The Outcomes of Cardiac Surgery in Children With DiGeorge Syndrome in a Single Center Experience: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background DiGeorge syndrome, a common genetic microdeletion syndrome, is associated with multiple congenital anomalies, including congenital cardiac diseases. This study aims to identify the short and midterm outcomes of cardiac surgery performed on children with DiGeorge syndrome. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted between the period of 2018-2022, which included children divided into two groups with a 1:2 ratio. Group one included DiGeorge syndrome patients who were diagnosed using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Group two included the control group of patients who were clear of genetic syndromes. The two groups were matched based on similar cardiac surgery, age of surgery, and Risk Adjustment in Congenital Heart Surgery (RACHS-1) score. The two groups were compared based on the demographical data and postoperative complications. Results The study consisted of 81 children; 27 were DiGeorge syndrome patients, and 54 were in the control group. DiGeorge syndrome patients showed an increase in mechanical ventilation duration (p=0.0047), intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (p=0.0012), and hospital length of stay (p=0.0391). Moreover, they showed an increased risk for bacteremia (p=0.0414), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP; p=0.0036), urinary tract infections (UTI; p=0.0064), and surgical site infection (SSI; p≤0.0001). They were also more susceptible to postoperative seizures (p=0.0049). Furthermore, patients with DiGeorge syndrome had a higher prevalence of congenital renal anomalies. However, there was no mortality in either group.  Conclusion This study shows a variability in the postoperative outcomes between the two groups. The study demonstrates that patients with DiGeorge syndrome have higher risks of infections and longer hospital stay during the postoperative period. Further research with a larger sample is needed to confirm our findings.