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Current results with intraaortic balloon pumping in infants and children

Kerrie A Pinkney1, L Luann Minich, Lloyd Y Tani

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Primary Children's Medical Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84113, USA.

Insights

Intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) effectively supports children with left ventricular dysfunction. Echocardiography-timed IABP shows similar survival rates to electrocardiogram timing, suggesting its utility in pediatric cardiac care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Cardiovascular Support
  • Medical Device Technology

Background:

  • Intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) is a recognized support method for moderate left ventricular dysfunction.
  • Traditional IABP timing uses the electrocardiogram's R wave, which may be less suitable for children due to higher heart rates.
  • M-mode echocardiography has been used for IABP timing in pediatric left-side heart failure since 1994.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the experience with intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) in children.
  • To compare outcomes of IABP therapy timed by M-mode echocardiography versus electrocardiogram timing in pediatric patients.
  • To assess the effectiveness of echocardiography-guided IABP in pediatric left ventricular dysfunction.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective review of 29 children who received IABP for various indications between 1988 and the present.
  • Comparison of survival rates between infants and older children.
  • Analysis of survival rates comparing the period before 1994 (electrocardiogram timing) and after 1994 (echocardiography timing).

Main Results:

  • Overall survival in the study cohort was 62.1% (18 out of 29 patients).
  • Survival rates were comparable between infants and older children (OR = 2.0, p = 0.43).
  • Survival rates were similar in the echocardiography timing era compared to the electrocardiogram timing era (OR = 2.4, p = 0.44).

Conclusions:

  • Intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) serves as a valuable support modality for pediatric patients experiencing left ventricular dysfunction.
  • M-mode echocardiography is an effective method for triggering IABP in children.
  • The study's sample size is insufficient to definitively conclude a difference in mortality rates between the timing methods.
Abstract

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