Fetal Cardiac Intervention for Pulmonary Atresia with Intact Ventricular Septum: International Fetal Cardiac Intervention Registry

Whitnee J. Hogan*, Sofia Grinenco, Aimee Armstrong, Roland Devlieger, Joanna Dangel, Queralt Ferrer, Michele Frommelt, Alberto Galindo, Helena Gardiner, Sarah Gelehrter, Ulrike Herberg, Lisa Howley, Edgar Jaeggi, Joana Miranda, Shaine A. Morris, Dick Oepkes, Simone Pedra, Renuka Peterson, Gary Sholler, John SimpsonJames Strainic, Trisha V. Vigneswarran, Annette Wacker-Gussmann, Anita J. Moon-Grady

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Invasive fetal cardiac intervention (FCI) for pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PAIVS) and critical pulmonary stenosis (PS) has been performed with small single-institution series reporting technical and physiological success. We present the first multicenter experience. Objectives: Describe fetal and maternal characteristics of those being evaluated for FCI, including pregnancy/neonatal outcome data using the International Fetal Cardiac Intervention Registry (IFCIR). Methods: We queried the IFCIR for PAIVS/PS cases evaluated from January 2001 to April 2018 and reviewed maternal/fetal characteristics, procedural details, pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Data were analyzed using standard descriptive statistics. Results: Of the 84 maternal/fetal dyads in the registry, 58 underwent pulmonary valvuloplasty at a median gestational age of 26.1 (21.9-31.0) weeks. Characteristics of fetuses undergoing FCI varied in terms of tricuspid valve (TV) size, TV regurgitation, and pulmonary valve patency. There were fetal complications in 55% of cases, including 7 deaths and 2 delayed fetal losses. Among those who underwent successful FCI, the absolute measurement of the TV increased by 0.32 (0.17) mm/ week from intervention to birth. Among 60 liveborn with known outcome, there was a higher percentage having a biventricular circulation following successful FCI (87 vs. 43%). Conclusions: Our data suggest a possible benefit to fetal therapy for PAIVS/PS, though rates of technically unsuccessful procedures and procedure-related complications, including fetal loss were substantial. FCI criteria are extremely variable, making direct comparison to nonintervention patients challenging and potentially biased. More uniform FCI criteria for fetuses with PAIVS/PS are needed to avoid unnecessary procedures, expose only fetuses most likely to sustain a benefit, and to enable comparisons to be made with nonintervention patients.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)731-739
Number of pages9
JournalFetal Diagnosis and Therapy
Volume47
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2020
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Keywords

  • Congenital heart defect
  • Fetal cardiac intervention
  • Fetal echocardiography
  • Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum
  • Valvuloplasty

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