Nygren A, Sunnegårdh J, Berggren H. Preoperative evaluation and surgery in isolated ventricular septal defects: a 21 year perspective.
Heart 2000;
83:198-204. [PMID:
10648497 PMCID:
PMC1729305 DOI:
10.1136/heart.83.2.198]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To study short and long term results after surgical closure of isolated ventricular septal defects (VSDs) from 1976 to 1996, especially in relation to changes in preoperative evaluation during this period.
DESIGN
Retrospective study.
SETTING
Tertiary referral centre for paediatric cardiac care.
PATIENTS
All children under 18 years of age who had corrective surgery for VSD between 1976 and 1996.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Preoperative evaluation, indications for surgery, diagnostic errors, and early and late results.
RESULTS
A significant decrease in the use of invasive preoperative studies in favour of non-invasive methods was found; from 1976 to 1990, a total of 109/110 patients had preoperative invasive study as compared to 43/167 from 1991 to 1996 (p < 0.001). Pulmonary hypertension in small children, without detailed information on Qp:Qs ratio, as well as small or modest shunts without pulmonary hypertension, were more frequent indications for surgery in recent years. Early mortality after surgery occurred in 10 patients, with a significantly lower mortality rate found between 1991 and 1996 than between 1976 and 1990 (0.6% v 8.2%, p < 0.001). Children with large VSDs experienced perioperative complications significantly less often between 1991 and 1996 than between 1976 and 1990 (16/105 v 28/96, p < 0.05). Diagnostic errors showed a tendency to decrease between the two time periods. No late deaths occurred.
CONCLUSIONS
Significant reductions in early mortality, perioperative complications, and diagnostic mistakes were seen during the study period, even though less invasive diagnostic procedures were being performed.
Collapse