Clinical Research in Pediatric Cardiology | Birgit Donner

We investigate the influence of nocturnal hypoglycemia on cardiac repolarization and autonomic heart rate regulation in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus, in collaboration with Dr. S. Bachmann from Pediatric Endocrinology. By using continuous nocturnal glucose monitoring and ECG analysis, we study changes in repolarization duration and heart rate variability (HRV) associated with hypoglycemia. Notably, we observed QTc lengthening and alterations in HRV even before nocturnal hypoglycemia was detected (Bachmann et al., 2021).

A recent pharmacometric analysis by Dr. V. Gotta, part of Prof. M. Pfister’s research group in Pediatric Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics, confirmed QTc prolongation during nocturnal hypoglycemia, with the longest QTc intervals occurring at night when the risk for hypoglycemia is highest (Gotta et al., submitted). We are currently analyzing the potential for predicting hypoglycemia in collaboration with Dr. X. Binbin from the University of Lyon.

Pregnant women with inherited long QT syndrome face an increased risk of preterm delivery, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and arrhythmias. In partnership with Dr. T. Welzel and Prof. Dr. J. van den Anker from Pediatric Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics, we conducted a review to assist clinicians in selecting appropriate β-receptor blocker treatments for pregnant women. This selection considers the risks of IUGR, maternal comorbidities, fetal factors, and the LQTS genotype (Welzel et al., 2021).

We utilize three-dimensional real-time echocardiography along with cardiopulmonary exercise testing to analyze the functional health of school-aged children who were born preterm, led by Prof. S. Lemola from the Faculty of Psychology Basel.

In collaboration with Prof. Dr. D. Trachsel from Pediatric Pneumology, we compared this cohort to age-matched controls in terms of cardiopulmonary function and hemodynamics. Our findings indicate significantly reduced maximal oxygen uptake, influenced by individual factors such as activity levels and healthy lifestyle choices. These results may help identify patients at risk for pulmonary hypertension and ventricular dysfunction, contributing to the development of preventive measures.

• Cand. med. Elysanne Ramin-Wright, master student at University Basel (work in progress)
• Cand. med. Arianna Lauro, master student at University Basel (finished 2021)