(Press-News.org) Repairing small, seemingly benign holes in a child's heart may be more clinically important than previously thought, as dysfunction could be lurking out of sight. These are the findings from a study conducted by doctors and researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital and the Ohio State University Medical Center examining a subset of the most common form of congenital heart disease, ventricular septal defect. The recently published study appears in the Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, the official journal of the International Society for Heart Research.
Ventricular septal defect is a congenital heart defect defined by one or more holes in the wall that separates the right and left ventricles of the heart. These defects can be large (nonrestrictive) or small (restrictive) and vary in severity depending on size. Medical management of large ventricular septal defects is straightforward in that the hole must be closed or the patient will develop severe, life-threatening complications including pulmonary hypertension and right ventricle failure.
Management of a restrictive ventricular septal defect (rVSD) is less clear.
"rVSD patients typically have normal blood circulation despite an obvious defect and hole in the ventricular wall," said Loren Wold, PhD, FAHA, principal investigator in the Center for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research at The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital and one of the study authors. "Clinically, these patients are usually observed with the hope that the defect will close over time without the need for surgical repair and without the development of heart failure or sudden death."
Because rVSD is often considered to be hemodynamically benign, meaning that blood flow appears normal, it is assumed that whole heart function is a reflection of conditions at the cellular and molecular levels. Therefore, few studies have investigated whether changes in the heart at the molecular and cellular levels precede future dysfunction in these patients.
"Without clearly defined evidence supporting optimal care, clinicians are unable to predict which rVSD patients have an increased risk of a poor outcome," said Mark Gerhardt, MD, PhD, associate professor of Anesthesiology at the Ohio State University Medical Center and one of the study authors.
Using an animal model of rVSD, the team at Nationwide Children's Hospital and Ohio State University Medical Center discovered that although blood flow was normal in the models' heart, there were molecular changes, evidence of right ventricular diastolic dysfunction, and impairment of muscle contraction and relaxation at the cellular level.
"These data indicate that despite no overt dysfunction at the level of the whole heart, molecular remodeling and progressive diastolic dysfunction is nevertheless taking place," said Dr. Wold, also a faculty member at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.
"Right ventricular diastolic dysfunction in rVSD is a major finding of this study," said Dr. Gerhardt. "Because the right ventricle is a low-pressure system, small changes in right ventricular compliance may have significant clinical consequences. Our findings indicate that patients with rVSD should be carefully evaluated for right ventricular diastolic dysfunction."
The study also revealed upregulation of the cytoskeletal protein, desmin, in the wall of the right ventricle that precedes functional alterations.
"Desmin may represent a key early marker for future right ventricular dysfunction," said Dr. Wold. "Future research is warranted to determine if increased desmin is the cause or a reaction to diastolic dysfunction."
Findings from the study may lead to a fundamental change in the clinical management of rVSD by providing evidence for early repair of the defect.
INFORMATION:
This research was funded by a translational research grant through The Heart Center at Nationwide Children's Hospital.
Study identifies underlying dysfunction of seemingly non-critical heart condition
Provides new insight into the most common form of congenital heart disease
2010-09-14
ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:
Virtual data rooms are tools for buyers too
2010-09-14
Years ago the idea of using a virtual data room (VDR) seemed like it would never be accepted. The concept of taking paper due diligence materials and placing them 'online' seemed too far fetched to work. People felt the internet would never have the level of security or the speed required to display sensitive corporate information to outside parties. Once internet connection speeds increased and security measures improved so did the idea of people reviewing information on a computer screen from the comfort of their own office. Today, VDR awareness is still growing and the ...
Caring Technologies Inc. Changes Name to Behavior Imaging Solutions, Inc.
2010-09-14
Caring Technologies Inc., developer of the proprietary Behavior Imaging technology, unveiled a new brand identity today, changing its name to Behavior Imaging Solutions, Inc. The timing coincides with its recent registered trademark award, and reflects the company's history and commitment to Behavior Imaging technology as a means of treating behavioral disorders with greater accuracy and cost-effectiveness. The company's rebranding effort is intended to establish broader market application of Behavior Imaging as an innovative and versatile solution for healthcare providers ...
Hospice of Wake County Focuses on Life
2010-09-14
When people hear the word hospice, visions of imminent death are conjured and fear of the unknown prevails in even the coolest of heads. While death is ultimately the inescapable result, Hospice focuses on life and making sure that every last moment can be lived to the fullest. Raleigh resident Bobbi Lancaster recently experienced first-hand the value and comfort Hospice of Wake County brings to not only the patient, but the family as well.
In a matter of months, Lancaster was nearly consumed by a maelstrom of events that threatened to drag her under including the loss ...
Founder of Youth for Technology Foundation Nominated for the Microsoft Alumni Foundation 2010 Integral Fellows Award.
2010-09-14
Njideka Harry, Founder & Executive Director of Youth for Technology Foundation (YTF), received a nomination for this year's 2010 Microsoft Integral Fellows Award. The Microsoft Alumni Foundation gives this award to "recognize and support a Microsoft alumnus who has made a meaningful difference in the daily lives of others by using his/her talents, time and resources to contribute to the world."
Up to four alumni nominees for the Microsoft Integral Fellows Award will receive a $25K award to go to the 501(c)(3) with which they work in the form of a one-year, unrestricted ...
Families With Faith's Founder, Letetia Mullenix, Returns To "Out The Box" For Special Edition Broadcast
2010-09-14
Letetia Mullenix, founder of Families with Faith joins 'Out the Box' Monday, September 13th at 8PM to discuss her new book, "Promise Road: Walking through the Process that Manifests the Promise".
Promise Road offers its readers an original and fresh approach on awaiting the promises of God during difficult seasons. The book chronicles the season in the author's life that God used to manifest His promise for personal and marital restoration. While imparting biblical insight regarding the promises of God, Promise Road offers hope to all who stand in need of restoration. ...
Nomination Entry Forms are Now Available for Timeshare and Fractional Expo GNEX 2011 Awards Program
2010-09-14
Industry professionals from around the world can now nominate their favorite company or individual for the Perspective Magazine "Best in the World" Awards Program in conjunction with GNEX 2011.
Categories range across the full spectrum of the industry, from "Best Timeshare Resort" and "Best Marketing Team" through to "Best Individual Professional". Among the award categories are opportunities for green initiatives, innovation and technology awards, an entrepreneur award and even a best newcomer award for the best new entrant to the industry.
Nominations will be ...
La Tin-Va Goes Hollywood!
2010-09-14
Tin-va Latin, LLC is launching a new and revolutionary cardio dance workout program called La Tin-Va Fitness!
Discover the La Tin-Va experience at the Blackbird Dance Company, 6767 West Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028. The classes will be held every Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Call us at (323) 205-6579 or email us at vip@latinva.com to reserve your spot by leaving your full name and contact information.
Learn new Latin cardio dance routines inspired by Cha Cha, Salsa, Merengue, Tango and Mambo. From the Fitness Club to the Dance Club, come and join the party ...
Popular "Ghosts and Spirits" Book Now on iPage, Returnable for Wide Book Store Distribution
2010-09-14
Ghosts have the ability to "haunt" in any bookstore around the country. Rob Gutro's popular paranormal non-fiction book "Ghosts and Spirits: Insights from a Medium," is now available on iPage, and allows any book store to purchase and stock. This change allows for widespread in-store distribution without concern of returns. This widened distribution channel has opened for the book just in time for the fall and Halloween season, when paranormal books are extremely popular.
"Ghosts and Spirits: Insight from a Medium" is available in paperback through Barnes and Noble.com ...
Playing With Lukas - How a Woman and a Horse Found a Private World of Animal Intelligence and Themselves
2010-09-14
According to Dressage Today book reviewer Mary Daniels: "Playing With Lukas is the most unique book on training I have yet to see...Author Karen Murdock heads one of her chapters with a quote by Helen Keller,...an icon of spiritual strength: 'Although the world is full of suffering it is full also of the overcoming of it.' This is what this self- published book really is about - how two beings, who couldn't find their place in life, finally did through each other. It's a wonderful story of the triumph of the spirit."
"Dressage had always appealed to her, and she tried ...
Tacoma Comedy Club Presents Halloween Hypnosis Show Oct 31, 2010 With Don Barnhart
2010-09-14
Tacoma Comedy Club Presents Halloween Hypnosis Show Oct 31, 2010 With Don Barnhart
Award-winning comedian, Second City Conservatory Alumni and Certified Hypnotist Don Barnhart has combined his comedy and improvisational skills to perform the most unique, interactive and funniest comedy-hypnosis shows in his home state of Washington.
Washington native and top national comedy headliner will return to his home state of Washington and perform his comedy hypnosis show on Halloween at The Tacoma Comedy Club is located at 445 Tacoma Ave. S Tacoma, WA 98402 next door to Marlakey's. ...
LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:
Reality check: making indoor smartphone-based augmented reality work
Overthinking what you said? It’s your ‘lizard brain’ talking to newer, advanced parts of your brain
Black men — including transit workers — are targets for aggression on public transportation, study shows
Troubling spike in severe pregnancy-related complications for all ages in Illinois
Alcohol use identified by UTHealth Houston researchers as most common predictor of escalated cannabis vaping among youths in Texas
Need a landing pad for helicopter parenting? Frame tasks as learning
New MUSC Hollings Cancer Center research shows how Golgi stress affects T-cells' tumor-fighting ability
#16to365: New resources for year-round activism to end gender-based violence and strengthen bodily autonomy for all
Earliest fish-trapping facility in Central America discovered in Maya lowlands
São Paulo to host School on Disordered Systems
New insights into sleep uncover key mechanisms related to cognitive function
USC announces strategic collaboration with Autobahn Labs to accelerate drug discovery
Detroit health professionals urge the community to act and address the dangers of antimicrobial resistance
3D-printing advance mitigates three defects simultaneously for failure-free metal parts
Ancient hot water on Mars points to habitable past: Curtin study
In Patagonia, more snow could protect glaciers from melt — but only if we curb greenhouse gas emissions soon
Simplicity is key to understanding and achieving goals
Caste differentiation in ants
Nutrition that aligns with guidelines during pregnancy may be associated with better infant growth outcomes, NIH study finds
New technology points to unexpected uses for snoRNA
Racial and ethnic variation in survival in early-onset colorectal cancer
Disparities by race and urbanicity in online health care facility reviews
Exploring factors affecting workers' acquisition of exercise habits using machine learning approaches
Nano-patterned copper oxide sensor for ultra-low hydrogen detection
Maintaining bridge safer; Digital sensing-based monitoring system
A novel approach for the composition design of high-entropy fluorite oxides with low thermal conductivity
A groundbreaking new approach to treating chronic abdominal pain
ECOG-ACRIN appoints seven researchers to scientific committee leadership positions
New model of neuronal circuit provides insight on eye movement
Cooking up a breakthrough: Penn engineers refine lipid nanoparticles for better mRNA therapies
[Press-News.org] Study identifies underlying dysfunction of seemingly non-critical heart conditionProvides new insight into the most common form of congenital heart disease