Fetal aortic valvuloplasty as the first step in a complex therapeutic strategy.

BACKGROUND: Fetal aortic valvuloplasty (FAV) is proposed to prevent hypoplastic left heart syndrome due to fetal critical aortic stenosis. OBJECTIVE: to report our experience on FAV as the first step in a complex therapeutic strategy. METHOD: Series of patients with FAV over an 18-year period. RESULTS: 27 FAVs were performed in 26 fetuses, with technical success in 82% (22/27) and periprocedural fetal demise in 22% (6/27), decreasing to 15% in the second half-cohort. Loss to follow-up was due to birth or postnatal therapy in other centers (5) and termination of pregnancy (1), A normal-sized LV at birth was observed in 46% (6/13), 4 neonates underwent aortic valvuloplasty and 2 cardiac surgeries, with 5/6 achieving biventricular circulation at 28 days, and 3 transplant-free survival at mid-term follow-up. The 7/13 born with a borderline LV underwent LV rehabilitation strategy, with survival at 28 days in 4/7 and at mid-term in 3: one with biventricular circulation, one with a ventricle-and-a-half repair, and one lost to follow-up. CONCLUSION: FAV was feasible in most cases, with no maternal complications, and biventricular circulation at 28 days in ∼40% of survivors. After FAV, a diverse range of postnatal cardiac interventions are performed, reflecting the challenging innovation in current cardiovascular therapy.

Interatrial Septum Stenting for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome in Ex Utero Intrapartum Therapy.

Patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) with intact atrial septum have an increased mortality rate. This presentation occurs in 6% to 10% of cases. We present a patient with fetal diagnosis of HLHS with restrictive atrial septum. We performed a cesarean section at 37 weeks of gestation, and under ex utero intrapartum treatment proceeded with a median sternotomy and transatrial stenting for left atrial decompression due to findings of intact atrial septum on the fetal echocardiogram performed during the procedure. Subsequently, the patient underwent hybrid stage I palliation followed by a comprehensive stage II procedure at five months of age, but unfortunately died from postoperative complications.

[Perinatal outcome and five-year survival in children with prenatal diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome]. / Evolución perinatal y sobrevida a cinco años en niños con diagnóstico prenatal de síndrome de hipoplasia de ventrículo izquierdo.

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a congenital heart disease of low prevalence and high lethality. OBJECTIVE: to determine the perinatal outcome and survival at one and five years of fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of HLHS. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Prospective cohort study of all the fetuses with HLHS from the Perinatal Reference Center (CERPO) born between January 2008 and December 2017. Demographic and clinical perinatal data were obtained from the CERPO database. At one and five years of age, a telephone survey was conducted to determine the surgical treatment and survival. RESULTS: 1,573 patients were admitted to the CERPO, 899 with congenital heart diseases (CHD), confirming the prenatal diagnosis of HLHS in 7% (110/1,573). The mean gestational age at diagnosis and the median at admission were 26+3 and 32+3 weeks, respectively. 89% were born alive, 90% at term, and 57% delivered by cesarean section. The median birth weight was 3,128 grams. 89% survive the prenatal period, 50% the early neonatal period, 33% the late neonatal period, 19% the first year, and 17% at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: In this center, the one-year and five-year survival of fetuses with prenatal diagnosis of HLHS was 19% and 17%, respectively. It is important for prenatal counseling to consider publications based on local casuistry, that include patients with prenatal and postnatal diagnoses and those who underwent surgery, in order to provide more precise information to parents.

Experiences of parents of children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome during their treatment: a qualitative study.

AIM: To investigate the opinion and personal experience of parents of children born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and what advice they would give to other parents who have to decide between treatment options. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative, descriptive and retrospective study by means of a survey directed to parents of children born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome in a tertiary hospital in Buenos Aires (Argentina). Their answers and data regarding medical procedures were analysed. RESULTS: Parents of thirteen out of sixteen patients with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome were surveyed. Norwood surgery had been performed in all the patients, many had received other procedures, and five had died. In relation to the decision-making process, sixty-one percent of parents would recommend other parents to remain at peace after having done everything possible and 54% would suggest to not feel guilt despite the final result. None of the parents would recommend rejecting surgical treatment and choosing comfort care. CONCLUSION: The majority of parents of children with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome would recommend continuing with the therapeutic effort in order to feel at peace and reduce feelings of guilt.

Modeling of the Tricuspid Valve and Right Ventricle in Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome With a Fontan Circulation.

BACKGROUND: In hypoplastic left heart syndrome, tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is associated with circulatory failure and death. We hypothesized that the tricuspid valve (TV) structure of patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome with a Fontan circulation and moderate or greater TR differs from those with mild or less TR, and that right ventricle volume is associated with TV structure and dysfunction. METHODS: TV of 100 patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and a Fontan circulation were modeled using transthoracic 3-dimensional echocardiograms and custom software in SlicerHeart. Associations of TV structure to TR grade and right ventricle function and volume were investigated. Shape parameterization and analysis was used to calculate the mean shape of the TV leaflets, their principal modes of variation, and to characterize associations of TV leaflet shape to TR. RESULTS: In univariate modeling, patients with moderate or greater TR had larger TV annular diameters and area, greater annular distance between the anteroseptal commissure and anteroposterior commissure, greater leaflet billow volume, and more laterally directed anterior papillary muscle angles compared to valves with mild or less TR (all P<0.001). In multivariate modeling greater total billow volume, lower anterior papillary muscle angle, and greater distance between the anteroposterior commissure and anteroseptal commissure were associated with moderate or greater TR (P<0.001, C statistic=0.85). Larger right ventricle volumes were associated with moderate or greater TR (P<0.001). TV shape analysis revealed structural features associated with TR, but also highly heterogeneous TV leaflet structure. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate or greater TR in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome with a Fontan circulation is associated with greater leaflet billow volume, a more laterally directed anterior papillary muscle angle, and greater annular distance between the anteroseptal commissure and anteroposterior commissure. However, there is significant heterogeneity of structure in the TV leaflets in regurgitant valves. Given this variability, an image-informed patient-specific approach to surgical planning may be needed to achieve optimal outcomes in this vulnerable and challenging population.

Prolonged Enteral Tube Feeding in Infants With a Functional Single Ventricle Is Associated With Adverse Outcomes After Fontan Completion.

OBJECTIVES: To define the baseline characteristics of long-term tube-fed (TF) single ventricle patients, investigate associations between long-term enteral tube feeding and growth, and determine associations with long-term outcomes after Fontan procedure. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients in the Australia and New Zealand Fontan Registry undergoing treatment at the Royal Children's Hospital, the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Royal Melbourne Hospital, and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital from 1981 to 2018. Patients were defined as TF or non-tube-fed (NTF) based on enteral tube feeding at the age of 90 days. Feeding groups were compared regarding body mass index (BMI) trajectory, BMI at last follow-up, and long-term incidence of severe Fontan failure. RESULTS: Of 390 patients (56 [14%] TF, 334 [86%] NTF), TF was associated with right ventricular dominance, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, Norwood procedure, increased procedures prior to Fontan, extracardiac conduit Fontan, Fontan fenestration, and atrioventricular valve repair/replacement. TF patients were less likely to be in the higher compared with lowest 0-6 month BMI trajectory (P < .01; P = .03), had lower 6 month weight-for-age z-scores (P < .01) and length-for-age z-scores (P = .01). TF were less likely to be overweight/obese at pediatric follow-up (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.12-0.80; P = .02) and more likely to be underweight at adult follow-up (HR = 16.51; 5% CI: 2.70-101.10; P < .01). TF compared with NTF was associated with increased risk of severe Fontan failure (HR = 4.13; 95% CI = 1.65-10.31; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged infant enteral tube feeding is an independent marker of poor growth and adverse clinical outcomes extending long-term post-Fontan procedure.

Preterm Birth Is Associated With Adverse Cardiac Remodeling and Worse Outcomes in Patients With a Functional Single Right Ventricle.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of preterm birth on cardiac structure and function and transplant-free survival in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and associated anomalies throughout the staged palliation process. STUDY DESIGN: Data from the Single Ventricle Reconstruction trial were used to assess the impact of prematurity on echocardiographic measures at birth, Norwood, Stage II, and 14 months in 549 patients with a single functional right ventricle. Medical history was recorded once a year using medical records or telephone interviews. Cox regression models were applied to analyze transplant-free survival to age 6 years. Causal mediation analysis was performed to estimate the mediating effect of birth weight within this relationship. RESULTS: Of the 549 participants, 64 (11.7%) were born preterm. Preterm-born participants had lower indexed right ventricle end-diastolic volumes at birth but higher volumes than term-born participants by age 14 months. Preterm-born participants had an increased risk of death or heart transplantation from birth to age 6 years, with an almost linear increase in the observed risk as gestational age decreased below 37 weeks. Of the total effect of preterm birth on transplant-free survival, 27.3% (95% CI 2.5-59.0%) was mediated through birth weight. CONCLUSIONS: Preterm birth is associated with adverse right ventricle remodeling and worse transplant-free survival throughout the palliation process, in part independently of low birth weight. Further investigation into this vulnerable group may allow development of strategies that mitigate the impact of prematurity on outcomes in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

The Relationship of Family Factors to Psychosocial Outcomes in Children with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome at 6 Years of Age.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to describe the relationships between family factors and outcomes for children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). STUDY DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was ancillary to the Pediatric Heart Network Single Ventricle Reconstruction Extension Study to examine family factors including parental mental health, quality of life (QOL), family resources, function and management, and their relationships to child psychosocial outcomes (adaptive behavior, internalizing and externalizing behaviors and health-related quality of life [HRQOL]) at 6 years of age. RESULTS: Participants were parents (115 mothers, 71 fathers) of children with HLHS. Parents reported anxiety, QOL and family resources that were worse than the general population; 33% reported family dysfunction. There were no meaningful differences between reports from mothers and fathers. Parental perception of better child health was associated with better family management of the condition (P < .05). Several family management factors explained a moderate amount of variance in adaptive behavior (ΔR2 = 0.08-0.14), adaptive skills (ΔR2 = 0.19-0.21), and HRQOL scores (ΔR2 = 0.04-0.18); little variance was explained in internalizing problems (ΔR2 = 0.02-0.03) (all P < .05) above and beyond demographic and clinical variables. CONCLUSIONS: HLHS has a significant impact on both children and families. Relationships between child and family characteristics may impose risk or protection. Improved understanding of these associations should guide counseling and tailored interventions.

Technical Aspects and Common Pitfalls of Norwood With Modified Blalock Taussig Shunt.

The Stage 1 Norwood procedure is the first of 3 stages in the surgical palliation of hypoplastic left heart syndrome and certain other single ventricle lesions with systemic outflow obstruction. In this article, we address some technical aspects and common pitfalls of the Norwood procedure with systemic to pulmonary shunt for HLHS palliation. We report our results with the Norwood with Blalock Taussig shunt in a cohort of 44 patients over a 7-year period in 2 institutions in Argentina. The results of the Norwood procedure have improved significantly through the understanding and refinement of the surgical techniques. Procedures must be technically perfect since residual lesions are poorly tolerated. Norwood with a modified Blalock Taussig shunt can be performed with low mortality and may provide excellent long-term outcomes.

Imaging for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is a complex congenital heart defect with clinical presentation in the neonatal period. Echocardiography is the main diagnostic tool and allows detailed examination of the underlying anatomy and physiology and both pre and postnatally. In the following pages, key information regarding the evaluation of the interatrial septum, cardiac valves, right ventricular function, and ductal and aortic arches will be discussed in a systematic fashion allowing decision regarding the possible therapeutic strategies.

Novel use of reverse double switch operation in failed left ventricular recruitment pathway.

In spite of great advances in staged left ventricle recruitment strategy, some patients do not achieve biventricular circulation nor are candidates for reversal to single-ventricle palliation. We present a case of a successful reverse double switch operation in a patient with failure of left ventricle recruitment and pulmonary hypertension. This strategy provided a one-and-a-half repair with a sub-pulmonary hypoplastic left ventricle that improved the patient's clinical status, becoming a novel alternative in this particular subset of patients.

Early Outcomes of the Norwood Procedure in a Reference Center in Brazil. / Resultados Precoces do Procedimento de Norwood em um Centro de Referência no Brasil.

BACKGROUND: Only two papers have addressed the early outcomes of patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) undergoing the Norwood operation, in Brazil. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated patients with HLHS undergoing the first-stage Norwood operation in order to identify the predictive factors for early (within the first 30 days after surgery) and intermediate (from early survival up to the Glenn procedure) mortality. METHODS: Patients with HLHS undergoing the stage I Norwood procedure from January 2016 through April 2019, in our service, were enrolled. Demographic, anatomical, and surgical data were analyzed. Endpoints were early mortality (within the first 30 days after surgery), intermediate mortality (from early survival up to the Glenn procedure) and the need for postoperative ECMO support. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed, and odds ratios, with 95% confidence intervals, were calculated. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 80 patients with HLHS underwent the stage I Norwood procedure. The 30-day survival rate was 91.3% and the intermediate survival rate 81.3%. Fourteen patients (17.5%) required ECMO support. Lower weight (p=0.033), aortic stenosis (vs aortic atresia; p=0.036), and the need for postoperative ECMO support (p=0.009) were independent predictive factors for 30-day mortality. Mitral valve stenosis (vs mitral valve atresia; p=0.041) was an independent predictive factor for intermediate mortality. CONCLUSION: The present study includes the largest Brazilian cohort of patients with HLHS undergoing the stage I Norwood procedure in the recent era. Our survival rates were comparable to the highest survival rates reported globally. Low body weight, aortic valve stenosis, and the need for postoperative ECMO support were independent predictors for 30-day mortality. Mitral valve stenosis was the only independent predictive factor for intermediate mortality.

FUNDAMENTO: Apenas dois artigos abordam os resultados precoces de pacientes com síndrome do coração esquerdo hipoplásico (SHCE) submetidos à operação de Norwood, no Brasil. OBJETIVOS: Avaliamos pacientes com SHCE submetidos ao primeiro estágio da operação de Norwood para identificar os fatores preditivos de mortalidade precoce (nos primeiros 30 dias após a cirurgia) e intermediária (desde a sobrevida precoce até o procedimento de Glenn). MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos pacientes com SHCE submetidos em nosso serviço ao primeiro estágio da operação de Norwood de janeiro de 2016 a abril de 2019. Dados demográficos, anatômicos e cirúrgicos foram analisados. Os desfechos foram mortalidade precoce (nos primeiros 30 dias após a cirurgia), mortalidade intermediária (desde a sobrevida precoce até o procedimento de Glenn) e a necessidade de suporte pós-operatório com ECMO. Foram realizadas análises univariadas e multivariadas e calculados odds ratios, com intervalos de confiança de 95%. Um valor de p < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. RESULTADOS: Um total de 80 pacientes com SHCE foram submetidos ao primeiro estágio da operação de Norwood. A taxa de sobrevida em 30 dias foi de 91,3% e a taxa de sobrevida intermediária foi de 81,3%. Quatorze pacientes (17,5%) necessitaram de suporte com ECMO. Menor peso (p=0,033), estenose aórtica (vs atresia aórtica; p=0,036) e necessidade de suporte pós-operatório com ECMO (p=0,009) foram fatores preditivos independentes para mortalidade em 30 dias. A estenose da valva mitral ( vs atresia da valva mitral; p=0,041) foi um fator preditivo independente para mortalidade intermediária. CONCLUSÃO: O presente estudo inclui a maior coorte brasileira de pacientes com SHCE submetidos ao primeiro estágio da operação de Norwood na era recente. Nossas taxas de sobrevida foram comparáveis às mais altas taxas de sobrevida relatadas globalmente. Baixo peso corporal, estenose valvar aórtica e necessidade de suporte pós-operatório com ECMO foram preditores independentes para mortalidade em 30 dias. A estenose da valva mitral foi o único fator preditivo independente para mortalidade intermediária.

Hypoxic Gas Therapy in Neonatology: Considerations in Practice.

BACKGROUND: Adequate oxygenation is essential for sick newborns. Each disease determines the target of oxygenation. Nevertheless, hyperoxia and hypoxia are related to adverse outcomes. Most studies related to this aspect have been conducted in preterm infants or term babies with pulmonary pathology. INTRODUCTION: Congenital heart diseases may also require careful oxygenation control and management of oxygen supply. METHODS: Presurgical stabilization of complex heart diseases (CHD) may be difficult, especially after the physiological decrease of pulmonary resistance, which generates pulmonary edema (due to overcirculation) and systemic hypoperfusion. Several strategies have been described to avoid this phenomenon, such as prostaglandin, vasodilators, inotropes, positive airway pressure, and even hypoxic mixture (inspired fraction of oxygen (FiO2) below 21%). DISCUSSION: The latter therapy is mainly used in single ventricular physiology heart diseases, such as the hypoplasic left heart syndrome (HLHS) or systemic ductus-dependent flow CHD (interruption of the aortic arch and coarctation of the aorta). Alveolar oxygen affects pulmonary vascular resistance modifying lung flow. This modification could help the stabilization during the presurgical period of complex CDH. Many centers use hypoxic therapy to avoid hypotension, metabolic acidosis, coronarycerebral ischemia, and liver, renal and intestinal injury. Despite the theoretical benefits, there are doubts about how tissue oxygen supply would change during hypoxic gas ventilation. It is worrisome that FiO2 < 21% causes a decrease in brain oxygenation, adding neurological injury as a complication to the already established disease of CHD and other not modifiable factors. Brain monitoring through near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during hypoxic gas therapy is mandatory. Recent studies have shown that hypoxic gas ventilation therapy in patients with HLHS in the preoperative period decreases the ratio between systemic and pulmonary circulation (Qp/Qs) but does not improve regional oxygenation delivery. The use of hypoxic gas ventilation therapy continues to be controversial. It could be an option in some complex CHD, mainly HLHS.

[Prenatal diagnosis and early neonatal management of patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome: Experience of a perinatal center]. / Diagnóstico prenatal y manejo neonatal precoz de pacientes con Síndrome de corazón izquierdo hipoplásico: Experiencia de un centro perinatal.

INTRODUCTION: Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) is the most common form of functional single-ventricle heart disease. Despite improvements in medical and surgical care, morbidity and mortality remain high, especially around the first surgical stage. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics of newborns with HLHS, seen at a perinatal referral center. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective des criptive study of all newborns with pre and/or postnatal diagnosis of HLHS between 2014 and 2019 in the Complejo Asistencial Dr. Sótero del Rio. Medical records were reviewed collecting demographic and perinatal variables, clinical evolution, mortality associated with the first surgery, and survival at one year. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were included. Most were term newborns and 13/19 were fema le. All had a prenatal diagnosis. Five patients had associated extracardiac anomalies. 16/19 required vasoactive drugs and 17/19 used invasive mechanical ventilation. Seven patients received enteral fe eding, without episodes of enterocolitis. The median age at transfer for surgery was 8 days. Thirteen patients underwent the Norwood procedure, with 31% of mortality, and 47% of survival at one year. CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal management of patients with HLHS is complex and the multidisciplinary approach is fundamental. Mortality around the first surgical stage of our cohort is greater than the international reports which could be influenced by the absence of fetal therapy and the higher inci dence of extracardiac malformations.

Norwood Procedure in a Patient With Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, Right Aortic Arch, and Right Descending Aorta.

We describe the surgical treatment of a patient with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and right aortic arch.

Poor Weight Recovery Between Stage 1 Palliation and Hospital Discharge for Infants with Single Ventricle Physiology: An Analysis of the National Pediatric Cardiology Quality Improvement Collaborative Phase II Dataset.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate change in weight-for-age z-scores (WAZ) and risk factors for impaired weight gain between stage 1 palliation (S1P) for single ventricle physiology and discharge. STUDY DESIGN: This was a secondary analysis of the National Pediatric Cardiology Quality Improvement Collaborative Phase II database. The primary outcome was change in WAZ between S1P and discharge. Risk factors were selected using multivariable mixed effects regression constructed by step-wise model selection, with adjustment for WAZ at S1P and a random effect for center. RESULTS: Of 730 infants who were discharged after S1P, WAZ decreased in 98.6% (-1.5 ± 0.7). WAZ at discharge was <-1 but >-2 (at risk) in 40% and <-2 (failure to thrive) in 35% of participants. Males, higher WAZ at S1P, non-S1P procedures (mostly noncardiac), increased length of stay, necrotizing enterocolitis, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor use at discharge were associated with a greater decrease in WAZ. Preoperative enteral feeding and respiratory medications were associated with a lesser decrease in the WAZ. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly all infants lose weight after S1P with little recovery by hospital discharge. At discharge, three-quarters of the infants in the cohort were at risk for impaired weight gain or had failure to thrive. Most risk factors associated with change in WAZ were unmodifiable or surrogates of disease severity. Novel interventions are needed to minimize the early catabolic effects and promote anabolic recovery after S1P.

Standardization of the Perioperative Management for Neonates Undergoing the Norwood Operation for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and Related Heart Defects.

OBJECTIVES: In-hospital complications after the Norwood operation for single ventricle heart defects account for the majority of morbidity and mortality. Inpatient care variation occurs within and across centers. This multidisciplinary quality improvement project standardized perioperative management in a large referral center. DESIGN: Quality improvement project. SETTING: High volume cardiac center, tertiary care children's hospital. PATIENTS: Neonates undergoing Norwood operation. INTERVENTIONS: The quality improvement team developed and implemented a clinical guideline (preoperative admission to 48 hr after surgery). The composite process metric, Guideline Adherence Score, contained 13 recommendations in the guideline that reflected consistent care for all patients. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: One-hundred two consecutive neonates who underwent Norwood operation (January 1, 2013, to July 12, 2016) before guideline implementation were compared with 50 consecutive neonates after guideline implementation (July 13, 2016, to May 4, 2018). No preguideline operations met the goal Guideline Adherence Score. In the first 6 months after guideline implementation, 10 of 12 operations achieved goal Guideline Adherence Score and continued through implementation, reaching 100% for the last 10 operations. Statistical process control analysis demonstrated less variability and decreased hours of postoperative mechanical ventilation and cardiac ICU length of stay during implementation. There were no statistically significant differences in major hospital complications or in 30-day mortality. A higher percentage of patients were extubated by postoperative day 2 after guideline implementation (67% [30/47] vs 41% [41/99], respectively; p = 0.01). Of these patients, reintubation within 72 hours of extubation significantly decreased after guideline implementation (0% [0/30] vs 17% [7/41] patients, respectively; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: This initiative successfully implemented a standardized perioperative care guideline for neonates undergoing the Norwood operation at a large center. Positive statistical process control centerline shifts in Guideline Adherence Score, length of postoperative mechanical ventilation, and cardiac ICU length of stay were demonstrated. A higher percentage were successfully extubated by postoperative day 2. Establishment of standard processes can lead to best practices to decrease major adverse events.

[Extubation failure after Norwood procedure in hypoplastic left heart syndrome patients]. / Extubación fallida postoperación de Norwood en pacientes con síndrome de hipoplasia de ventrículo izquierdo.

INTRODUCTION: Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is the main cause of mortality due to congenital heart disea se. The Norwood surgery is the first procedure of the surgical staging process towards a single ventri cle physiology or Fontan-type operation and has a mortality rate of 10% to 30%. Extubation failure during the postoperative period occurs in up to 18% of these patients and is associated with increased mortality. OBJECTIVE: To describe extubation failure rates and risk factors in pediatric patients with HLHS who underwent Norwood procedure. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Case-control study that included all the patients with HLHS managed with Norwood surgery at the Hospital Clínico de la Pontificia Universidad Catolica between January 2000 and February 2018. Cases and controls were defined as patients with extubation failure and as patients without this complication, respectively. The fo llowing variables were recorded demographic, surgical, and post-surgical ones, and univariate and multivariate analyses (logistic regression) were performed to determine risk factors associated with extubation failure. RESULTS: Out of 107 patients, 26 of them presented extubation failure (24.3%). In the univariate analysis, longer mechanical ventilation time during the postsurgical period, atelectasis, pleural effusion, chylothorax, other respiratory morbidities (i.e. apneas and tracheitis), and longer infusion times of morphine and midazolam, all were associated with a higher extubation failure rate in this population. In the multivariable analysis, chylothorax, other respiratory comorbidities, and longer infusion time of midazolam remained associated with this complication, however, it was not associated with higher mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Chylothorax, respiratory comorbidities, and longer use of Midazolam should be addressed before planning airway extubation in order to avoid failure.

Extubación fallida postoperación de Norwood en pacientes con síndrome de hipoplasia de ventrículo izquierdo / Extubation failure after Norwood procedure in hypoplastic left heart syndrome patients

Resumen: Introducción: En pacientes con Síndrome de Hipoplasia de Ventrículo Izquierdo (SHVI) la primera etapa hacia una fisiología univentricular de Fontan es la operación de Norwood, cuya mortalidad es 10-30%. En estos pacientes la extubación fallida se presenta en un 18% y se ha asociado a aumento de la mortali dad. Objetivo: Describir la frecuencia de extubación fallida y sus factores de riesgo en pacientes con SHVI operados (Norwood). Pacientes y Método: Estudio de casos y controles que incluyó a todos los pacientes con SHVI manejados con cirugía de Norwood en el Hospital Clínico de la Pontificia Universidad Católica (enero-2000 a febrero-2018). Se define como casos a pacientes con falla en la extubación y como controles a los pacientes sin esta complicación. Se registraron variables demográficas, quirúrgicas, y post-quirúrgicas, y se realizó análisis univariado y multivariado (regresión logística) para determinar los factores de riesgo asociados a la falla en la extubación. Resultados: De un total de 107 pacientes, 26 pacientes tuvieron extubación fallida (24,3%). En el análisis univariado los factores asociados a extubación fallida fueron: mayor tiempo de ventilación mecánica postquirúrgico, desarrollar atelectasias, derrame pleural, quilotórax, tener otras comorbilidades respiratorias (apnea y traqueítis), y mayor tiempo de uso de morfina y midazolam. En el análisis multivariado, la presencia de quilotórax, otras comorbilidades respiratorias, y mayor tiempo de uso de midazolam fueron variables asociadas a extubación fallida (p<0,03). La extubación fallida no se asoció a mayor mortalidad. Conclusiones: La presencia de quilotórax, complicaciones respiratorias y uso de mida zolam prolongado deben considerarse para definir el momento de la extubación, con el objetivo de evitar su fracaso.

Abstract: Introduction: Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is the main cause of mortality due to congenital heart disea se. The Norwood surgery is the first procedure of the surgical staging process towards a single ventri cle physiology or Fontan-type operation and has a mortality rate of 10% to 30%. Extubation failure during the postoperative period occurs in up to 18% of these patients and is associated with increased mortality. Objective: To describe extubation failure rates and risk factors in pediatric patients with HLHS who underwent Norwood procedure. Patients and Method: Case-control study that included all the patients with HLHS managed with Norwood surgery at the Hospital Clínico de la Pontificia Universidad Catolica between January 2000 and February 2018. Cases and controls were defined as patients with extubation failure and as patients without this complication, respectively. The following variables were recorded demographic, surgical, and post-surgical ones, and univariate and multivariate analyses (logistic regression) were performed to determine risk factors associated with extubation failure. Results: Out of 107 patients, 26 of them presented extubation failure (24.3%). In the univariate analysis, longer mechanical ventilation time during the postsurgical period, atelectasis, pleural effusion, chylothorax, other respiratory morbidities (i.e. apneas and tracheitis), and longer infusion times of morphine and midazolam, all were associated with a higher extubation failure rate in this population. In the multivariable analysis, chylothorax, other respiratory comorbidities, and longer infusion time of midazolam remained associated with this complication, however, it was not associated with higher mortality. Conclusions: Chylothorax, respiratory comorbidities, and longer use of Midazolam should be addressed before planning airway extubation in order to avoid failure.