View clinical trials related to Congenital Heart Defect.
Filter by:Almost 1% of all baby's is born with a heart defect (CHD) and most of them survive. Even though outcomes are good, they need lifelong follow-up because of a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases. Studies have shown that patients with CHD are not active enough and that a substantial amount of patients is overweight. Hence preventive strategies and education should not only focus on the heart problem, but also on a healthy lifestyle including physical activity. Recently a new guideline introduced exercise prescription based on the absence/presence of certain key elements. However, a number of important questions remain that preclude implementation in clinical practice. Therefore a 'Start-to-Sport' program for adults with CHD, based on this new guideline, will be investigated. This study is a randomized controlled trial that investigates the effects of the program on daily physical activity, exercise capacity, quality of life and exercise self-efficacy both in short (12 weeks) and long (52 weeks) term, along with possible mechanisms for the training effects by using a new exercise-testing protocol that looks simultaneously to all body parts that are involved during exercise. Ultimately, our findings will result in the implementation of the guideline in clinical practice.
This is a prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded-evaluator study that will evaluate the effectiveness of a surgical sealant (CoSeal) composed of biocompatible polyethylene glycol on the formation of mediastinal and pericardial adhesions in children undergoing staged surgical reconstruction (potential procedures include: Blalock-Taussig Type Operation, Classical Glenn Procedure, Bidirectional Glenn Procedure, Norwood). Additionally, bleeding will be evaluated by drainage post-operatively through surgical site drainage output.
Cardiac surgery requiring use of a heart-lung machine, also known as cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) can induce abnormalities in blood coagulation (clotting) that lead to excessive blood loss during and after operation. While of significant concern in adults, this problem takes on even greater importance in children due to the simple fact that they have a smaller blood volume. It is well known that if a child has previously undergone a heart operation, they are at increased risk of bleeding should more cardiac surgery be required ("reoperation"). The processes regulating blood coagulation are extraordinarily complex, and little is known about the exact mechanisms that contribute to the increased bleeding associated with cardiac reoperation in children. Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) is a technology that can provide, at the bedside, detailed information about coagulation abnormalities. While not currently approved for general use in the United States, in Europe ROTEM® has been used to guide administration of the blood products in surgery based upon determination of specific coagulation abnormalities. Importantly, there is now evidence that guidelines for transfusion therapy based on ROTEM® reduce transfusion requirements thus decreasing patient exposure to blood products. Whether the use of ROTEM® has potential benefit for pediatric cardiac surgical patients has not been studied. Accordingly, the present study was designed to provide preliminary data comparing coagulation profiles between children undergoing cardiac reoperation to those having primary procedure. The investigators hypothesize that ROTEM® analysis will detect a pattern of impaired coagulation in children undergoing reoperation. The overall objective of the four assays of ROTEM® analysis therefore, is to provide information that can be used to devise a rational transfusion protocol for pediatric cardiac surgical subjects.
The investigators have recently evidenced the presence of antibodies to endothelial cells and fibroblasts in patients with idiopathic or SSc-associated PAH. The investigators also have identified several target antigens of anti-fibroblasts antibodies. The objective of this study is to further investigate for the presence of antibodies to endothelial cells and fibroblasts in patients and characterize the antigen specificity of autoantibodies in patients with different types of non idiopathic and non SSc-associated PAH, such as PAH associated with HIV infection, porto-pulmonary hypertension, congenital heart diseases, systemic lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue disease and Sjögren's syndrome
Pleural effusions continue to be a post-operative complication seen after Fontan operation. This study will examine the use inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) given for 54 hours after Fontan operation to improve fluid balance. The study hypothesis is that inhaled nitric oxide after Fontan operation will improve fluid balance, thus decreasing the incidence of pleural effusions and shortening hospital stay.
Genetically inherited heart diseases (familial cardiopathies) are conditions affecting the heart passed on to family members by abnormalities in genetic information. These conditions are responsible for many heart related deaths and illnesses. Researchers are interested in learning more about the specific genetic abnormalities causing heart diseases. In addition, they would like to find out how these abnormal genes can contribute to the development of other medical problems. In order to do this, researchers plan to study patients and family members of patients diagnosed with genetically inherited heart disease. Those people participating in the study will undergo a variety of tests including blood tests, echocardiograms, and magnetic resonance imaging studies (MRI). These tests will be used to help researchers find the genetic problem causing the familial cardiopathy. Researchers hope that the information gathered from this study can be used to develop better medical care through early diagnosis, management, and treatment plans.
There is an important need to maintain clinical skills, provide quality training and expertise, and provide an environment that stimulates ideas for clinical research. This study permits inpatient evaluation and management of patients with heart disease who do not qualify to participate in studies currently being conducted by the Cardiology Branch of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.