ABSTRACT
There is renewed interest in septation of the double-inlet ventricle as an alternative to Fontan palliation. We examined our septation experience with over 30 years of follow-up. We retrospectively reviewed patients with double-inlet ventricle from 1990 to 2011. Patients with two adequate atrioventricular valves, a volume-overloaded ventricle, and no significant subaortic obstruction were septation candidates. Of 98 double-inlet ventricle patients, 9 (9.2%) underwent attempted septation via a one-stage (n = 2, 22.2%) or two-stage (n = 7, 77.8%) approach. Ages at primary septation were 7.5 and 20.2 months. In the staged group, median age at the first and second stage was 8.3 months [range 4.1-14.7] and 22.4 months [range 11.4-195.7], respectively. There were no operative mortalities. Median follow-up was 18.8 years [range 0.4-32.9] and 30-year transplant-free survival was 77.8% ± 13.9%. Both single stage patients are alive and in sinus rhythm; 1 underwent bilateral outflow tract obstruction repair 27 years later. Of 7 patients planned for two-stage septation, there was 1 interval mortality and 1 deferred the second stage. Five patients underwent the second stage; 1 required early reintervention for a residual neo-septal defect and 1 underwent right atrioventricular valve replacement 28 years later. Three patients required a pacemaker preoperatively (n = 1) or after partial septation (n = 2). At latest follow-up, 7 patients have normal biventricular function and no significant valvulopathy. All remain NYHA functional class I. Select double-inlet ventricles may be septated with excellent long-term outcomes. Reconsideration of this strategy is warranted to avoid the sequelae of Fontan circulation.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Postoperative chylothorax causes significant morbidities in pediatric patients with cardiac disease. New treatment approaches based on evolving understanding of underlying lymphatic dysfunction are being developed. We hypothesized that propranolol reduces morbidities and duration of chest tube requirement in high-output chylous effusion. METHODS: The postoperative courses of 50 pediatric patients with cardiac disease and high-output chylous effusion (control, n = 25; propranolol-treated, n = 25) were reviewed, including morbidities, length of hospitalization, and duration of chest tube requirement. Statistical analysis was performed using Welch's t test, Kruskal-Wallis tests for continuous variables, and chi-square and Fisher exact tests for categorical variables. Univariable logistic regression was used to determine predictors of response. RESULTS: Propranolol response was defined as 80% or more drainage reduction in 9 days or less. Treated patients were grouped into responders (<9 days) and nonresponders (>10 days). Neither initial amount of drainage (P = .12) nor day of propranolol initiation (P = .17) correlated with response. When compared with controls and nonresponders, responders had significantly fewer days with chest tube requirement (P < .01), infection (P < .0002), and thrombus (P = .005), and shorter hospitalization (P < .05). All patients had low serum albumin, although nonresponders had significantly decreased serum albumin when compared with responders and control patients (P < .002), and were more likely to receive albumin replacement (P < .01). Malnutrition was prevalent in all patient groups. CONCLUSIONS: Responders to propranolol had significantly less morbidity and duration of chest tube requirement when compared with control patients and nonresponders. Nonresponders did not have worse outcomes than control patients. We conclude that propranolol may be an effective treatment of patients with refractory chylothorax.
Subject(s)
Cardiac Surgical Procedures , Chylothorax , Heart Diseases , Cardiac Surgical Procedures/adverse effects , Child , Chylothorax/drug therapy , Chylothorax/etiology , Heart Diseases/complications , Humans , Postoperative Complications/drug therapy , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Propranolol/therapeutic use , Retrospective Studies , Serum AlbuminABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Chylothorax following cardiac surgery for congenital cardiac anomalies is a complication associated with severe morbidities and mortality. We hypothesize that there are intrinsic defects in the lymphatics of congenital cardiac patients. METHODS: Postsurgical chylothorax lymphatic endothelial cells (pcLECs) (n = 10) were isolated from the chylous fluid from congenital cardiac defect patients, and characterized by fluorescent-activated cell sorting, immunofluorescent staining, and quantitative RT-PCR. Results were compared to normal human dermal lymphatic endothelial cells (HdLECs). pcLECs (n = 3) and HdLECs were xenografted into immunocompromised mice. Implants and postoperative chylothorax patient's pulmonary tissues were characterized by immunostaining for lymphatic endothelial proteins. RESULTS: pcLECs expressed endothelial markers VECADHERIN, CD31, VEGFR2, lymphatic endothelial markers PROX1, podoplanin, VEGFR3, and progenitor endothelial markers CD90 and CD146. However, pcLECs had key differences relative to HdLECs, including altered expression and mislocalization of junctional proteins (VECADHERIN and CD31), and essential endothelial proteins, VEGFR2, VEGFR3, and PROX1. When xenografted in mice, pcLECs formed dilated lymphatic channels with poor cell-cell association. Similar to congenital lymphatic anomalies, the pulmonary lymphatics were dilated in a patient who developed postoperative chylothorax after cardiac surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Recent studies have shown that some postoperative chylothoraces in congenital cardiac anomalies are associated with anatomical lymphatic defects. We found that pcLECs have defects in expression and localization of proteins necessary to maintain lymphatic specification and function. This pcLEC phenotype is similar to that observed in lymphatic endothelial cells from congenital lymphatic anomalies. Co-existence of lymphatic anomalies should be considered as a feature of congenital cardiac anomalies.
ABSTRACT
Fontan circuit thrombosis is a significant cause of early postoperative morbidity and mortality. Thrombosis incidence and relationship to thromboprophylaxis choice and timing of initiation are not well established. We sought to evaluate the incidence of Fontan circuit thrombosis in the first 30 postoperative days and its relationship to thromboprophylaxis choice and timing. Patients undergoing Fontan surgery, 2006-2016, were reviewed. Fontan circuit thrombosis was defined by sonographic detection of intracardiac or deep venous thrombi. Logistic regression was used to assess relationships between thromboprophylaxis characteristics and thrombosis. One hundred ninety-two patients underwent Fontan. Fontan thrombosis occurred in 19 (10%) patients. 54% were started on aspirin, 27% coumadin, 4% heparin, and 7% none. There was no relationship between thrombosis and baseline anatomy, Fontan type or fenestration. Median time to thromboprophylaxis initiation was 4 days (interquartile range 2-6). Patients not started on thromboprophylaxis had 44.8 times the odds of thrombosis as those on thromboprophylaxis (confidence interval 6.4-311.7, P < 0.01); no children starting thromboprophylaxis before postoperative day 2 developed thromboses. For every day that thromboprophylaxis was delayed, odds of thrombosis increased by 30% (odds ratio 1.3; CI 1.1-1.6, P < 0.01). There was no difference in the odds of thrombosis between children taking aspirin vs other thromboprophylaxis types. Odds of early postoperative Fontan circuit thrombosis are increased in patients in whom thromboprophylaxis is delayed beyond the second postoperative day, with no difference in the odds of thrombosis between patients initiated on aspirin vs other thromboprophylaxis. Early aspirin institution post Fontan is recommended to reduce morbidity. Ultra-mini-Abstract: Odds of early postoperative Fontan circuit thrombosis are increased in patients in whom thromboprophylaxis is delayed beyond the second postoperative day, with no difference in the odds of thrombosis between patients initiated on aspirin vs other thromboprophylaxis. Early aspirin institution post Fontan is recommended to reduce morbidity and resource utilization.
Subject(s)
Thrombosis , Venous Thromboembolism , Anticoagulants , Child , Humans , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Postoperative Complications/prevention & control , Postoperative Period , Thrombosis/diagnostic imaging , Thrombosis/epidemiology , Thrombosis/etiology , WarfarinABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To describe the incidence of delirium in pediatric patients after cardiac bypass surgery and explore associated risk factors and effect of delirium on in-hospital outcomes. DESIGN: Prospective observational single-center study. SETTING: Fourteen-bed pediatric cardiothoracic ICU. PATIENTS: One hundred ninety-four consecutive admissions following cardiac bypass surgery, 1 day to 21 years old. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects were screened for delirium daily using the Cornell Assessment of Pediatric Delirium. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Incidence of delirium in this sample was 49%. Delirium most often lasted 1-2 days and developed within the first 1-3 days after surgery. Age less than 2 years, developmental delay, higher Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery 1 score, cyanotic disease, and albumin less than three were all independently associated with development of delirium in a multivariable model (all p < 0.03). Delirium was an independent predictor of prolonged ICU length of stay, with patients who were ever delirious having a 60% increase in ICU days compared with patients who were never delirious (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In our institution, delirium is a frequent problem in children after cardiac bypass surgery, with identifiable risk factors. Our study suggests that cardiac bypass surgery significantly increases children's susceptibility to delirium. This highlights the need for heightened, targeted delirium screening in all pediatric cardiothoracic ICUs to potentially improve outcomes in this vulnerable patient population.
Subject(s)
Cardiopulmonary Bypass , Delirium/etiology , Postoperative Complications , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Delirium/diagnosis , Delirium/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Incidence , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Intensive Care Units, Pediatric , Length of Stay/statistics & numerical data , Logistic Models , Male , Postoperative Complications/diagnosis , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Prognosis , Prospective Studies , Respiration, Artificial/statistics & numerical data , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: A lack of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines for neonates undergoing cardiac surgery has resulted in a wide variation in practice. We sought to do the following: (1) Determine the safety of a perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis protocol for neonatal cardiac surgery as measured by surgical site infections (SSIs) rates before and after implementation of the protocol; and (2) evaluate compliance with selected process measures for perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study included all cardiac procedures performed on neonates from July 2009 to June 2012 at a single center. An interdisciplinary task force developed a standardized perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis protocol in the fourth quarter of 2010. The SSI rates were compared in the preintervention (July 2009 to December 2010) versus the postintervention periods (January 2011 to June 2012). Compliance with process measures (appropriate drug, dose, timing, and discontinuation of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis) was compared in the 2 periods. RESULTS: During the study period, 283 cardiac procedures were performed. The SSI rates were similar in the preintervention and postintervention periods (6.21 vs 5.80 per 100 procedures, respectively). Compliance with the 4 process measures significantly improved postintervention. CONCLUSIONS: Restricting the duration of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis after neonatal cardiac surgery to 48 hours in neonates with a closed sternum and to 24 hours after sternal closure was safe and did not increase the rate of SSIs. Compliance with selected process measures improved in the postintervention period. Additional multicenter studies are needed to develop national guidelines for perioperative prophylaxis for this population.
Subject(s)
Antibiotic Prophylaxis/standards , Cardiac Surgical Procedures , Guideline Adherence/statistics & numerical data , Antibiotic Prophylaxis/adverse effects , Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Male , Surgical Wound Infection/epidemiology , Surgical Wound Infection/prevention & controlABSTRACT
Few recent studies have assessed the epidemiology of health care-associated infections (HAIs) in the pediatric population after cardiac surgery. A retrospective cohort study was performed to assess the epidemiology of several types of HAIs in children 18 years of age or younger undergoing cardiac surgery from July 2010 to June 2012. Potential pre-, intra-, and postoperative risk factors, including adherence to the perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis regimen at the authors' hospital, were assessed by multivariable analysis using Poisson regression models. Microorganisms associated with HAIs and their susceptibility patterns were described. Overall, 634 surgeries were performed, 38 (6 %) of which were complicated by an HAI occurring within 90 days after surgery. The HAIs included 7 central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), 12 non-CLABSI bacteremias, 6 episodes of early postoperative infective endocarditis (IE), 9 surgical-site infections (SSIs), and 4 ventilator-associated pneumonias (VAPs). Mechanical ventilation (rate ratio [RR] 1.07 per day; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.11; p = 0.0002), postoperative transfusion of blood products (RR 3.12; 95 %, CI 1.38-7.06; p = 0.0062), postoperative steroid use (RR 3.32; 95 % CI 1.56-7.02; p = 0.0018), and continuation of antibiotic prophylaxis longer than 48 h after surgery (RR 2.56; 95 % CI 1.31-5.03; p = 0.0062) were associated with HAIs. Overall, 66.7 % of the pathogens associated with SSIs were susceptible to cefazolin, the perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis used by the authors' hospital. In conclusion, HAIs occurred after 6 % of cardiac surgeries. Bacteremia and CLABSI were the most common. This study identified several potentially modifiable risk factors that suggest interventions. Further studies should assess the role of improving adherence to perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis, the age of transfused red blood cells, and evidence-based guidelines for postoperative steroids.
Subject(s)
Bacteremia/epidemiology , Cardiac Surgical Procedures/adverse effects , Cross Infection/epidemiology , Endocarditis, Bacterial/epidemiology , Pneumonia, Ventilator-Associated/epidemiology , Surgical Wound Infection/epidemiology , Adolescent , Bacteremia/etiology , Child , Child, Preschool , Cohort Studies , Cross Infection/etiology , Endocarditis, Bacterial/etiology , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Multivariate Analysis , Pneumonia, Ventilator-Associated/etiology , Prevalence , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Surgical Wound Infection/etiology , Time Factors , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Few recent studies have assessed the epidemiology of and risk factors for surgical site infections (SSIs) and bloodstream infections (BSIs) in infants after cardiac surgery. We hypothesized that infants younger than 30 days old and those with higher Risk Adjustment in Congenital Heart Surgery-1 scores would have an increased risk of SSIs, but not an increased risk of BSIs after surgery. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of infants younger than 1 year of age undergoing cardiac surgery from January 2010 to December 2011 to determine the rates of SSIs and BSIs occurring within 3 months of surgery, risk factors associated with these infections, and causative pathogens. Multivariable associations using Cox proportional hazard modeling assessed potential risk factors for BSIs or SSIs. RESULTS: Overall, 8.7% (48 of 552) of surgical procedures were complicated by SSIs (n = 19) or BSIs (n = 29). Thus, SSIs and BSIs occurred after 3.4% and 5.3% of procedures, respectively. Multivariate models found age younger than 30 days, incorrect timing of preoperative antibiotics, and excessive bleeding within 24 hours of surgery to be significant predictors for SSIs, and duration of use of arterial lines to be a significant predictor for BSIs. Gram-positive bacteria caused 75% of SSIs and BSIs and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus caused 63% of SSIs. DISCUSSION: We identified some potential strategies to reduce risk, including closer monitoring of timing of preoperative antimicrobial prophylaxis and enhanced efforts to achieve intraoperative hemostasis and earlier removal of arterial lines. CONCLUSIONS: SSIs and BSIs remain important complications after cardiac surgery in infants.
Subject(s)
Cardiac Surgical Procedures/adverse effects , Surgical Wound Infection/epidemiology , Age Factors , Anti-Bacterial Agents/administration & dosage , Antibiotic Prophylaxis , Catheterization, Peripheral/adverse effects , Drug Administration Schedule , Female , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Kaplan-Meier Estimate , Male , Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/isolation & purification , Multivariate Analysis , New York City/epidemiology , Postoperative Hemorrhage/epidemiology , Postoperative Hemorrhage/prevention & control , Proportional Hazards Models , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Surgical Wound Infection/diagnosis , Surgical Wound Infection/microbiology , Surgical Wound Infection/prevention & control , Time Factors , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Aortic atresia is the most severe variant of hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), and has been associated with significant mortality after stage I palliation. Coronary artery abnormalities are more prominent in this group of patients, especially in the presence of a patent mitral valve. Herein, we describe a case of isolated left ventricular ischemia after the Norwood procedure in a neonate with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, left ventricular hypertrophy, mitral stenosis, aortic atresia, and anomalous left coronary artery.