The outcome of open heart surgery for congenital heart disease in infants with low body weight less than 2500 g

New modified version of the Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery category and mortality in premature infants with critical congenital heart disease

BACKGROUND

Despite advances in neonatal intensive care and surgical procedures, perinatal mortality rates for premature infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) remain relatively high.

PURPOSE

We aimed to describe the outcomes of premature infants with critical CHD and identify the risk factors including the new modified version of the Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery (M-RACHS) category associated with in-hospital mortality in a Korean tertiary center.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of premature infants with critical CHD admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit from January 2005 to December 2016.

RESULTS

A total of 78 premature infants were enrolled. The median gestational age (GA) at birth was 34.9 weeks (range, 26.7-36.9 weeks), and the median birth weight was 1.91 kg (range, 0.53-4.38 kg). Surgical or percutaneous intervention was performed in 68 patients with a median GA at birth of 34.7 weeks (range, 26.7-36.8 weeks) and a median birth weight of 1.92 kg (range, 0.53-4.38 kg). The in-hospital survival rate was 76.9% among all enrolled preterm infants and 86.8% among patients who received an intervention. Very low birth weight (VLBW), persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and M-RACHS category 5 or higher (more complex CHD) were independently associated with in-hospital mortality. For the 68 premature infants undergoing cardiac interventions, independent risk factors for mortality were VLBW, BPD, and CHD complexity. Late preterm infant and age at intervention were not associated with patient survival.

CONCLUSION

For premature infants with critical CHD, VLBW, PPHN, BPD, and M-RACHS category ≥5 were risk factors for mortality. A careful approach to surgical intervention and prenatal care should be taken according to CHD type and neonatal condition.

Predictors of postoperative outcomes in infants with low birth weight undergoing congenital heart surgery: a retrospective observational study

Background

Despite improvements in neonatal cardiac surgery and postoperative care, hospitalized death for infants with low birth weight remains high.

Objective

This study sought to identify predictors of postoperative outcomes in low-birth-weight infants undergoing congenital heart surgery and establish nomograms to predict postoperative intensive-care unit (ICU) stay.

Methods

From June 2009 to June 2018, a retrospective review of 114 infants with low birth weight (≤2.5 kg) undergoing congenital heart surgery was conducted at Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital. Purely surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus was excluded from this study. A total of 26 clinical variables were chosen for univariate, multivariate, and Cox regression analysis, and 14 variables were analyzed as predictors of postoperative outcomes. Nomograms were established to predict risk of postoperative cardiac ICU (CICU) stay, postoperative neonatal ICU (NICU) stay, and total ICU length of stay in infants with cardiac diseases.

Results

Two variables were independent predictors in multiple logistic regression analysis of hospitalized death: operation weight and Society of Thoracic Surgeons–European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (STAT) risk categories. Six variables were independent predictors in the Cox model of postoperative ICU length of stay, including sex, prematurity, birth weight, preoperative stay time in NICU, diagnostic classification, and STAT risk categories. We calculated concordance-index values to estimate the discriminative ability of models of risk of postoperative CICU stay, postoperative NICU stay, and total ICU length of stay, with values of 0.758 (95% CI 0.696–0.820), 0.604 (95% CI 0.525–0.682), and 0.716 (95% CI 0.657–0.776), which indicated the possibility of true-positive results.

Conclusion

Our findings might help clinicians predict postoperative outcomes and optimize therapeutic strategies.

What are the non-cardiac prognostic factors affecting mortality in neonates with aortopulmonary shunt

Background/aim: Systemic to pulmonary shunts (SPS) have proven to be highly effective for the palliation of neonates with cyanotic congenital heart disease. Mortality after SPS surgery in neonates has multifactorial basis. We aimed to investigate the clinical results of the SPS in relation to the underlying cardiac disease and to identify the risk factors contributing to an adverse outcome.Material and method: All neonates who underwent first shunt insertion for cyanotic congenital heart disease during the study period from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2017 were included. A retrospective review of patient records was done. Patients were grouped into two different categories: survived with or without any reintervention and death before or after any reintervention till discharge.Result: During the study period, 47 patients underwent SPS shunt placement. Patients who survived with or without any reintervention were in Group 1 and patients who died before or after any reintervention till discharge were in Group 2. Preoperative epinephrine requirement and mechanical ventilation and postoperative erythrocyte transfusion need were statistically significant.Conclusion: Although primary cardiac pathology is the most important prognostic factor, some other preoperative and postoperative factors like preoperative epinephrine requirement, and postoperative erythrocyte transfusion might also affect the prognosis. As there are very few centers in the region that specialize in pediatric cardiac surgery, a multicenter approach will be helpful in reaching reliable conclusions.

Outcomes of the Arterial Switch Operation in ≤2.5-kg Neonates

Although low birth weight is a known risk factor for mortality in congenital heart lesions and may consequently delay surgical repair, outcomes in low-weight neonates undergoing the arterial switch operation (ASO) have not been well described. Our objective was to assess the safety of this procedure in infants weighing ≤2.5 kg at the time of surgery. We retrospectively analyzed outcomes for all neonates undergoing the ASO at our institution from 2005 to 2015. Our primary outcome of interest was major morbidity or operative mortality, assessed as a composite outcome. From 2005 to 2015, 217 neonates underwent the ASO, with 31 (14%) weighing ≤2.5 kg at the date of surgery, and 8 weighing <2.0 kg. Neonates weighing ≤2.5 kg were more likely to be premature than those weighing >2.5 kg, but there was no difference in the age at operation between these groups. Overall, 32 infants experienced a major morbidity or mortality, including 37.5% (n = 3) weighing <2.0 kg, 8.7% (n = 2) weighing 2.0-2.5 kg, and 14.5% (n = 7) weighing >2.5 kg (P = 0.141). One infant weighing <2.0 kg (1.1 kg) and 4 infants weighing >2.5 kg died. In multivariable models, odds of major morbidity or mortality were significantly higher for infants weighing <2 kg compared with infants weighing >2.5 kg (odds ratio 3.93, 95% confidence interval 1.04-14.85, P = 0.044), but there was no difference between infants weighing 2.0-2.5 kg and those weighing >2.5 kg (P = 0.225). The ASO can be performed safely in 2.0- to 2.5-kg neonates and yields results comparable with higher weight infants. Imposed delays for corrective surgery may not be necessary for these low-weight infants with transposition of the great arteries.

Surgical Interventions in Infants Born Preterm with Congenital Heart Defects: An Analysis of the Kids' Inpatient Database

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate short-term outcomes in infants born preterm with congenital heart defects (CHDs) and the factors associated with surgery, survival, and length of hospitalization in this population.

STUDY DESIGN

We analyzed data from infants born preterm (gestational age <37 weeks) enrolled in the multicenter Kids' Inpatient Database of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project who were admitted to the hospital within 30 days after birth. Infants with atrial septal defects were excluded.

RESULTS

Of 1 429 762 enrolled infants born preterm, 27 434 (2.0%) with CHDs were included. Overall survival to discharge was 90.5%; 74.0% among infants with critical CHDs and 45.7% among infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Cardiac surgeries were performed in 12.2% of all infants born preterm. Rates of surgical intervention for infants with critical CHDs were lower for very low birth weight (≤1.5 kg) vs larger infants >1.5 kg (27% vs 44%), and only 6.3% of infants born with very low birth weight underwent surgeries in Risk-adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery categories 4 or greater. Greater birth weight, left-sided lesions, care at children's hospitals, and absence of trisomies were associated with a greater likelihood of surgery. Birth weight <2 kg, nonwhite race, trisomy syndromes, prematurity-related morbidities, and Risk-adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery category 4 or greater were independent predictors of mortality. Birth weight <2 kg, Risk-adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery category, morbidities, and sidedness of lesion predicted length of stay.

CONCLUSIONS

The high survival rates of infants born preterm with CHDs suggests that a cautiously optimistic approach to surgery may be warranted in all but the most immature infants with the greatest-risk conditions.

Management of the Preterm Infant with Congenital Heart Disease

The premature neonate with congenital heart disease (CHD) represents a challenging population for clinicians and researchers. The interaction between prematurity and CHD is poorly understood; epidemiologic study suggests that premature newborns are more likely to have CHD and that fetuses with CHD are more likely to be born premature. Understanding the key physiologic features of this special patient population is paramount. Clinicians have debated optimal timing for referral for cardiac surgery, and management in the postoperative period has rapidly advanced. This article summarizes the key concepts and literature in the care of the premature neonate with CHD.

Effects of Mini-Volume Priming During Cardiopulmonary Bypass on Clinical Outcomes in Low-Bodyweight Neonates: Less Transfusion and Postoperative Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support

Mixing of autologous blood with priming volume has relatively significant effects on blood composition, especially in low-bodyweight neonates. In an effort to reduce these effects, mini-volume priming (MP) has been applied in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The present study was designed to examine the effect of MP on clinical outcomes of low-bodyweight neonates undergoing open heart surgery.We retrospectively reviewed medical records of low-bodyweight (2.5 kg or less) neonates who underwent open heart surgery in our center from January 2000 to December 2014. A total of 64 patients were included. MP was introduced in 2007, and became a routine protocol in 2009. Preoperative and intraoperative characteristics included age, bodyweight, RACHS-1, priming volume, CPB time, and aortic cross-clamp time, transfusion, and hematocrit during CPB. Clinical outcomes included 30-day mortality, postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support, open sternum status, prolonged mechanical ventilation care (>7 days), and acute renal failure. MP was utilized in 39 patients and conventional priming (CP) was used in 25 patients. The priming volume decreased to 126.0 mL in the MP group compared with 321.6 mL in the CP group. Transfusion volume during CPB was 87.3 mL in the MP group versus 226.8 mL in the CP group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Hematocrit at the end of the CPB and maximal decrease of hematocrit during CPB were not significantly different between the two groups. The 30-day mortality rate was 12.8% in the MP group versus 20.0% in the CP group. Postoperative ECMO support was performed in 5.1% of patients in the MP group versus 17.4% of patients in the CP group. Open sternum status was required in 20.8% of patients in the MP group versus 10.3% of patients in the CP group, and prolonged ventilator care was required in 54.2% of patients in the MP group versus 38.5% of patients in the CP group. However, no statistical significance was measured in any of the clinical outcome measures. Larger priming volume and higher RACHS-1 were significant risk factors of postoperative ECMO support in univariate and multivariate analysis. The results of the present study suggest that MP may be beneficial in avoiding transfusion without having a significant effect on the hematocrit. Clinical outcomes did not differ between the two groups. However, larger priming volume was a significant risk factor for postoperative ECMO support with RACHS-1 category.

Critical Congenital Heart Diseases in Preterm Neonates: Is Early Cardiac Surgery Quite Reasonable?

Prematurity is a recognized risk factor for morbidity and mortality following cardiac surgery. Postoperative and long-term outcomes after cardiac surgery performed in the preterm period are poorly described. The aim of this study was to analyze a population of preterm neonates operated on for critical congenital heart disease (CHD) before 37 weeks of gestational age (wGA) with special attention given to early and late mortality and morbidity. Between 2000 and 2013, 28 preterm neonates (median gestational age (GA) 34.3 weeks) underwent cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery for critical CHD before 37 wGA; records were retrospectively reviewed. All patients except three with single ventricle physiology had a single-stage anatomic repair. Overall mortality was 43 % (95 % CI 25-62). Risk factors for death were birth weight (p = 0.032) and weight at surgery (p = 0.037), independently of GA, preoperative status, CPB and aortic clamp time. Seven patients, including those with univentricular hearts, died during the postoperative period, and five in the first year after surgery. Median follow-up was 5.9 years (range 1 month-12.8 years). Kaplan-Meier survival rate was 75 % (95 % CI 59-91) at 1 month, and 57 % (95 % CI 39-75) at 1 and 5 years. Eight patients required reoperations after a delay of 2.8 ± 1.3 months; eight had bronchopulmonary dysplasia. At the end of follow-up, nine patients were asymptomatic. One-stage biventricular repair for critical CHD on preterm neonates was feasible. Mortality remained high but acceptable, mainly confined to the first postoperative year and related to small weight. Despite reoperations, long-term clinical status was good in most survivors. Further long-term prospective investigations are necessary to evaluate neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Preoperative factors as a predictor for early postoperative outcomes after repair of congenital transposition of the great arteries

Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) requires early surgical repair during the neonatal period. Several preoperative factors have been identified for the postoperative poor outcome after arterial switch operation (ASO). However, the data remain uncertain an association. Therefore, we investigated the preoperative factors which affect the early postoperative outcomes. Between March 2005 and May 2012, a retrospective study was performed which included 126 infants with an ASO for TGA. Preoperative data included the vasoactive inotropic score (VIS) and baseline hemodynamics. Early postoperative outcomes included the duration of mechanical ventilation, the length of stay in the intensive care unit and hospital, and early mortality. Multivariate linear regression and receiver operating characteristics analysis were performed. The duration of mechanical ventilation was significantly correlated with the preoperative mechanical ventilator support and VIS, and CPB time. On multivariate linear regression analysis, a higher preoperative VIS, preoperative B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level, and the CPB time were identified as independent risk factors for delayed mechanical ventilation. Preoperative VIS (OR 1.154, 95 % CI 1.024-1.300) and the CPB time (OR 1.034, 95 % CI 1.009-1.060) were independent parameters predicting early mortality. A preoperative VIS of 12.5 had the best combined sensitivity (83.3 %) and specificity (85.3 %) and an AUC of 0.852 (95 % CI 0.642-1.061) predicted early mortality. Our results suggest that preoperative VIS and BNP can predict the need for prolonged postoperative mechanical ventilation. Moreover, preoperative VIS may be used as a simple and feasible indicator for predicting early mortality.

Congenital heart disease in low-birth-weight infants: effects of small for gestational age (SGA) status and maturity on postoperative outcomes

Few studies have examined the role that small for gestational age (SGA) status plays in postoperative outcomes for low-birth-weight (LBW) infants with congenital heart disease (CHD). This study aimed to examine the effect of SGA status, gestational and chronologic age, and weight on differences in morbidities and mortalities during the immediate postoperative hospitalization period. The charts of infants with CHD weighing less than 2.5 kg who underwent operative repair during the neonatal period between 2004 and 2011 were reviewed. Infants with an isolated patent ductus arteriosus were excluded from the study. Data on hospital morbidities and mortality before discharge were collected. The study identified 136 LBW infants with a diagnosis of CHD. Among the 74 infants who underwent surgery and had complete chart records, the SGA infants had a higher gestational age at birth (36.8 vs. 32.3 weeks; p < 0.0001). The SGA and non-SGA infants did not differ in terms of survival to discharge or immediate postoperative outcomes. A lower weight at surgery was significantly associated with an increased risk of postoperative infection. In contradistinction, an older postnatal age at surgery was associated with an increased risk of preoperative infection (p < 0.0001). Additionally, lower gestational age at birth was associated with home oxygen use, higher tracheostomy rates, and discharge with a gastrostomy tube. Small for gestational age status played no protective role in the outcome for LBW infants after primary surgery for CHD. A weight of 2.4 kg or greater at the time of surgery was associated with lower rates of postoperative infections. Greater duration of time between birth and surgery was associated with a greater risk of preoperative infection. A gestational age of 32 weeks or more at birth was associated with decreased morbidities, which could influence obstetric management.

Outcomes of cardiac surgery in patients weighing <2.5 kg: affect of patient-dependent and -independent variables

OBJECTIVE

A recent Society of Thoracic Surgeons database study showed that low weight (<2.5 kg) at surgery was associated with high operative mortality (16%). We sought to assess the outcomes after cardiac repair in patients weighing <2.5 kg versus 2.5 to 4.5 kg in an institution with a dedicated neonatal cardiac program and to determine the potential role played by prematurity, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons-European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (STAT) risk categories, uni/biventricular pathway, and surgical timing.

METHODS

We analyzed the outcomes (hospital mortality, early reintervention, postoperative length of stay, mortality [at the last follow-up point]) in patients weighing <2.5 kg at surgery (n = 146; group 1) and 2.5 to 4.5 kg (n = 622; group 2), who had undergone open or closed cardiac repairs from January 2006 to December 2012 at our institution. The statistical analysis was stratified by prematurity, STAT risk category, uni/biventricular pathway, and usual versus delayed surgical timing. Univariate versus multivariate risk analysis was performed. The mean follow-up was 21.6 ± 25.6 months.

RESULTS

Hospital mortality in group 1 was 10.9% (n = 16) versus 4.8% (n = 30) in group 2 (P = .007). The postoperative length of stay and early unplanned reintervention rate were similar between the 2 groups. Late mortality in group 1 was 0.7% (n = 1). In group 1, early outcomes were independent of the STAT risk category, uni/biventricular pathway, or surgical timing compared with group 2. A lower gestational age at birth was an independent risk factor for early mortality in group 1.

CONCLUSIONS

A dedicated multidisciplinary neonatal cardiac program can yield good outcomes for neonates and infants weighing <2.5 kg independently of the STAT risk category and uni/biventricular pathway. A lower gestational age at birth was an independent risk factor for hospital mortality.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-supported cardiopulmonary resuscitation following stage 1 palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome

OBJECTIVES

To report on survival from a large multicenter cohort of neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation after stage 1 palliation operation.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of data from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization data registry (1998 through 2013). We computed the survival to hospital discharge for neonates (age < 30 d) who required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after stage 1 palliation and evaluated factors associated with mortality using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

SETTING

Multicenter data reported to Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry.

PATIENTS

Infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome after stage 1 palliation who received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

There were 307 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation runs in the setting of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation in 293 neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome following stage 1 palliation operation. The median age at cannulation was 9 days (interquartile range, 5-14 d). Survival to hospital discharge was 36%. In univariate analysis, gestational age, weight, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation duration, presence of air embolism, hemorrhagic complications, renal failure, and pulmonary complications (pulmonary hemorrhage and pneumothorax) were all associated with nonsurvival. In multivariate analysis, lower body weight at cannulation (odds ratio, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.9-8.3), duration of the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (odds ratio, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.9-7.3), and renal failure while on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (odds ratio, 2; 95% CI, 1.2-3.5) increased odds of mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Mortality for neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation after stage 1 palliation is high. Lower body weight, increased duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, and renal failure increased mortality.

Successful Surgical Management of Airway Perforation in Preterm Infants

Traumatic airway perforation during endotracheal intubation is an uncommon but life-threatening complication in preterm infants. Death usually occurs at the time of the injury, but in rare cases where the infant survives the initial resuscitation, therapeutic options include conservative versus surgical management. We describe three cases of airway perforation treated successfully with surgical intervention and without lung resection, utilizing novel graft material and cardiopulmonary bypass to facilitate repair. In preterm infants who survive the initial injury we advocate for early identification and surgical management with cardiopulmonary bypass when feasible.

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in a premature baby with interrupted aortic arch and aortopulmonary window

Aortopulmonary window is a communication between the main pulmonary artery and the ascending aorta in the presence of two separate semilunar valves. The combination of an aortopulmonary window with interrupted aortic arch is rare. We discuss the unique case of an extremely premature infant weighing 1.7 kilograms who underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging as a pre-operative assessment in a high-field open 1.0 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging system as a one-stop investigation before complete repair.

Low birth weight and very low birth weight neonates with congenital heart disease: timing of surgery, reasons for delaying or not delaying surgery

Conventional management of low birth weight and very low birth weight neonates was composed of deferring corrective surgery by aggressive medical management or palliative surgery which does not require cardiopulmonary bypass. However, while waiting for weight gain, these neonates are at risk for various comorbidities. In the current era, this "wait and let the baby grow" approach has not been shown to result in better clinical outcomes. Early primary repair hence has become the standard strategy for congenital heart disease requiring surgery in these neonates. However, there still exist some circumstances, which are considered to be unfavorable for corrective surgery due to medical, physiologic, surgeon's technical and institutional-systemic factors. We reviewed the recent literature and examined the reasons for delaying or not delaying surgery.

Earlier surgical intervention in congenital heart disease results in better outcome and resource utilization

Background

Congenital heart disease (CHD) accounts for a major proportion of disease in the pediatric age group. The objective of the study was to estimate the cost of illness associated with CHD pre, intra and postoperatively; among patients referred to a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. This is the first study conducted to estimate the cost of managing CHD in Pakistan.

Methods

A prevalence based cost of illness study design was used to estimate the cost of cardiac surgery (corrective & palliative) for congenital heart defects in children ≤ 5 years of age from June 2006 to June 2009. A total of 120 patients were enrolled after obtaining an informed consent and the data was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire.

Results

The mean age at the time of surgery in group A (1-12 mo age) was 6.08 ± 2.80 months and in group B (1-5 yrs) was 37.10 ± 19.94 months. The cost of surgical admission was found to be significantly higher in the older group, p = 0.001. The total number and cost of post-operative outpatient visits was also higher in group B, p = 0.003. Pre and post operative hospital admissions were not found to be significantly different among the two groups, p = 0.166 and 0.627, respectively. The number of complications were found to be different between the two groups (p = 0.019). Majority of these were contributed by hemorrhage and post-operative seizures.

Conclusion

This study concluded that significant expenditure is incurred by people with CHD; with the implication that resources could be saved by earlier detection and awareness campaigns.

Delayed repair of hemitruncus in an extremely low birth weight infant

We present a case of a premature female infant, with a delayed diagnosis of hemitruncus, who underwent primary repair at 105 days of life. There have been few published reports of premature infants with hemitruncus, and none to our knowledge who underwent repair that was significantly delayed.