Clinical Scorecard: Erratum: Forecasting Symptoms and Assessing Surgical Criteria Postnatally Based on Tracheal Structure in Cases of Double Aortic Arch

At a Glance

Key Highlights

• Correction of regression formula for predicted normal tracheal diameter (NTD) without affecting study conclusions
• Recalculation of NTD Z-scores incorporating fractional gestational age and corrected standard deviation formula
• Updated statistical analyses including group comparisons, ROC curves, and interobserver agreement with maintained statistical significance

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

• Use corrected regression formula: Predicted NTD [mm] = −1.423 + 0.147 × Gestational age [weeks]
• Calculate NTD Z-scores including fractional gestational age (weeks + days) for accuracy

Management

• Consider NTD Z score threshold ≤ −1.9 in late gestation as a criterion for symptom forecasting and surgical decision-making

Monitoring & Follow-up

• Perform serial fetal echocardiography with precise gestational age recording (weeks and days)
• Use ROC curve analysis (AUC ~0.85) to assess predictive value of NTD Z-scores

Risks

• Potential underestimation of tracheal narrowing if gestational age fractions are ignored
• Misinterpretation of surgical criteria if incorrect regression formulas or Z-score calculations are used

Patient & Prescribing Data

Fetuses and neonates with double aortic arch

Accurate tracheal measurement and Z-score calculation are critical for timely surgical intervention decisions

Clinical Best Practices

• Ensure use of correct regression formula and inclusion of fractional gestational age in calculations
• Apply updated NTD Z-score threshold (≤ −1.9) for symptom prediction and surgical criteria
• Maintain rigorous statistical validation and interobserver reliability assessments in clinical measurements

References

• Original Article Correction DOI