Pulmonary Venous Gradients in Healthy Controls and Following the Repair of Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return.

The percent of children who can achieve a normal and physiologic pulmonary venous gradient and flow following the repair of Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return (TAPVR) is not known. Pulmonary venous confluence gradients from infants with supra-, infra-, or mixed TAPVR, repaired using a direct anastomotic connection were measured. Data from age, weight, and gender-matched controls established the normal pulmonary venous gradient range (0.30-0.94 mmHg). TAPVR subjects were divided into three groups: (I) pulmonary venous gradient < 2 × normal with multiphasic flow (II) pulmonary venous gradient > 2 × normal with multiphasic flow, and (III) pulmonary venous gradient > 2 × normal with monophasic flow. From 63 children following TAPVR repair and 63 matched controls, pulmonary venous gradients were significantly lower [0.5 mmHg (IQR:0.4, 0.6) vs 1.6 mmHg (IQR:1.0, 2.4); p < 0.001], and multiphasic flow more frequent (100 vs. 84.1%; p = 0.001) within the control group. There were 38 children (60.3%) in group I, 15 (23.8%) in group II, and 10 (15.8%) in group III. Children in Group I were significantly older at the time of repair, had shorter cardiopulmonary bypass times, and did not utilize deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA). Multivariate analysis confirmed that avoiding DHCA [Odds Ratio 0.931 (0.913,0.994; p = 0.002)] and shorter cardiopulmonary bypass times [Odds Ratio 0.962 (0.861,0.968; p = 0.02)] during repair were associated with the lowest pulmonary venous gradients and multiphasic flow. Following TAPVR repair with a direct anastomosis, the majority of children can achieve a gradient two times normal or less with multiphasic pulmonary venous flow.

Using Serum Cystatin C to Predict Acute Kidney Injury Following Infant Cardiac Surgery.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Serum Cystatin C (CysC) is a novel biomarker synthesized by all nucleated cells that may act as an early indicator of AKI following infant CPB. Prospective observational study of infants (< 1 year) requiring CPB during cardiac surgery. CysC was measured at baseline and 12, 24, 48, and 72 h following CPB initiation. Each post-op percent difference in CysC (e.g. %CysC12h) from baseline was calculated. Clinical variables along with urine output (UOP) and serum creatinine (SCr) were followed. Subjects were divided into two groups: AKI and non-AKI based upon the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) classification. AKI occurred in 41.9% (18) of the 43 infants enrolled. Patient demographics and baseline CysC levels were similar between groups. CysC levels were 0.97 ± 0.28 mg/L over the study period, and directly correlated with SCr (R = 0.71, p < 0.0001). Although absolute CysC levels were not significant between groups, the %CysC12h was significantly greater in the AKI group (AKI: - 16% ± 22% vs. Non-AKI - 28% ± 9% mg/L; p = 0.003). However, multivariate analysis demonstrated that a lower UOP (Odds Ratio:0.298; 95% CI 0.073, 0.850; p = 0.02) but not %CysC12h was independently associated with AKI. Despite a significant difference in the %CysC12h, only UOP was independently associated with AKI. Larger studies of a more homogenous population are needed to understand these results and to explore the variability in this biomarker seen across institutions.

Mitochondrial ATP Synthase Tetramer Disassembly following Blood-Based or del Nido Cardioplegia during Neonatal Cardiac Surgery.

Conservation of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase proteins during ischemia is critical to preserve ATP supply and ventricular function. Following myocardial ischemia in adults, higher order ATP synthase tetramer proteins disassemble into simpler monomer units, reducing the efficiency of ATP production. However, it is unknown if myocardial ischemia following the use of cardioplegia results in tetramer disassembly in neonates, and whether it can be mitigated by cardioplegia if it does occur. We investigated myocardial ATP synthase tetramer disassembly in both a neonatal lamb cardiac surgery model and in neonatal children requiring cardiac surgery for the repair of congenital heart disease. Neonatal lambs (Ovis aries) were placed on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and underwent cardioplegic arrest using a single dose of 30 mL/kg antegrade blood-based potassium cardioplegia (n = 4) or a single dose of 30 mL/kg antegrade del Nido cardioplegia (n = 6). Right ventricular biopsies were taken at baseline on CPB (n = 10) and after approximately 60 minutes of cardioplegic arrest before the cross clamp was released (n = 10). Human right ventricular biopsies (n = 3) were taken following 40.0 ± 23.1 minutes of ischemia after a single dose of antegrade blood-based cardioplegia. Protein complexes were separated on clear native gels and the tetramer to monomer ratio quantified. From the neonatal lamb model regardless of the cardioplegia strategy, the tetramer:monomer ratio decreased significantly during ischemia from baseline measurements (.6 ± .2 vs. .5 ± .1; p = .03). The del Nido solution better preserved the tetramer:monomer ratio when compared to the blood-based cardioplegia (Blood .4 ± .1 vs. del Nido .5 ± .1; p = .05). The tetramer:monomer ratio following the use of blood-based cardioplegia in humans aligned with the lamb data (tetramer:monomer .5 ± .2). These initial results suggest that despite cardioprotection, ischemia during neonatal cardiac surgery results in tetramer disassembly which may be limited when using the del Nido solution.

In Vitro and In Vivo Comparison of Hemoglobin and Electrolytes Following the Collection of Cell Saver Blood Washed with Either Normal Saline or Plasma-Lyte A.

Cell saver blood is typically washed with normal saline (NS); however, recent studies have reported decreased red blood cell hemolysis and increased platelet function when a more physiologic washing solution, such as Plasma-Lyte A (PL-A) is used. We evaluated the in vitro and in vivo effects of NS compared to PL-A as washing solutions for cell saver blood in pediatric cardiac surgery. Cell saver blood was re-infused for up to 24 hours post-collection. Laboratory and clinical data were collected from infants receiving cell saver washed with either NS (n = 20) or PL-A (n = 21). Compositions of the cell saver blood were compared between groups at 5 in vitro time points and in vivo patient blood at 24 hours post-bypass. Although there were differences in in vitro laboratory values between groups; 24 hours post-bypass, in vivo results were similar. Our data supports 24-hour reinfusion of cell saver washed with either NS versus PL-A in pediatric cardiac surgery patients, and provides data on the differences in cell saver composition to guide future studies.

Elevated free hemoglobin and decreased haptoglobin levels are associated with adverse clinical outcomes, unfavorable physiologic measures, and altered inflammatory markers in pediatric cardiac surgery patients.

BACKGROUND: There are data suggesting that free hemoglobin (Hb), heme, and iron contribute to infection, thrombosis, multiorgan failure, and death in critically ill patients. These outcomes may be mitigated by haptoglobin. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: 164 consecutively treated children undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease were evaluated for associations between free Hb and haptoglobin and clinical outcomes, physiologic metrics, and biomarkers of inflammation RESULTS: Higher perioperative free Hb levels (and lower haptoglobin levels) were associated with mortality, nosocomial infection, thrombosis, hours of intubation and inotropes, increased interleukin-6, peak serum lactate levels, and lower nadir mean arterial pressures. The median free Hb in patients without infection (30 mg/dL; 29 interquartile range [IQR], 24-52 mg/dL) was lower than in those who became infected (39 mg/dL; IQR, 33-88 mg/ 31 dL; p = 0.0046). The median mechanical ventilation requirements were 19 (IQR, 7-72) hours in patients with higher levels of haptoglobin versus 48 (IQR, 18-144) hours in patients with lower levels (p = 0.0047). Transfusion dose, bypass duration, and complexity of surgery were all significantly correlated with Hb levels and haptoglobin levels. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that these variables were independently and significantly associated with outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated pre- and postoperative levels of free Hb and decreased levels of haptoglobin were associated with adverse clinical outcomes, inflammation, and unfavorable physiologic metrics. Transfusion, RACHS score, and duration of bypass were associated with increased free Hb and decreased haptoglobin. Further investigation of the role of hemolysis and haptoglobin as potential mediators or markers of outcomes is warranted.

Damus-Kaye-Stansel procedure avoids coronary obstruction in complex D-transposition.

Although all coronary anatomy in D-transposition of the great arteries may be "switchable," there are reports in the literature of early and late coronary obstruction following the arterial switch operation. The Damus-Kaye-Stansel procedure does not risk injury to the coronary arteries, and unlike the atrial switch, commits the left ventricle to the systemic circulation. We present a series of four neonates over 22 years with D-transposition of the great arteries and a concomitant coronary artery anomaly precluding arterial switch that were repaired using a Damus-Kaye-Stansel procedure and right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit.

Transfer of Neonates with Critical Congenital Heart Disease Within a Regionalized Network.

Regionalization of pediatric cardiac surgical care varies between and within states. In most geographic regions, at least some neonates with critical heart disease are transferred from their birth hospital to a different hospital for surgery. The impact of neonatal transfer for surgery, particularly over a considerable distance (>10 miles), has been largely unexplored. We sought to examine the impact of transferring neonates for cardiac surgery. We queried the New York State Cardiac Surgery database (2005-2014) from a single institution to identify neonates born within the cardiac surgery center and those transferred for surgery. Outcomes were compared between groups, with subgroup analysis of neonates with single ventricle anatomy. 113 surgical neonates were born at the cardiac surgery center, and 268 were transferred to the cardiac surgery center. Median transfer distance was 91 (IQR 73, 94) miles. Age at operation and the need for preoperative ventilation were significantly lower in neonates born at the cardiac surgery center. In addition, single ventricle anatomy was more prevalent among those born at the cardiac surgery center (48.7 vs. 31.3%; p = 0.001). However, postoperative outcomes were the same-30-day survival was similar across groups (birth: 89% vs. transfer: 90%; p = 0.7), and for those with single ventricle palliation (birth: 81% vs. transfer: 81%; p = 0.9). Within our regionalized network, we found no difference in 30-day survival between neonates either born or transferred to a cardiac surgery center, which supports the use of a regionalized network of hospitals to the care of children with congenital heart disease.

A modified LVAD technique to augment caval and pulmonary arterial blood flow in the "failing Fontan" circulation.

BACKGROUND: There are minimal circulatory support options for patients with a failing Fontan. The Heartmate II (HMII) left ventricular assist device (Thoratec, Bedford, MA) in its packaged state cannot augment caval/pulmonary arterial blood flow. AIM: We hypothesized that a modified HMII pump could augment caval and pulmonary arterial blood flow. METHODS: A bifurcated ringed Gore-Tex graft (W. L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) was sewn to the HMII inflow, and the outflow graft transected and tapered from 16 mm to 8 mm in diameter. In three sheep, the inflow and outflow grafts were anastomosed end-to-side to both cava and the pulmonary artery. RESULTS: Following baseline measurements, the pump speed was increased to 8000 revolutions per minute (RPMs). Compared to baseline, at 8000 RPMs, there were no significant differences in mean arterial, central venous, or pulmonary arterial pressure. However, there was a significant decrease in right ventricular diastolic diameter (3.1 ± 0.1 vs. 1.8 ± 0.2 cm, R = 0.6, p = 0.02) and similarly a decrease in pulmonary arterial pulse pressure (8.5 ± 2.1 vs. 2.1 ± 2.9 mmHg, p = 0.01). As pump speed increased, there was a corresponding increase in pump flow and power, with a decrease in pulsatility index. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the HMII may be modified to provide caval/pulmonary circulatory support for the failing Fontan circulation.

Successful surgical palliation of a triple-outlet right ventricle: a rare congenital cardiac malformation.

Most commonly, hearts have either a single arterial trunk or two arterial trunks; however, rare reports exist of a "tritruncal" heart, a heart with three outflow tracts. Here, we present one of the first reports of successful surgical palliation of a triple-outlet right ventricle.

Pharmacokinetics of ε-Aminocaproic Acid in Neonates Undergoing Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

BACKGROUND: Antifibrinolytic medications such as ε-aminocaproic acid (EACA) are used in pediatric heart surgery to decrease surgical bleeding and transfusion. Dosing schemes for neonates are often based on adult regimens, or are simply empiric, in part due to the lack of neonatal pharmacokinetic information. The authors sought to determine the pharmacokinetics of EACA in neonates undergoing cardiac surgery and to devise a dosing regimen for this population. METHODS: Ten neonates undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were given EACA according to standard practice, and blood was drawn at 10 time points to determine drug concentrations. Time-concentration profiles were analyzed using nonlinear mixed effects models. Parameter estimates (standardized to a 70-kg person) were used to develop a dosing regimen intended to maintain a target concentration shown to inhibit fibrinolysis in neonatal plasma (50 mg/l). RESULTS: Pharmacokinetics were described using a two-compartment model plus an additional compartment for the cardiopulmonary bypass pump. First-order elimination was described with a clearance of 5.07 l/h × (WT/70). Simulation showed a dosing regimen with a loading dose of 40 mg/kg and an infusion of 30 mg · kg · h, with a pump prime concentration of 100 mg/l maintained plasma concentrations above 50 mg/l in 90% of neonates during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. CONCLUSIONS: EACA clearance, expressed using allometry, is reduced in neonates compared with older children and adults. Loading dose and infusion dose are approximately half those required in children and adults.

Longer RBC storage duration is associated with increased postoperative infections in pediatric cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Infants and children undergoing open heart surgery routinely require multiple RBC transfusions. Children receiving greater numbers of RBC transfusions have increased postoperative complications and mortality. Longer RBC storage age is also associated with increased morbidity and mortality in critically ill children. Whether the association of increased transfusions and worse outcomes can be ameliorated by use of fresh RBCs in pediatric cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease is unknown. INTERVENTIONS: One hundred and twenty-eight consecutively transfused children undergoing repair or palliation of congenital heart disease with cardiopulmonary bypass who were participating in a randomized trial of washed versus standard RBC transfusions were evaluated for an association of RBC storage age and clinical outcomes. To avoid confounding with dose of transfusions and timing of infection versus timing of transfusion, a subgroup analysis of patients only transfused 1-2 units on the day of surgery was performed. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Mortality was low (4.9%) with no association between RBC storage duration and survival. The postoperative infection rate was significantly higher in children receiving the oldest blood (25-38 d) compared with those receiving the freshest RBCs (7-15 d) (34% vs 7%; p = 0.004). Subgroup analysis of subjects receiving only 1-2 RBC transfusions on the day of surgery (n = 74) also demonstrates a greater prevalence of infections in subjects receiving the oldest RBC units (0/33 [0%] with 7- to 15-day storage; 1/21 [5%] with 16- to 24-day storage; and 4/20 [20%] with 25- to 38-day storage; p = 0.01). In multivariate analysis, RBC storage age and corticosteroid administration were the only predictors of postoperative infection. Washing the oldest RBCs (> 27 d) was associated with a higher infection rate and increased morbidity compared with unwashed RBCs. DISCUSSION: Longer RBC storage duration was associated with increased postoperative nosocomial infections. This association may be secondary in part, to the large doses of stored RBCs transfused, from single-donor units. Washing the oldest RBCs was associated with increased morbidity, possibly from increased destruction of older, more fragile erythrocytes incurred by washing procedures. Additional studies examining the effect of RBC storage age on postoperative infection rate in pediatric cardiac surgery are warranted.

Right ventricular outflow tract obstruction after sinus of valsalva aneurysm repair.

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA) is a rare cardiac lesion especially in the western countries and older population. We report an unusual case of a 60-year-old Caucasian male with SVA, acute decompensation, and a pressurized prolapsed aortic leaflet cystic remnant via a small supracristal VSD causing recurrent right ventricular outflow tract obstruction following a Bentall procedure

Impact of Social Determinants of Health on Predictive Models for Outcomes After Congenital Heart Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Despite documented associations between social determinants of health and outcomes post-congenital heart surgery, clinical risk models typically exclude these factors. OBJECTIVES: The study sought to characterize associations between social determinants and operative and longitudinal mortality as well as assess impacts on risk model performance. METHODS: Demographic and clinical data were obtained for all congenital heart surgeries (2006-2021) from locally held Congenital Heart Surgery Collaborative for Longitudinal Outcomes and Utilization of Resources Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database data. Neighborhood-level American Community Survey and composite sociodemographic measures were linked by zip code. Model prediction, discrimination, and impact on quality assessment were assessed before and after inclusion of social determinants in models based on the 2020 Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database Mortality Risk Model. RESULTS: Of 14,173 total index operations across New York State, 12,321 cases, representing 10,271 patients at 8 centers, had zip codes for linkage. A total of 327 (2.7%) patients died in the hospital or before 30 days, and 314 children died by December 31, 2021 (total n = 641; 6.2%). Multiple measures of social determinants of health explained as much or more variability in operative and longitudinal mortality than clinical comorbidities or prior cardiac surgery. Inclusion of social determinants minimally improved models' predictive performance (operative: 0.834-0.844; longitudinal 0.808-0.811), but significantly improved model discrimination; 10.0% more survivors and 4.8% more mortalities were appropriately risk classified with inclusion. Wide variation in reclassification was observed by site, resulting in changes in the center performance classification category for 2 of 8 centers. CONCLUSIONS: Although indiscriminate inclusion of social determinants in clinical risk modeling can conceal inequities, thoughtful consideration can help centers understand their performance across populations and guide efforts to improve health equity.

Decreased incidence of supravalvar pulmonary stenosis after arterial switch operation.

BACKGROUND: Supravalvar pulmonary stenosis (SVPS) is frequently observed after arterial switch. Traditionally the coronary arteries are removed from the neopulmonic root by excising the entire sinus of Valsalva. As a result, reconstruction of the neopulmonic root requires a pericardial patch encompassing two-thirds of the anastomosis between the neopulmonic root and pulmonary artery. We present a technique where the coronary arteries are removed as limited buttons of sinus tissue, leaving the transected edge of the neopulmonic root intact. We hypothesize that maintaining native arterial tissue in the anastomosis between the neopulmonic root and the pulmonary artery bifurcation reduces postoperative SVPS. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed a retrospective review of neonates with D-transposition of the great arteries undergoing arterial switch procedure from 1996 to 2009. Charts were reviewed, and clinical outcomes recorded for each patient. Most recent echocardiograms were evaluated for right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. A total of 120 patients received arterial switch using this technique. There was 99% survival and no injuries to the coronary arteries regardless of anatomy. Total follow-up was 564 patient-years. Mean follow-up at last clinical visit was 66 ± 46 months. Evaluation of the most recent outpatient echocardiogram revealed an average peak instantaneous gradient across the neopulmonic root of 22.5 ± 5 mm Hg. Only 7 (5%) patients required reintervention (balloon dilation, n=5; surgery, n=2). CONCLUSIONS: Our technique of removing the coronary arteries as limited buttons, and anastomosis of the pulmonary artery using only native arterial tissue provides excellent midterm results with minimal SVPS.

Transfusion of cell saver salvaged blood in neonates and infants undergoing open heart surgery significantly reduces RBC and coagulant product transfusions and donor exposures: results of a prospective, randomized, clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether transfusion of cell saver salvaged, stored at the bedside for up to 24 hrs, would decrease the number of postoperative allogeneic RBC transfusions and donor exposures, and possibly improve clinical outcomes. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled, clinical trial. SETTING: Pediatric cardiac intensive care unit. PATIENTS: Infants weighing less than 20 kg (n = 106) presenting for cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects were randomized to a cell saver transfusion group where cell saver blood was available for transfusion up to 24 hrs after collection, or to a control group. Cell saver subjects received cell saver blood for volume replacement and/or RBC transfusions. Control subjects received crystalloid or albumin for volume replacement and RBCs for anemia. Blood product transfusions, donor exposures, and clinical outcomes were compared between groups. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Children randomized to the cell saver group had significantly fewer RBC transfusions (cell saver: 0.19 ± 0.44 vs. control: 0.75 ± 1.2; p = 0.003) and coagulant product transfusions in the first 48 hrs post-op (cell saver: 0.09 ± 0.45 vs. control: 0.62 ± 1.4; p = 0.013), and significantly fewer donor exposures (cell saver: 0.60 ± 1.4 vs. control: 2.3 ± 4.8; p = 0.019). This difference persisted over the first week post-op, but did not reach statistical significance (cell saver: 0.64 ± 1.24 vs. control: 1.1 ± 1.4; p = 0.07). There were no significant clinical outcome differences. CONCLUSION: Cell saver blood can be safely stored at the bedside for immediate transfusion for 24 hrs after collection. Administration of cell saver blood significantly reduces the number of RBC and coagulant product transfusions and donor exposures in the immediate postoperative period. Reduction of blood product transfusions has the potential to reduce transfusion-associated complications and decrease postoperative morbidity. Larger studies are needed to determine whether this transfusion strategy will improve clinical outcomes.

Percutaneous balloon dilation of Carpentier-Edwards porcine-valved right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduits.

Right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) conduit stenosis remains a significant problem for patients with right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery (RV-to-PA) conduits placed as palliation for congenital heart disease. Previous reports on balloon dilation of RVOT conduits all describe small series with varying levels of success during limited follow-up evaluation. This study reviewed all patients with RV-to-PA conduits who underwent percutaneous balloon dilation for conduit stenosis at the authors' institution from 2000 to 2011. Patients with Carpentier-Edwards (CE) model 4300 porcine-valved conduits (Edwards Lifesciences Corp., Irvine, CA) (n = 19) were compared with patients who had all other types of conduits (n = 19). Successful balloon angioplasty was defined as a 20 % decrease in the RV-to-PA gradient, a 20 % decrease in the ratio of the RV systolic-to-aortic systolic pressure, or both. Balloon dilation was successful for 57.9 % of the patients with CE conduits and for 31.6 % of patients with other types of conduits (p = 0.10, Chi square test). Logistic regression analysis showed that balloon dilation was significantly more likely to be successful with CE valves than with other types (odds ratio [OR], 6.59; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.22-35.49). In a continuous series of patients with stenotic RV-to-PA conduits, the CE porcine-valved conduit was more amenable to percutaneous balloon dilation than other types of RV-to-PA conduits at the midterm follow-up evaluation. This has important ramifications in terms of valve selection for patients with congenital heart disease who will require surgical reintervention for RVOT stenosis.

Long-Term Health Care Utilization After Cardiac Surgery in Children Covered Under Medicaid.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the longitudinal burden of health care expenditures and utilization after pediatric cardiac surgery is needed to counsel families, improve care, and reduce outcome inequities. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to describe and identify predictors of health care expenditures and utilization for Medicaid-insured pediatric cardiac surgical patients. METHODS: All Medicaid enrolled children age <18 years undergoing cardiac surgery in the New York State CHS-COLOUR database, from 2006 to 2019, were followed in Medicaid claims data through 2019. A matched cohort of children without cardiac surgical disease was identified as comparators. Expenditures and inpatient, primary care, subspecialist, and emergency department utilization were modeled using log-linear and Poisson regression models to assess associations between patient characteristics and outcomes. RESULTS: In 5,241 New York Medicaid-enrolled children, longitudinal health care expenditures and utilization for cardiac surgical patients exceeded noncardiac surgical comparators (cardiac surgical children: $15,500 ± $62,000 per month in year 1 and $1,600 ± $9,100 per month in year 5 vs noncardiac surgical children: $700 ± $6,600 per month in year 1 and $300 ± $2,200 per month in year 5). Children after cardiac surgery spent 52.9 days in hospitals and doctors' offices in the first postoperative year and 90.5 days over 5 years. Being Hispanic, compared with non-Hispanic White, was associated with having more emergency department visits, inpatient admissions, and subspecialist visits in years 2 to 5, but fewer primary care visits and greater 5-year mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Children after cardiac surgery have significant longitudinal health care needs, even among those with less severe cardiac disease. Health care utilization differed by race/ethnicity, although mechanisms driving disparities should be investigated further.

Chronic Medication Burden After Cardiac Surgery for Pediatric Medicaid Beneficiaries.

BACKGROUND: Congenital heart defects are the most common and resource-intensive birth defects. As children with congenital heart defects increasingly survive beyond early childhood, it is imperative to understand longitudinal disease burden. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine chronic outpatient prescription medication use and expenditures for New York State pediatric Medicaid enrollees, comparing children who undergo cardiac surgery (cardiac enrollees) and the general pediatric population. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of all Medicaid enrollees age <18 years using the New York State Congenital Heart Surgery Collaborative for Longitudinal Outcomes and Utilization of Resources database (2006-2019). Primary outcomes were total chronic medications per person-year, enrollees per 100 person-years using ≥1 and ≥3 medications, and medication expenditures per person-year. We described and compared outcomes between cardiac enrollees and the general pediatric population. Among cardiac enrollees, multivariable regression examined associations between outcomes and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: We included 5,459 unique children (32,131 person-years) who underwent cardiac surgery and 4.5 million children (22 million person-years) who did not. More than 4 in 10 children who underwent cardiac surgery used ≥1 chronic medication compared with approximately 1 in 10 children who did not have cardiac surgery. Medication expenditures were 10 times higher per person-year for cardiac compared with noncardiac enrollees. Among cardiac enrollees, disease severity was associated with chronic medication use; use was highest among infants; however, nearly one-half of adolescents used ≥1 chronic medication. CONCLUSIONS: Children who undergo cardiac surgery experience high medication burden that persists throughout childhood. Understanding chronic medication use can inform clinicians (both pediatricians and subspecialists) and policymakers, and ultimately the value of care for this medically complex population.

Washing red blood cells and platelets transfused in cardiac surgery reduces postoperative inflammation and number of transfusions: results of a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: Children undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass are susceptible to additional inflammatory and immunogenic insults from blood transfusions. We hypothesize that washing red blood cells and platelets transfused to these patients will reduce postoperative transfusion-related immune modulation and inflammation. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial. SETTING: University hospital pediatric cardiac intensive care unit. PATIENTS: Children from birth to 17 yrs undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. INTERVENTIONS: Children were randomized to an unwashed or washed red blood cells and platelet transfusion protocol for their surgery and postoperative care. All blood was leuko-reduced, irradiated, and ABO identical. Plasma was obtained for laboratory analysis preoperatively, immediately, and 6 and 12 hrs after cardiopulmonary bypass. Primary outcome was the 12-hr postcardiopulmonary bypass interleukin-6-to-interleukin-10 ratio. Secondary measures were interleukin levels, C-reactive protein, and clinical outcomes. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: One hundred sixty-two subjects were studied, 81 per group. Thirty-four subjects (17 per group) did not receive any blood transfusions. Storage duration of blood products was similar between groups. Among transfused subjects, the 12-hr interleukin ratio was significantly lower in the washed group (3.8 vs. 4.8; p = .04) secondary to lower interleukin-6 levels (after cardiopulmonary bypass: 65 vs.100 pg/mL, p = .06; 6 hrs: 89 vs.152 pg/mL, p = .02; 12 hrs: 84 vs.122 pg/mL, p = .09). Postoperative C-reactive protein was lower in subjects receiving washed blood (38 vs. 43 mg/L; p = .03). There was a numerical, but not statistically significant, decrease in total blood product transfusions (203 vs. 260) and mortality (2 vs. 6 deaths) in the washed group compared to the unwashed group. CONCLUSIONS: Washed blood transfusions in cardiac surgery reduced inflammatory biomarkers, number of transfusions, donor exposures, and were associated with a nonsignificant trend toward reduced mortality. A larger study powered to test for clinical outcomes is needed to determine whether these laboratory findings are clinically significant.

Transseptal catheter decompression of the left ventricle during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) can result in left-ventricular distension and the development of pulmonary edema. We present the case of a 13-year-old girl who presented with cardiogenic shock. VA-ECMO was initiated, but after 6 days, severe left-ventricular distension resulted in decreased VA-ECMO flows. With guidance by bedside transesophageal echocardiography, a percutaneous atrial transseptal cannula was placed and connected to the venous circuit, thus decompressing the left ventricle. The patient improved, was weaned from VA-ECMO 5 days later, and was discharged from the hospital. Bedside transseptal catheter insertion is an effective method of left-ventricular decompression.