Hospital Resources and Practice Patterns for Congenital Cardiac Surgery in Pakistan: A Nationwide Status Report.

Objective: Low- and middle-income countries such as Pakistan bear the brunt of the global burden of congenital heart disease (CHD), This nationwide study assessed hospital resources and surgical practice patterns pertaining to CHD surgery across Pakistan. Methods: A nationwide hospital facility survey was conducted, targeting all health centers performing CHD surgery in Pakistan. Descriptive data analysis was performed, with categorical variables being presented as frequencies and percentages and continuous variables being reported as means and standard deviations. Results: Seventeen surgeons across 17 different centers participated in the study. Eight of 17 (47%) surgeons were under 45 years of age, while the rest were older than 45 years. More respondents were employed at public/government-owned hospitals (11/17, 65%) and at specialized cardiac centers (13/17, 76%), with a majority of centers reported as having a special ICU designated for congenital cardiac patients (11/17, 65%). With regard to operative volume, 7 of 17 (41%) centers reported more than 350 cases per year, with 7 of 17 reported >10 neonatal cases per year (6/12, 50%). Only one center reported national and international collaborations for research, most centers carrying out less than five research projects in a year. Conclusion: This study has identified key areas that require the attention of local administrative bodies as well as international organizations and societies. The existing centers in Pakistan are unable to meet the demands of the population, leaving a large number of untreated patients, especially for neonatal lesions.

Factors associated with poor outcomes after congenital heart surgery in low-resource setting in Pakistan: insight from the IQIC Registry - a descriptive analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the International Quality Improvement Collaborative single-site data from a developing country to identify trends in outcomes and factors associated with poor outcomes. DESIGN: Retrospective descriptive study. SETTING: The National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Karachi, Pakistan. PARTICIPANTS: Patients undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD). OUTCOME MEASURE: Key factors were examined, including preoperative, procedural and demographic data, as well as surgical complications and outcomes. We identified risk factors for mortality, bacterial sepsis and 30-day mortality using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 3367 CHD surgical cases were evaluated; of these, 59.4% (2001) were male and 82.8% (2787) were between the ages of 1 and 17 years. Only 0.2% (n=6) were infants (≤30 days) and 2.3% (n=77) were adults (≥18 years). The in-hospital mortality rate was 6.7% (n=224), and 4.4% (n=147) and 0.8% (n=27) had bacterial sepsis and surgical site infections, respectively. The 30-day status was known for 90.8% (n=3058) of the patients, of whom 91.6% (n=2800) were alive. On multivariable analysis, the adjusted OR for in-hospital mortality was 0.40 (0.29-0.56) for teenagers compared with infancy/childhood and 1.95 (1.45-2.61) for patients with oxygen saturation <85%. Compared with Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery (RACHS-1) risk category 1, the adjusted OR for in-hospital mortality was 1.78 (1.1-2.87) for RACHS-1 risk category 3 and 2.92 (1.03-8.31) for categories 4-6. The adjusted OR for 30-day mortality was 0.40 (0.30-0.55) for teenagers and 1.52 (1.16-1.98) for patients with oxygen saturation <85%. The 30-day mortality rate was significantly higher in RACHS-1 risk category 3 compared with category 1, with an adjusted OR of 1.64 (1.06-2.55). CONCLUSIONS: We observed a high prevalence of postoperative infections and mortality, especially for high-risk procedures, according to RACHS-1 risk category, in infancy/childhood, in children with genetic syndrome or those with low oxygen saturation (<85%).

Lethal Fungal Aortitis In Surgically Corrected Supravalvular Aortic Stenosis In A Child With Williams Syndrome.

Williams syndrome (WS), is a multisystem disorder occurring in 1 in 10,000 live births with supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS) being the most common cardiovascular manifestation. We present the case of a 2.5 years old male, a known case of WS who presented with cognitive delay, a history of right-sided stroke and left hemiplegia. Echocardiography revealed severe SVAS with a gradient of 105 mmHg. The diameter of the Sino tubular junction was 4 mm. Computerized tomography angiogram showed diffuse stenosis of ascending aorta with intraluminal thrombus. At surgery, the ascending aorta was augmented with autologous pericardial patches and end-to-end anastomosis of the proximal and distal aorta completed the reconstruction. The patient was discharged in a stable condition. He presented 6 weeks post-op with a pulsating pseudoaneurysm through the sternal wound. Emergency surgery with the removal of fungal vegetation and reconstruction of the ascending aorta was performed. He expired due to fungal sepsis a week later.

Recommendations for developing effective and safe paediatric and congenital heart disease services in low-income and middle-income countries: a public health framework.

The global burden of paediatric and congenital heart disease (PCHD) is substantial. We propose a novel public health framework with recommendations for developing effective and safe PCHD services in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). This framework was created by the Global Initiative for Children's Surgery Cardiac Surgery working group in collaboration with a group of international rexperts in providing paediatric and congenital cardiac care to patients with CHD and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in LMICs. Effective and safe PCHD care is inaccessible to many, and there is no consensus on the best approaches to provide meaningful access in resource-limited settings, where it is often needed the most. Considering the high inequity in access to care for CHD and RHD, we aimed to create an actionable framework for health practitioners, policy makers and patients that supports treatment and prevention. It was formulated based on rigorous evaluation of available guidelines and standards of care and builds on a consensus process about the competencies needed at each step of the care continuum. We recommend a tier-based framework for PCHD care integrated within existing health systems. Each level of care is expected to meet minimum benchmarks and ensure high-quality and family centred care. We propose that cardiac surgery capabilities should only be developed at the more advanced levels on hospitals that have an established foundation of cardiology and cardiac surgery services, including screening, diagnostics, inpatient and outpatient care, postoperative care and cardiac catheterisation. This approach requires a quality control system and close collaboration between the different levels of care to facilitate the journey and care of every child with heart disease. This effort was designed to guide readers and leaders in taking action, strengthening capacity, evaluating impact, advancing policy and engaging in partnerships to guide facilities providing PCHD care in LMICs.

Anomalous left coronary artery from pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) as a silent cause of mitral regurgitation in children.

Anomalous left coronary artery from pulmonary artery (ALCAPA), also known as Bland-White-Garland syndrome, is a rare cardiac disease. This condition may present with complications such as myocardial infarction, left ventricular dilatation, mitral regurgitation, and left heart failure in children. We report a case of a four-year-old boy who presented with shortness of breath, palpitations, and recurrent upper respiratory tract infections. He was diagnosed with mitral regurgitation. During the surgery, left coronary artery (LCA) was not present in its anatomical position and ALCAPA was identified. One should keep in mind the possibility of ALCAPA in presentation of mitral regurgitation in children despite not being reported in echocardiography.

Comparison of figure of eight and traditional simple wire closure method to prevent dehiscence after sternal closure.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate significant differences, if any, between figure of-eight method and simple wire closure technique in reducing the incidence of infectious and non-infectious sternal dehiscence in patients undergoing sternal closure. METHODS: The systematic review was conducted in the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department at Aga Khan University from 1st December 2015 to 13th December 2017. The review was registered with PROSPERO, the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. Pubmed, Cochrane Library (Wiley) and Scopus databases were searched for articles published up to December 13, 2017. The search was limited to randomised control trials, clinical trials, retrospective cohort studies, journal analyses, systematic reviews and meta analyses. Cadaveric or animal studies and articles published in languages other than English were excluded. RESULTS: Of the 286 articles retrieved, 265(92.6%) were excluded on the basis of study title and abstract. Another 15(5.2%) were excluded for being irrelevant to the topic n hand, and 6(2.1%) formed the final sample. Of them, 4(66.6%) studies showed no significant difference between the two techniques, while 2(33.3%) found figure-of-eight technique to be superior of the two. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference between the figure-of eight method and the simple wire technique in reducing the risk of dehiscence in patients undergoing sternal closure.

Right ventricular outflow reconstruction with handmade valve conduit - A short experience from a developing country. Case series.

OBJECTIVES: Right ventricular outflow tract continuity abnormalities are one of the most commonly encountered entities in the field of congenital cardiac surgery. Various strategies including homograft, valve conduit, Contegra are used to restore continuity between right ventricle and pulmonary artery. In countries like Pakistan these may not be easily available and affordable. We report the experience of our short observational study of using a handmade trileaflet valve conduit to reconstruct the right ventricular outflow tract. METHODOLOGY: From September 2015 to December 2016, a total of 15 patients with different congenital heart diseases underwent open-heart surgery at our institute. Restoration of right ventricular to pulmonary artery continuity was achieved using handmade valve conduit utilizing bovine pericardium and thin sheet PTFE sheets (0.1 mm) as conduit and valve respectively. RESULTS: Patients ranged from 1 to 16 years. Seven patients had previous palliation including 4 blalock taussig (BT) Shunts and 3 pulmonary artery (PA) banding. Postoperative complications were observed in 4 patient including 2 in hospital deaths and 2 required interventions. One patient developed aneurysm at RV- conduit junction requiring surgical repair and the other underwent conduit dilatation for moderate to severe stenosis (gradient 60 mmHg). No significant regurgitation was observed in this series. Overall postoperative gradients were stable with mean gradient 25.3 mmHg (8 mmhg - 60 mmHg). CONCLUSION: The use of handmade valve conduits has acceptable morbidity and mortality. These are cost effective alternatives in this part of the world, where well-established conduits have cost implications and uncertain availability.

Major Septal Defects: Comparative Study of Down Syndrome and Non-Down Syndrome Infants, Before and After Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To compare pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative parameters in Down syndrome (DS) and non-DS patients with atrioventricular septal defects (AVSD) and inlet ventricular septal defects (VSD) in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study at Aga Khan University, Pakistan. All complete atrioventricular septal defect (CAVSD), partial atrioventricular septal defect (PAVSD), and VSD with inlet extension surgical cases from January 2007 to January 2019 were included. Patients with congenital heart diseases other than those listed above were excluded. RESULTS: In 61 cases, 18 had DS. Median age, mean body surface area (BSA), and height were lower in DS patients compared to non-DS patients: 7.0 vs 23.0 months, 0.311 vs 0.487 m2, and 63 vs 82 cm, respectively. Bypass duration, aortic cross clamp time, post-operative ventilator hours, dose of inotropes, CICU stay, and total hospital stay were all significantly higher in the DS group. The odds ratio (955% CI) for mortality in DS babies was 6.2 (1.4, 27.1), p=0.015, after adjusting for age, weight, and height. The overall morbidity was comparable between the two groups, demonstrating no significant difference after adjusting for confounders. CONCLUSION: DS babies with AVSD and inlet VSD are at a greater risk of mortality compared to non-DS babies, particularly those with CAVSD. Furthermore, DS babies undergo surgery at a younger age and require more aggressive post-operative therapy and monitoring due to the development of complications.

Adult congenital cardiac life-long needs evaluation in a low-middle income country, Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: Adult congenital heart diseases (ACHD) have distinct health care needs that require life-long care. Limited data is available from low-middle income countries (LMIC). This descriptive study conducted in Pakistan, aimed to assess patients and health care professionals understanding of the needs for ACHD care and the perceived barriers to care. METHODS: A telephone survey was conducted of ACHD patients. An e mail survey was sent to the paediatric and adult cardiologists of five institutions (3 public and 2 private) that provide ACHD services in Pakistan. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, mean ± SD, median) were used for data analysis. RESULTS: A total of 128 ACHD patients were surveyed, 65 (51%) were females with a mean age of 29.4±10.4 years. Atrial septal defect repair was the most common surgical procedure. Mean age at surgery was 25.6±10.49 years, and a surgical follow-up period of 3.8±2.3 years. Majority (n=3, 60%) of the health care professionals (HCPs) responded that 75-100% of the ACHD surgical patients would need lifelong care, yet 10-25% return to their cardiology clinics. Most of the surveyed ACHD patients (89%, n=114) demonstrated a lack of understanding of life-long care after surgery due to not being communicated by their HCPs. Cost and travelling issues were the barriers highlighted by HCPs. Both ACHD patients (96%, n=122) and HCP (100%, n=5) underscored their interest in life long care. CONCLUSIONS: Majority of ACHD patients in Pakistan did not know that life-long follow-up is needed. Education regarding lifelong care for ACHD patients was identified as a means to alleviate the knowledge gap.

Minimally invasive technique of placing a dual chamber permanent pacemaker in children.

OBJECTIVE: To share the experience of a minimally invasive technique in the implantation of a dual chamber permanent pacemaker in paediatric population. METHODS: The retrospective study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised data of patients aged up to 16 years who underwent epicardial dual chamber permanent pacemaker insertion via xiphisternal incision between April 2011 and August 2016. Demographic data included age, weight and gender of the patient. Indications for pacemaker insertion, electrocardiography findings, concomitant cardiac procedures and procedural complications were reviewed. Pacemaker thresholds and impedance at the time of implantation and throughout the course of follow-up were extracted from the clinical data. RESULTS: Of the 10 patients, 5(50%) were males and 5(50%)were females. The overall mean age was 3.4}3.8 years (range: 1 month - 13 years). The mean weight at the time of operation was 11.4}6.8 kg (range: 4.3-27kg). Indications for permanent pacemaker insertion included postoperative advanced or complete atrioventricular block in 7(70%) and complete congenital heart block in 3(30%). There was no reported morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Dual chamber permanent pacemaker insertion via xiphisternal incision was found to be of benefit to the patients and the surgeons alike.

Technical Varieties of Ross Procedure: A Case Series.

Replacement of aortic valve with the pulmonary autograft is carried out through the Ross procedure due to its potential for growth, durability in pediatric population, and absence of anticoagulation. This case series reports the postoperative outcome of two technical variations of Ross procedure in eight patients who underwent surgery from January 2007 to December 2016. The dominant valvular hemodynamic indication was aortic regurgitation. The techniques employed for Ross procedure included free standing root replacement in six patients and modified root replacement with autograft stabilisation using Dacron interposition graft in two patients. Right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) conduit reconstruction was achieved by utilisation of Contegra bio prosthesis in four patients; and use of manually constructed valved conduit comprising of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethelene) membrane and bovine pericardial tube in remaining four patients. There was no mortality and no re-intervention. The technical varieties of Ross procedure offer freedom from need of anti-coagulation, mortality, and RVOT conduit failure in younger adults.

Malignant Pheochromocytoma with Widespread Bony and Pulmonary Metastases.

Pheochromocytoma is a rare benign tumor of the adrenal gland. A select few cases may be malignant, and metastatic cases are exceedingly rare. It often presents with symptoms of catecholamine excess, such as sweating, palpitations, headaches, and characteristic paroxysmal hypertension. Due to its diffuse symptoms, it is difficult to diagnose and is often diagnosed late. We describe the unique case of a 44-year-old female patient who presented with uncontrolled hypertension and vomiting, accompanied by lower back pain. She was diagnosed with malignant pheochromocytoma with multiple metastases to the lungs, vertebrae, scapulae, and skull. Because of the advanced state of her disease, the patient was started on treatment with the chemotherapeutic combination of cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and dacarbazine. However, she had a complicated hospital course and died because of aspiration pneumonia and sepsis.

Accuracy of echocardiography in diagnosing total anomalous pulmonary venous return.

OBJECTIVE: Total anomalous pulmonary venous return is an uncommon cyanotic congenital heart defect. Echocardiography is the initial diagnostic tool. Complimentary non-invasive modalities like cardiac computerized tomographic angiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging have replaced the need for cardiac catheterization in difficult cases. This study aimed to determine the accuracy of echocardiography in diagnosing total anomalous pulmonary venous return, and to determine the factors that may decrease its sensitivity. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi, Pakistan from January 2010 to August 2016. All patients who were diagnosed with Total anomalous pulmonary venous return on echocardiography and had subsequent confirmation either on cardiac CT angiography or surgery were included. The diagnostic accuracy of echocardiography was expressed as sensitivity. Previously described taxonomy was used to define diagnostic error. Univariate and multivariate analysis were done by logistic regression OR (95% CI) were reported to identify factors causing the diagnostic error. RESULTS: High diagnostic sensitivity (81%) was found in isolated total anomalous pulmonary venous return and low (27%) in heterotaxy and mixed (20%) varieties. Poor acoustic windows and right isomerism were found to be significant factors responsible for the diagnostic error on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Echocardiography can diagnose isolated total anomalous pulmonary venous return with high accuracy. Use of additional modalities may be required for a complete diagnosis in cases with mixed variety, heterotaxy and poor acoustic windows.

Infection of a Ventricular Septal Defect Patch with Acremonium Species.

A ventricular septal defect (VSD) patch infection with Acremonium species isolated from vegetation and blood culture is described. Antifungal treatment was discontinued after 3 months and patient developed relapse. Surgery with prolonged oral voriconazole was instituted with recovery. We emphasize importance of surgery and prolonged therapy to treat such infections.

Comparison between Intravenous Boluses versus Infusion of Tranexamic Acid (TXA) to Reduce Bleeding in Paediatric Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) Surgeries.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the intravenous boluses and intravenous continuous infusion of tranexamic acid (TXA) to reduce postoperative bleeding in cyanotic congenital heart disease surgeries. STUDY DESIGN: Single-blinded randomised clinical trial. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Anaesthesia Department, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from July 2016 to April 2017. METHODOLOGY: Sixty patients of cyanotic congenital heart disease, undergoing either palliative or corrective surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), were recruited. These 60 patients were divided randomly into two groups. The infusion group received intravenous infusion of TXA at 5 mg/kg/hour while the bolus group received three intravenous boluses of 10 mg/kg after induction, after going to bypass and after protamine reversal. Data was collected through predesigned proforma. There were two primary outcomes: postoperative bleeding in the first 24 hours, and chest closure time. RESULTS: Postoperative bleeding was 13.94 (10.27-20.18) ml/kg in the first 24 hours in infusion group and 15.05 (9.0423.50) ml/kg in the bolus group. Chest closure time was 38.5 (25-45) in infusion group and 30 (20-46.25) minutes in the bolus group. There was no statistically significant and clinical difference between both groups regarding postoperative bleeding in the first 24 hours and chest closure time. CONCLUSION: These infusion and bolus groups had comparable postoperative bleeding and chest closure time.

An incomplete vascular ring causing respiratory distress.

Kommerell's diverticulum is a rare saccular aneurysmal dilation of the descending aorta. We report a case of a 3.5-year-old boy with the extremely rare combination of Kommerell's diverticulum with a right descending aorta and proximal patent ductus arteriosus aneurysm forming an incomplete vascular ring. To our knowledge, this rare case has not been reported to date.

Comparison of enteral versus intravenous potassium supplementation in hypokalaemia in paediatric patients in intensive care post cardiac surgery: open-label randomised equivalence trial (EIPS).

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to compare the efficacy of enteral potassium replacement (EPR) and intravenous potassium replacement (IVPR) as first-line therapy. Secondary objectives included comparison of adverse effects and number of doses required to resolve the episode of hypokalaemia. TRIAL DESIGN: The EIPS trial is designed as a randomised, equivalence trial between two treatment arms. STUDY SETTING: The study was conducted at the paediatric cardiac intensive care unit (PCICU) at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. PARTICIPANTS: 41 patients (aged 1 month to 15 years) who were admitted to PCICU post cardiac surgery were recruited (23 IVPR arm and 18 EPR arm). INTERVENTION: Intervention arms were block randomised on alternate weeks for IVPR and EPR. OUTCOME MEASURE: Change in serum potassium levels in (mmol/L) and percentage change after each event of potassium replacement by the intravenous or enteral route. RESULTS: Both groups (41 patients) had similar baseline characteristics. Mean age was 4.7 (SD±4) years while the most common surgical procedure was ventricular septal defect repair (12 patients, 29.3%). No mortality was observed in either arm. Four episodes of vomiting and one arrhythmia were seen in the EPR group. After adjusting for age, potassium level at the beginning of the episode, average urine output, inotropic score and diuretic dose, it was found that there was no statistically significant difference in change in potassium levels after EPR and IVPR: 0.86 mmol/L (±0.8) and 0.82 mmol/L (±0.7) respectively (p=0.86, 95% CI -0.08 to 1.10), or percentage change in potassium level after enteral and intravenous replacement: 26% (±30) and 24% (±20) (95% CI -3.42 to 4.03, p=0.87). CONCLUSION: EPR may be an equally efficacious alternative first-line therapy in treating hypokalaemia after surgery in selective patients with congenital heart disease. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study has been approved by Ethics Review Committee at AKU. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02015962.

Impact of International Quality Improvement Collaborative on Congenital Heart Surgery in Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: The International Quality Improvement Collaborative (IQIC) was formed to reduce mortality and morbidity from congenital heart disease (CHD) surgeries in low/middle-income countries. OBJECTIVES: We conducted this study to compare the postoperative outcomes of CHD surgeries at a centre in Pakistan before and after joining IQIC. METHODS: The IQIC provides guidelines targeting key drivers responsible for morbidity and mortality in postoperativepatients with CHD. We focused primarily on nurse empowerment and improving the infection control strategies at our centre. Patients with CHD who underwent surgery at this site during the period 2011-2012 (pre-IQIC) were comparedwith those getting surgery in 2013-2014 (post-IQIC). Morbidity (major infections), mortality and factors associated with them were assessed. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in surgical site infections and bacterial sepsis in the post-IQIC versus pre-IQIC period (1% vs 30%, p=0.0001, respectively). A statistically insignificant decrease in the mortality rate was also noted in post-IQIC versus pre-IQIC period (6% vs 9%, p=0.17, respectively). Durations of ventilation and intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay were significantly reduced in the post-IQIC period. Age <1 year, malnutrition, low preoperative oxygen perfusion, Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery score >3, major chromosomal anomalies, perfusion-related event, longer ventilation and ICU/hospital stay durations were associated with greater odds of morbidity and mortality. CONCLUSION: Enrolling in the IQIC programme was associated with an improvement in the postsurgical outcomes of the CHD surgeries at our centre.

On-table Extubation after Open Heart Surgery in Children: An Experience from a Tertiary Care Hospital in a Developing Country.

BACKGROUND: Recent advances in various disciplines of medicine have significantly changed the courses following cardiac surgery in children. On-table extubation (OTE) after open heart surgery in children is evolving. OBJECTIVE: To assess the rate of postoperative complications in children extubated on table after open heart surgery. DESIGN: This is a retrospective, descriptive study. SETTING: Operating room (OR) then admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). PATIENTS: All pediatric patients (between 0 and 18 years) undergoing open heart surgery between January 2011 and June 2013. INTERVENTION: On-table extubation. OUTCOME MEASURES: Rates of immediate postoperative complications, i.e., re-intubation, significant bleeding, low cardiac output syndrome, and arrhythmia in PICU, were assessed. Data are presented as frequencies and mean ± standard deviation. RESULTS: A total of 82 patients were included. Mean age at time of operation was 7.25 ± 6.6 years. Fifty-three percent (n = 44) were <5 years old and 64% (n = 53) were men. Ventricular septal defect (47%, n = 39) was the most common lesion, followed by atrial septal defect (36%, n = 30), and tetralogy of Fallot (15%, n = 12), which were repaired. Cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross clamp time were 72.3 ± 34.2 and 47.3 ± 27.8 minutes, respectively. The mean inotrope score was 2.66 ± 3.53. There was no mortality in the cohort, whereas 97.8% (n = 80) had no complications during PICU stay. One patient (1.1%) required re-intubation for respiratory failure and one patient (1.1%) had arrhythmia that was medically managed. The mean length of PICU stay was 1.77 ± 0.985 days. CONCLUSION: On-table extubation in children after open heart surgery was feasible and safe in selected group of patients. There was no major complication observed in the PICU.

Comparison of Enteral versus Intravenous Potassium Supplementation in hypokalaemia in postcardiac surgery paediatric cardiac intensive care patients: prospective open label randomised control trial (EIPS).

BACKGROUND: Hypokalaemia is frequently encountered in the daily clinical practices of a paediatric cardiac intensive care unit (PCICU). It is a strong independent predictor of mortality in patients with heart failure. Thus, prompt potassium replacement therapy holds pivotal importance in therapy for hypokalaemia. Although intravenous potassium replacement (IVPR) in hypokalaemia is the preferred route in most intensive care settings, it is associated with known safety risks and can lead to arrhythmias, cardiac arrest and death if inappropriately administered. Enteral potassium replacement (EPR), with its superior safety profile, may be a better alternative to IVPR. OUTCOME: Primary outcome To compare the efficacy EPR and IVPR for treatment of hypokalaemia. Secondary outcome measures include a comparison of adverse effects (hyperkalaemia, diarrhoea, gastrointestinal bleeds, nausea and vomiting) after EPR and IVPR and a comparison of the number of dose/s required to achieve resolution of hypokalaemia for each episode of hypokalaemia. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The Enteral Versus Intravenous Potassium Supplementation trial is designed as a randomised, controlled, non-blinded trial with two arms. Intervention arms will be block randomised on alternate weeks for IVPR and EPR. Recruited patients will receive treatment accordingly. For analysis, the percentage change in serum potassium levels in mEq/L after each event of potassium replacement in both arms will be used as an end point to compare the efficacy EPR and IVPR for treatment of hypokalaemia. STUDY SETTING: The study will be conducted at the PCICU at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study has been approved by the Ethics Review Committee and Clinical Trials Unit at The Aga Khan University with respect to scientific content and compliance with applicable research and human subjects regulations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: This trial is registered at Clinical Trials.Gov. REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02015962.