospitalization expenses of group F were significantly lower than those of group C (P <0.05).
Conclusion: It is safe and effective to use fast-track anesthesia for transthoracic closure of VSDs in pediatric patients.
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