Factors Associated with Early Postoperative Results of Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection Repair: Findings from Retrospective Single-Institution Data in Vietnam

Introduction

There are scanty reports of the risk factors for pulmonary hypertensive crisis and low cardiac output syndrome after the operative repair of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC). We aim to evaluate early surgical outcomes of TAPVC and risk factors for pulmonary hypertensive crisis and low cardiac output syndrome.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective medical record review for all patients undergoing operative repair of TAPVC within 5 years. Outcome variables included pulmonary hypertensive crisis, low cardiac output syndrome and early mortality.

Results

Of 58 patients, we documented 77.59% supracardiac, 20.69% cardiac and 1.72% mixed site of connection. About 86.21% patients underwent elective surgery, and 13.79% patients required emergency surgery. Incidence rates were 27.59% for pulmonary hypertensive crisis and 6.90% for low cardiac output syndrome. Body weight below 6 kg, pneumonia, tachycardia, hepatomegaly, preoperative pulmonary congestion on chest x-ray, preoperative elevated mean pulmonary artery pressure, preoperative pulmonary venous obstruction, emergency surgery and prolonged aortic cross-clamping time were significant risk factors for postoperative pulmonary hypertensive crisis. Significant risk factors for postoperative low cardiac output syndrome included pneumonia, prolonged duration of preoperative mechanical ventilation and prolonged aortic cross-clamping time.

Conclusion

The early outcome of surgical repair of TAPVC was acceptable, with 96.55% survival rate. This current analysis suggests that a thorough evaluation of all preoperative and operative characteristics is imperative to achieve best medical and surgical outcomes.

Perioperative management of patients with pulmonary hypertension undergoing non-cardiothoracic, non-obstetric surgery: a systematic review and expert consensus statement

BACKGROUND

The risk of complications, including death, is substantially increased in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) undergoing anaesthesia for surgical procedures, especially in those with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic PH (CTEPH). Sedation also poses a risk to patients with PH. Physiological changes including tachycardia, hypotension, fluid shifts, and an increase in pulmonary vascular resistance (PH crisis) can precipitate acute right ventricular decompensation and death.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was performed of studies in patients with PH undergoing non-cardiac and non-obstetric surgery. The management of patients with PH requiring sedation for endoscopy was also reviewed. Using a framework of relevant clinical questions, we review the available evidence guiding operative risk, risk assessment, preoperative optimisation, and perioperative management, and identifying areas for future research.

RESULTS

Reported 30 day mortality after non-cardiac and non-obstetric surgery ranges between 2% and 18% in patients with PH undergoing elective procedures, and increases to 15-50% for emergency surgery, with complications and death usually relating to acute right ventricular failure. Risk factors for mortality include procedure-specific and patient-related factors, especially markers of PH severity (e.g. pulmonary haemodynamics, poor exercise performance, and right ventricular dysfunction). Most studies highlight the importance of individualised preoperative risk assessment and optimisation and advanced perioperative planning.

CONCLUSIONS

With an increasing number of patients requiring surgery in specialist and non-specialist PH centres, a systematic, evidence-based, multidisciplinary approach is required to minimise complications. Adequate risk stratification and a tailored-individualised perioperative plan is paramount.

Pulmonary hypertensive crisis: A potential reason for right ventricle and pacemaker lead failure

Cardiac pacemakers have improved patient survival and quality of life, although malfunctions can be seen. We present the case of a girl with Seckel syndrome and congenital complete heart block. She had a single chamber permanent pacemaker in the right ventricle. When she referred us with a pulmonary hypertensive crisis (PHC), it was seen that the device was not pacing even in maximum threshold and pulse width values. After new epicardial lead implantation into the left ventricular apex, capture could be established again. For the cases presenting with capture failure, after eliminating lead-related problems and biochemical abnormalities, PHC should be kept in mind as a reason.

Pediatric Perioperative Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Case-Based Primer

The perioperative period is an extremely tenuous time for the pediatric patient with pulmonary arterial hypertension. This article will discuss a multidisciplinary approach to preoperative planning, the importance of early identification of pulmonary hypertensive crises, and practical strategies for postoperative management for this unique group of children.

Low cardiac output thyroid storm in a girl with Graves' disease

A 15-year-old girl with Graves' disease presented with hypotension after methimazole and propranolol were re-started for hyperthyroidism. She was found to have pulmonary artery hypertension resulting in obstructive shock. Thyroid storm was diagnosed according to Burch and Wartofsky score. She was promptly treated with anti-thyroid drugs, inorganic iodide, corticosteroid, and respiratory support. Pulmonary hypertension was treated with inhaled nitric oxide until the clinical status improved. Propranolol was withdrawn due to poor cardiac function. We herein present a unique case of a difficult-to-treat Graves' disease presenting with severe pulmonary hypertension resulting in low cardiac output thyroid storm.

Iloprost for children with pulmonary hypertension after surgery to correct congenital heart disease

Congenital heart disease (CHD) can cause pulmonary hypertension (PH) in children, and surgery to correct CHD may be complicated by postoperative pulmonary hypertensive crises (PHC). Clinical data regarding the use of inhaled iloprost to treat children with PH are scarce. Our aim was to determine the efficacy and safety of iloprost in children with PH following surgery to correct CHD. This was a randomized, placebo-controlled study of 22 children (median age 7 months) undergoing surgery to achieve biventricular repair. The combined clinical endpoint was a decrease of more than 20% in the ratio of systolic pulmonary arterial pressure to systolic arterial pressure or pulmonary resistance to systemic resistance, with no PHC or death. Patients were randomized to receive low-dose iloprost (30 ng/kg/min), high-dose iloprost (50 ng/kg/min), or placebo, for 10 min every 2 hr in the first 48 hr after surgery. PHC were experienced by two patients who received placebo and one patient treated with high-dose iloprost. The combined clinical endpoint was reached by six patients administered low-dose iloprost (P = 0.005) and four administered high-dose iloprost (P = 0.077), compared with none in the placebo group. Patients treated with iloprost showed a significant reduction from baseline in mean pulmonary vascular resistance index (-2.2 Wood units, P < 0.05), whereas patients who received placebo showed no significant change. This study supports the use of iloprost to treat children with PH following surgery to correct CHD.

Perioperative pharmacological management of pulmonary hypertensive crisis during congenital heart surgery

Pulmonary hypertensive crisis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension secondary to congenital heart disease (PAH-CHD) who require cardiac surgery. At present, prevention and management of perioperative pulmonary hypertensive crisis is aimed at optimizing cardiopulmonary interactions by targeting prostacyclin, endothelin, and nitric oxide signaling pathways within the pulmonary circulation with various pharmacological agents. This review is aimed at familiarizing the practitioner with the current pharmacological treatment for dealing with perioperative pulmonary hypertensive crisis in PAH-CHD patients. Given the life-threatening complications associated with pulmonary hypertensive crisis, proper perioperative planning can help anticipate cardiopulmonary complications and optimize surgical outcomes in this patient population.