Performing an urgent neonatal cardiac intervention safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Spencer, Robert; Chaves, Diana Vargas; Brooks, Maria Cristina; Goldshtrom, Nimrod; Moroz, Leslie; Miller, Russel; Glickstein, Julie; Levasseur, Stéphanie; Bacha, Emile A.; Turner, Mariel E.; Farooqi, Kanwal M.
• Is Part Of: Progress in pediatric cardiology. Volume 60(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: BAS balloon atrial septostomy -- COVID-19 coronavirus disease 2019 -- ICCU infant cardiac care unit -- PPE personal protective equipment -- RT-PCR reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction -- SARS-CoV-2 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 -- TGA d-transposition of the great arteries; COVID-19 -- Congenital heart disease -- D-transposition of the great arteries -- Echocardiography; Pediatric cardiology -- Periodicals; Cardiovascular Diseases -- Periodicals; Infant; Child; Cardiologie pédiatrique -- Périodiques; 618.9212005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ppedcard.2020.101265
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1058-9813

Abstract

Abstract: The current pandemic has driven the medical community to adapt quickly to unprecedented challenges. Among these challenges is the need to minimize staff exposure to COVID-19 during neonatal cardiac procedures. In this report, we describe measures we have taken to protect health care workers while ensuring successful outcomes. These measures include wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, physical distancing, designating separate delivery and transport teams, and limiting the number of providers in direct contact with any patient who is infected or whose infection status is unknown. Learning objectives: 1. To understand specific challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic for patients with congenital heart disease needing urgent neonatal intervention. 2. To recognize measures that can be taken to minimize health care workers' exposures to the virus during high-risk neonatal cardiac procedures. 3. To review the management of neonates with d-transposition of the great arteries and inadequate mixing. Highlights: The COVID-19 pandemic requires thoughtful prevention of viral transmission. Urgent medical care in the hospital setting must protect staff and patients. Care for patients with congenital heart disease can require an urgent intervention. We present the steps we Implemented to perform a neonatal cardiac intervention for complex congenital heart disease.