The present study documented increased IMT, impaired endothelial function, and various elevated cardiovascular RF in young obese subjects. Regular exercise over 6 months restores endothelial function and improves carotid IMT associated with an improved cardiovascular risk profile in obese children.

The present study documented increased IMT, impaired endothelial function, and elevated plasma markers of endothelial activation and injury in obese children. Morbid obesity, arterial hypertension, subclinical inflammation, and low physical fitness formed a risk profile associated with the risk of early atherosclerosis in these children. Sonographic assessment of vascular status and the estimation of soluble endothelial plasma markers, combined with comprehensive risk factor screening, may form a rationale to identify high-risk children susceptible to early atherosclerotic disease and to monitor vascular changes during follow-up studies and therapeutic measures.

This study documents early vascular wall changes in children after successful coarctation repair. Arterial hypertension and a resting pressure gradient are the major contributing factors to early atherosclerotic development and should be primary targets for therapy. Vascular status should be monitored regularly by FMD and IMT.

In our opinion, Cook detachable coils are safe and effective especially in the treatment of persistent ductus arteriosus with a diameter < or = 2.5 mm. Due to the low costs these coils appear to be superior to other devices in this subgroup of patients.

Twenty-one cases (13 male, eight female) of atrial automatic tachycardia (AAT) assessed by standard and Holter-ECG in otherwise healthy infants and children have been documented. AAT was incessant in 12 patients, repetitive in seven, and of undetermined type in the remaining two. The frontal P wave axis suggested an ectopic focus in the high right atrium or right atrial appendage in 13 patients, in the low right atrium in one patient, and in the left atrium in seven patients. Thirteen out of 14 patients with the incessant or undetermined type of AAT were symptomatic, in contrast to only two of seven patients with the repetitive type. All patients were treated with between one and eight (median three) antiarrhythmic drugs. The most effective drug was amiodarone, followed by the class I C antiarrhythmic drugs, propafenone and flecainide. At present, all patients are alive 4 months to 21 years (median 2.5 years) after diagnosis of AAT. Twelve patients are in sinus rhythm, five of them without any medication. Nine patients still have AAT, which, however, is repetitive or intermittent in all but one. In conclusion, AAT is an unusual, and in its incessant form often severely symptomatic arrhythmia, which is resistant to conventional antiarrhythmic medication. However, amiodarone and class I C antiarrhythmic drugs are frequently effective. Since medical treatment with these drugs is often successful, and AAT may resolve completely, a conservative approach is indicated in many cases.