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Primary pulmonary vein stenosis among premature infants with single-vessel disease

Abstract

Objectives

Describe outcomes among preterm infants diagnosed with single-vessel primary pulmonary vein stenosis (PPVS) initially treated using conservative management (active surveillance with deferral of treatment).

Study design

Retrospective cohort study at a single, tertiary-center (2009–2019) among infants <37 weeks’ gestation with single-vessel PPVS. Infants were classified into two categories: disease progression and disease stabilization. Cardiopulmonary outcomes were examined, and a Kaplan–Meier survival analysis performed.

Results

Twenty infants were included. Compared to infants in the stable group (0/10, 0%), all infants in the progressive group had development of at least severe stenosis or atresia (10/10, 100%; P < 0.01). Severe pulmonary hypertension at diagnosis was increased in the progressive (5/10, 50%) versus the stable group (0/10, 0%; P = 0.03). Survival was lower among infants in the progressive than the stable group (log-rank test, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Among preterm infants with single-vessel PPVS, risk stratification may be possible, wherein more targeted, individualized therapies could be applied.

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Fig. 1: Patient selection flowchart.
Fig. 2: Kaplan–Meier survival plot among infants with PPVS disease progression or disease stabilization.

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Funding

The authors (CB, JS, and BC) are funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the US National Institutes of Health (R01HL145032, R01HL13693). However, this funding is unrelated to the topic of this article and did not contribute to this work product.

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Correspondence to Carl H. Backes.

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Zettler, E., Rivera, B.K., Stiver, C. et al. Primary pulmonary vein stenosis among premature infants with single-vessel disease. J Perinatol 41, 1621–1626 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-020-00830-9

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