Biomedical subjects

J M Quaegebeur

Publications and source records attributed to J M Quaegebeur.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

Bulboventricular foramen resection: hemodynamic and electrophysiologic results.

BACKGROUND: The two major surgical approaches to the relief of bulboventricular foramen (BVF) obstruction in patients with single left ventricle (LV) are the Damus-Kaye-Stansel (DKS) procedure or direct BVF resection. Theoretical advantages of the DKS include better out-flow gradient relief, lower potential incidences of postoperative heart block and lower incidences of reoperation. Potential disadvantages of this approach include increased semilunar valvar insufficiency, lack of feasibility when attempting septation-type operations for univentricular hearts, and a technically more difficult operation. We report the results of direct surgical BVF resection. METHODS: From June 1990 to June 1999, 9 patients had direct BVF resection performed at our institution. The median age at surgery was 16.5 years (range 1 month to 27 years). Diagnoses in these patients were [S,L,L] single LV (n = 8) and [S,D,D] single LV tricuspid atresia (n = 1). Eight of 9 patients had pulmonary artery bands placed either before BVF resection or at the same time as this procedure. Three patients required reoperation for reobstruction at the BVF (12 total operations in 9 patients). RESULTS: Median preoperative peak systolic gradient across the BVF measured at cardiac catheterization was 47 mm Hg (range 10 to 63 mm Hg). The median peak gradient measured by Doppler echocardiography was 44 mm Hg (range 5 to 125 mm Hg). Eight of 9 patients survived the operation to discharge from the hospital and 7 of 9 are alive at follow-up. At a median follow-up of 22 months (range 5 to 76 months), 8 of 8 surviving patients had an unobstructed BVF as determined by qualitative two-dimensional echocardiography and Doppler color flow imaging. There was one perioperative and one late death 5 months postoperatively (secondary to fungal sepsis). No patient developed new or worsened aortic insufficiency after BVF resection. Eight of 9 patients had no change in AV nodal conduction after surgery. One patient developed Mobitz II heart block requiring postoperative implantation of a pacemaker. CONCLUSIONS: Direct resection of an obstructive BVF can be performed with total relief of obstruction although reoperation may be required. Atrioventricular nodal function can be preserved in most patients with this operative approach, including those with [S,L,L] segmental anatomy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Serial echocardiographic measurements of the pulmonary autograft in the aortic valve position after the Ross operation in a pediatric population using normal pulmonary artery dimensions as the reference standard.

Serial echocardiographic measurements of the annulus and sinus were obtained in children before the Ross operation, and early and late postoperatively. Values were compared with normal standards for the aorta and pulmonary artery (PA). There was no significant difference between PA annulus measurements before surgery and the corresponding autograft immediately afterward (1.73 +/- 0.60 cm preoperatively; 1. 63 +/- 0.58 cm postoperatively, p = NS). Late after surgery the mean annulus diameter was enlarged compared with the normal aorta (DeltaZ 1.9 +/- 2.4), but remained relatively unchanged compared with the normal PA (DeltaZ 0.7 +/- 1.1, p <0.01). In contrast, the autograft sinus was dilated early after surgery (1.83 +/- 0.58 cm preoperatively; 2.18 +/- 0.73 cm postoperatively, p <0.01). Mean sinus Z score further increased compared with both the aorta (DeltaZ 1.3 +/- 1.7) and PA (DeltaZ 1.3 +/- 1.6). Use of standard PA measurements may be important in the assessment of autograft enlargement. Minimal change in autograft Z scores over time suggests that annulus enlargement is mainly due to somatic growth. In contrast, the autograft sinus showed an immediate and continued disproportionate increase in size over time, suggesting that sinus enlargement is largely due to passive dilation.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome: valuing the survival.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the survival, developmental status, quality of life, and direct medical costs of children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who have undergone stage I, II, and III reconstructive surgery. METHODS: A total of 106 children underwent staged repair for classic hypoplastic left heart syndrome between February 1990 and March 1999 (stage I: 106; stage II: 49; stage III: 25; 4 converted to heart transplantation). Survival was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method. In a cross-sectional study, parents assessed quality of life by completing the Infant/Toddler Child Health Questionnaire or Child Health Questionnaire Parent Format-28; they assessed developmental progress by completing the Ages and Stages Questionnaire. The ratio-of-costs-to-charges method was used to derive hospital costs, and payments were used to capture physician time and wholesale pricing for outpatient medications. RESULTS: Institutional 1-year and 5-year actuarial survivals were 58% and 54%. Birth weight, the need for preoperative inotropic drugs, and surgical experience were predictors of survival. Norwood I patients achieved fewer developmental benchmarks than those who survived to subsequent stages. Child Health Questionnaire Parent Format-28 mean summary scores for physical and psychosocial health were 48.5 +/- 6.3 and 42.8 +/- 9.9. The median inpatient costs for stage I, II, and III repairs were $51,000, $33,892, and $52,183, respectively. Monthly outpatient and readmission costs were less than 10% of total costs. CONCLUSION: A prospective, large-scale study of the comprehensive outcomes of staged repair and transplantation is needed. This study will need to address the longer-term developmental and quality-of-life outcomes, as well as the long-term cost effectiveness of these procedures.

Child Development↗

PubMed2000

Regression of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations following heart transplantation.

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) can occur following caval to pulmonary artery connection, Glenn and/or Fontan procedure, leading to severe cyanosis and exercise intolerance. It is unknown whether these abnormalities regress or persist following heart transplantation (HTx). Twenty patients with failed Fontan or Glenn procedures were screened for PAVMs prior to HTx by contrast echocardiography, selective pulmonary angiography, and pulmonary venous desaturation. Age at transplant, diagnosis, previous operations, time from Glenn to transplant, systemic oxygenation, hemoglobin level, and ventricular function were determined. The clinical course after HTx was characterized in three patients with significant PAVMs. Indications for HTx were exercise intolerance and severe cyanosis in one patient, and cyanosis and ventricular dysfunction in two. Pre-HTx, mean systemic saturation was 67%; mean pulmonary venous wedge saturation was 81%. Post-HTx, oxygen saturations were normal (> 96%) at 14, 40, and 180 days. Contrast echocardiography, performed 1 month to 3.3 yrs after HTx, showed no intrapulmonary shunting in two patients and minimal shunting in one. One patient suffered an embolic stroke from right-to-left shunting post-HTx. All patients are alive and well 35, 71, and 73 months post-HTx. In patients with single ventricle physiology, PAVMs are not an absolute contraindication to HTx. Heart-lung transplant may not be required for these patients.

Arteriovenous Malformations↗

PubMed1999

Outcome after orthotopic cardiac transplantation in adults with congenital heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Advances in surgical and medical management have greatly improved long-term survival rates in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). As these patients reach adulthood, myocardial dysfunction can occur, leading to cardiac transplantation. METHODS AND RESULTS: We reviewed the pretransplantation and posttransplantation courses of 24 patients >18 years old (mean age, 26 years; range, 18 to 56 years) with CHD who received a transplant between January 1985 and September 1998. The relation between preoperative and perioperative risk factors for complications and death was assessed. Single ventricle was the pretransplantation diagnosis for 12 patients (50%), and d-transposition of the great vessels was the diagnosis for 4 patients (16%). Twenty-two patients had a mean of 2 previous operations. At cardiac transplantation, additional surgical procedures were required to correct extracardiac lesions in 18 patients (75%). Refractory heart failure was present in 22 patients, significant cyanosis was present in 7, and protein-losing enteropathy was present in 4. There were 5 early deaths due to bleeding (n=3) and infection (n=2). The Kaplan-Meier survival rate after cardiac transplantation was 79% at 1 year and 60% at 5 years. No anatomic or surgical risk factor was predictive of death. The outcome of patients with CHD who received a transplant was compared with that for patients without CHD (n=788). Mean bypass and ischemic times were significantly longer in patients with CHD than in patients without CHD. Survival rates after transplantation did not differ significantly between patients with and those without CHD (P=0.83). CONCLUSIONS: Successful cardiac transplantation is obtainable in adults with complex CHD, with an outcome similar to that of patients without CHD. A detailed assessment of cardiac anatomy and careful surgical planning are essential to the pretransplantation and posttransplantation management of these patients.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Usefulness of preoperative echocardiography in predicting left ventricular outflow obstruction after primary repair of interrupted aortic arch with ventricular septal defect.

Residual left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction is a significant problem after repair of interrupted aortic arch (IAA) and ventricular septal defect. Resection of subaortic tissue at the time of primary repair, however, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We reviewed the preoperative echocardiograms and the postoperative clinical course and echocardiograms of 23 consecutive patients who underwent primary repair of IAA without widening of the subaortic region. Nine patients (39%) developed significant LVOT obstruction (pressure gradient >40 mm Hg). LVOT obstruction was noted postoperatively in 7 of 9 patients by 1 month, 8 of 9 by 2 months, and 9 of 9 by 1 year. On retrospective analysis of the preoperative echocardiograms, the indexed cross-sectional area of the LVOT, the subaortic diameter index, and the subaortic diameter Z score were all significantly smaller in those requiring reintervention (p <0.04, p <0.05, p <0.05, respectively). Of these, indexed cross-sectional area had the least reproducibility and subaortic diameter index the most (coefficient of variation of 26.3% vs 11.2%). In conclusion, most patients who develop significant LVOT obstruction after repair of IAA do so within 1 month of operation. Although subaortic indexed cross-sectional area is the most sensitive predictor of LVOT obstruction after primary repair of IAA, other more simple standardized measurements of the subaortic diameter were comparably predictive and had better reproducibility.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Tracheobronchial anomalies in children with congenital cardiac disease.

OBJECTIVE: To perform preoperative airway evaluations, using radiographic analysis, to review the tracheal anatomy in children with congenital cardiac disease. DESIGN: Prospective. SETTING: A university children's hospital. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred patients. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: One magnified airway film (high kilovoltage filtered) was performed preoperatively on 100 consecutive children presenting for repair of congenital cardiac disease. Events at intubation, with respect to endotracheal tube size (internal diameter in millimeters) and difficulties with placement of the tube, were recorded. Postoperative morbidity, specifically related to underlying airway anomaly, was documented. Eleven children had positive radiographic findings after review of magnified airway films. Six of 11 patients had evidence of tracheobronchial pathology, and five patients had no tracheal pathology. Difficulties with intubation were noted in two children. No perioperative morbidity was noted in any patient. CONCLUSION: The use of preoperative magnified airway films for tracheal evaluations in children with cardiac disease should be considered.

Child↗

PubMed1998

Pediatric cardiac surgery: the effect of hospital and surgeon volume on in-hospital mortality.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between annual provider (hospital and surgeon) volume of pediatric cardiac surgery and in-hospital mortality. DESIGN: Population-based retrospective cohort study using a clinical database. SETTING: The 16 acute care hospitals in New York with certificate of need approval to perform pediatric cardiac surgery. PATIENTS: All children undergoing congenital heart surgery in New York from 1992 to 1995. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Risk-adjusted mortality rates for various hospital and surgeon volume ranges. Adjustments were made for severity of illness using logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 7169 cases were analyzed. After controlling for severity of preprocedural illness using clinical risk factors, hospitals with annual pediatric cardiac surgery volumes of fewer than 100 had significantly higher mortality rates (8.26%) than hospitals with volumes of 100 or more (5.95%), and surgeons with annual volumes of fewer than 75 had significantly higher mortality rates (8.77%) than surgeons with annual volumes of 75 or more (5.90%). CONCLUSIONS: Both hospital volume and surgeon volume are significantly associated with in-hospital mortality, and these differences persist for both high-complexity and low-complexity pediatric cardiac procedures.

Cardiac Surgical Procedures↗

PubMed1997

Outcome after the single-stage, nonfenestrated Fontan procedure.

BACKGROUND: A completed Fontan circulation is the goal in the management of patients with single-ventricle physiology. To achieve this end, a two-stage rather than a single-stage approach is carried out routinely at many centers. Some groups have advocated baffle fenestration for virtually all patients to minimize post-Fontan complications. Other centers perform single-stage Fontan operations and do not fenestrate. Thus controversies have arisen regarding the indications for the staged procedure versus single stage and for fenestration versus no fenestration. METHODS AND RESULTS: The preoperative risk factors and postoperative course were characterized in 61 consecutive patients (median age, 3.3 years) undergoing a single-stage, nonfenestrated Fontan. The patients were followed for 3.5+/-1.9 years. The relationship between preoperative risk factors and mortality and morbidity was assessed. Preoperative risk factors assessed included age <2 years (n=18), branch pulmonary artery stenosis (n=20), elevated mean pulmonary artery pressure >15 mm Hg (n=16), atrioventricular valve regurgitation (n=5), and decreased ventricular function (n=2). Total caval pulmonary anastomosis was performed in 53 patients. Additional surgery was required at the time of the Fontan in 25 patients (41%). The median duration of mechanical ventilation was 1 day; median chest tube drainage was 5.5 days (range, 1 to 35). Oxygen saturation rose significantly postoperatively, from 83% to 95%. Early mortality was 4.9%; one patient died from pacemaker failure 9 months postoperatively, and one patient underwent successful heart transplant 4 months post-Fontan. One- and 5-year actuarial survival was 93%. No preoperative risk factor was associated with a failed Fontan or significant effusions. CONCLUSIONS: A single-stage, nonfenestrated Fontan was performed in a large group of patients with excellent surgical results and intermediate outcome. There is no evidence that a two-stage approach and/or baffle fenestration is required for a large cohort of patients who are candidates for a Fontan operation.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Survival and risk factor analysis for the Norwood procedure for hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

The optimal approach to hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is controversial. The palliative Norwood operation, cardiac transplantation, and no surgical intervention have all been advocated. Centers that perform the Norwood operation have met with varied results, and conflicting reports exist regarding factors predictive of stage I outcome. From January 1990 to January 1996, 67 patients with HLHS were admitted with intent to perform the staged Norwood procedure. Fourteen patients did not undergo surgery. In the 53 patients treated surgically, outcome was reviewed, and 10 potential risk factors for first stage mortality were analyzed. Forty-one infants survived the Norwood I operation to hospital discharge (77% of the surgically treated patients and 61% of the entire group, including those who did not undergo operation) with 6 additional deaths 3 to 5 months after operation. Univariate analysis showed cardiopulmonary bypass time and circulatory arrest time to be significant risk factors for hospital mortality. Multivariate analysis revealed only cardiopulmonary bypass time as significant (p <0.01). Of the 15 prenatally diagnosed newborns who underwent surgery, 11 survived (p = 0.72). Ten of 11 patients with preoperative organ damage survived (p = 0.42). Among the 35 bidirectional Glenn (Norwood II) and Fontan (Norwood III) procedures performed, there were 2 deaths. The 5-year actuarial survival for patients who underwent operations was 61%. The Norwood procedure is a favorable option for the infant with HLHS. Surgical survival may be affected by a prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time, but is not affected by other factors analyzed, including prenatal diagnosis and preoperative organ damage.

Cardiac Surgical Procedures↗

PubMed1997

Outflow obstruction after the arterial switch operation: a multiinstitutional study. Congenital Heart Surgeons Society.

OBJECTIVE: Our objectives were to discover whether outflow obstruction immutably accompanies the arterial switch operation and to identify factors that may decrease its prevalence. METHODS: Percutaneous or surgical reintervention for obstruction after an arterial switch was selected as an end point for obstruction. Its risk factors were identified by time-related multivariable analyses of yearly follow-up data from 514 neonates with simple transposition or transposition with ventricular septal defect entering 23 institutions before 15 days of age between January 1, 1985, and March 1, 1989. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients underwent 86 reinterventions for right-sided obstruction (83% free at 10 years) and six for left-sided obstruction (98% free at 10 years). After 2 years, right-sided obstruction occurred at a rate of about 1% per year and left-sided at a rate of about 0.1% per year. Right ventricular infundibular or valvular obstruction was associated with the aorta and pulmonary trunk positioned side-by-side, coexisting coarctation, use of prosthetic material in sinus reconstruction, one institution, and earlier institutional experience. Pulmonary trunk or pulmonary artery obstruction was associated with lower birth weight, left coronary artery arising from sinus 2, coronary explantation away from the transection site, three institutions, and earlier institutional experience. CONCLUSIONS: A risk-adjusted base incidence (0.5% per year) of reintervention for right-sided obstruction continues late after operation. It is due in part to congenital variability or abnormality of right ventricular outflow structures and to experience and surgeon variability resulting in suboptimal pulmonary trunk reconstruction. The same sources of variability probably affect the aortic root, but its native characteristics plus higher distending pressure make the base incidence considerably less (0.1% per year).

Cross-Sectional Studies↗

PubMed1997

Plasma neuropeptide Y and catecholamines in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac operations.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to assess the sympathoadrenal response in pediatric patients undergoing repair of congenital cardiac defects. METHODS: Plasma catecholamine (norepinephrine and epinephrine) and neuropeptide Y concentrations were quantified before and after cardiopulmonary bypass to assess the response to cardiopulmonary bypass. To determine the response to aortic occlusion, levels of plasma catecholamines and neuropeptide Y were measured at the time of and immediately after release of the aortic crossclamp. RESULTS: During cardiopulmonary bypass, no significant change in levels of plasma norepinephrine (n = 43), epinephrine (n = 37), or neuropeptide Y (n = 46) was observed. Aortic occlusion induced a significant increase in plasma neuropeptide Y, but not in catecholamines. There was a greater increase in plasma neuropeptide Y in children older than age 1 year than in those younger than 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma neuropeptide Y may be a useful marker of sympathetic nervous system activity. Children younger than age 1 year showed a lesser sympathetic response compared with the response in older children.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Right ventricular infundibular beta-adrenoceptor complex in tetralogy of Fallot patients.

Patients with tetralogy of Fallot may have episodes of paroxysmal hypoxic spells ("tet spells") or could be asymptomatic. In patients who have these episodes, treatment with a beta-adrenoceptor (betaAR) blocking agent can often ameliorate or attenuate the severity of the symptoms. Additionally, excitement, crying, and situations associated with increased sympathetic activity could provoke the occurrence of these hypoxic spells. We hypothesized that altered myocardial betaAR function may contribute to the development of paroxysmal hypoxic spells in the symptomatic tetralogy patient. Surgically excised right ventricular infundibular myocardial specimens from symptomatic (patients with spells) and asymptomatic patients were used to determine total beta1 and beta2 betaAR density and betaAR adenylyl cyclase activity. Symptomatic patients had a significantly greater number of total betaAR. The relative proportion of beta1 and beta2 receptors was comparable in both patient groups. betaAR-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity was found to be more enhanced in the symptomatic patient group. Our results indicate that infundibular betaARs may play a role in the development of paroxysmal hypoxic spells.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

PubMed1996

The association of tracheal anomalies and tetralogy of Fallot.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of tracheal anomalies in children with tetralogy of Fallot. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: A university children's hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-four children with the diagnosis of tetralogy of Fallot who underwent either primary or palliative cardiac surgery. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Three criteria were used to identify tracheal abnormalities: (1) direct laryngoscopic evidence; (2) radiographic evidence; and/or (3) inability to intubate the trachea with an endotracheal (ET) tube of appropriate size for age, followed by insertion of a 2.5-mm ET tube. An 11% incidence (5/44) of tracheal anomalies was noted. These could be separated into two categories: isolated upper airway pathology (either glottic or subglottic stenosis) and lower tracheal pathology. None of the five children identified with tracheal abnormalities manifested any preoperative signs or symptoms suggestive of airway problems. Four of the children experienced significant perioperative complications resulting directly from the underlying tracheal pathology. This represented a 9% morbidity (4/44) for patients presenting for repair of tetralogy of Fallot. CONCLUSIONS: A significant incidence of tracheal anomalies is associated with tetralogy of Fallot, leading to potential perioperative complications.

Humans↗

PubMed1996

Perioperative lymphocyte adenylyl cyclase function in the pediatric cardiac surgical patient.

OBJECTIVE: To examine intraoperative and postoperative lymphocyte adenylyl cyclase activities in children undergoing repair of congenital cardiac defects with hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass. DESIGN: A prospective study. SETTING: Tertiary university pediatric hospital. PATIENTS: Twelve children were enrolled into the study to examine intraoperative lymphocyte adenylyl cyclase activities and 12 children were enrolled to examine postoperative lymphocyte adenylyl cyclase activities. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Basal (unstimulated), isoproterenol, and prostaglandin E-1 stimulated adenylyl cyclase activities, and plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine concentrations were measured. Intraoperative basal (unstimulated), beta-adrenergic receptor-stimulated (in response to isoproterenol), and prostaglandin E1 (PGE1)-stimulated lymphocyte adenylyl cyclase activities all increased during cardiopulmonary bypass, then decreased immediately after cardiopulmonary bypass. In the postoperative group, a significant decrease in basal (unstimulated), beta-adrenergic receptor- and PGE1-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activities were observed on postoperative day 1 as compared with precardiopulmonary bypass values. CONCLUSIONS: In the pediatric cardiac surgical patient, there was an intraoperative enhancement of lymphocyte adenylyl cyclase activities. This increase in adenylyl cyclase activities was followed by reduced lymphocyte adenylyl cyclase activities, including beta-adrenergic receptor desensitization, postoperatively, as we have previously documented in adults.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

PubMed1996

Biventricular assist device as a bridge to transplantation in a pediatric patient.

A 5 1/2-year-old boy with idiopathic cardiomyopathy and rapidly worsening hemodynamic parameters underwent placement of a biventricular assist device as a bridge to transplantation. Direct anastomoses to both the aorta and pulmonary artery with Dacron grafts attached to Carmeda-coated tubing facilitated the support period. Inflow was provided by right atrial appendage and left ventricular apex cannulas. A centrifugal pump provided support for 2 days until a suitable donor was identified. The technique is simple, reproducible, and effective for patients with small body surface areas.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

PubMed1995

Nitric oxide treatment for pulmonary hypertension after neonatal cardiac operation.

This report describes a newborn with transposition of the great arteries who underwent a Blalock-Taussig shunt with transient improvement in oxygenation, but required emergent insertion of a central shunt later the same day due to progressive hypoxia and cardiac arrest. Two hours after central shunt insertion, sudden episodes of hypoxia and hypotension developed that were resistant to all pharmacologic therapy. Inhaled nitric oxide (25 ppm) was then administered with dramatic improvement in oxygenation and hemodynamics within minutes. The patient's condition stabilized after these measures, and nitric oxide therapy was discontinued after 2 days.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed1995

Heart transplantation in children with congenital heart disease.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe heart transplantation in children with congenital heart disease and to compare the results with those in children undergoing transplantation for other cardiac diseases. BACKGROUND: Reports describe decreased survival after heart transplantation in children with congenital heart disease compared with those with cardiomyopathy. However, transplantation is increasingly being considered in the surgical management of children with complex congenital heart disease. Present-day results from this group require reassessment. METHODS: The diagnoses, previous operations and indications for transplantation were characterized in children with congenital heart disease. Pretransplant course, graft ischemia time, post-transplant survival and outcome (rejection frequency, infection rate, length of hospital stay) were compared with those in children undergoing transplantation for other reasons (n = 47). RESULTS: Thirty-seven children (mean [+/- SD] age 9 +/- 6 years) with congenital heart disease underwent transplantation; 86% had undergone one or more previous operations. Repair of extracardiac defects at transplantation was necessary in 23 patients. Causes of death after transplantation were donor failure in two patients, surgical bleeding in two, pulmonary hemorrhage in one, infection in four, rejection in three and graft atherosclerosis in one. No difference in 1- and 5-year survival rates (70% vs. 77% and 64% vs. 65%, respectively), rejection frequency or length of hospital stay was seen between children with and without congenital heart disease. Cardiopulmonary bypass and donor ischemia time were significantly longer in patients with congenital heart disease. Serious infections were more common in children with than without congenital heart disease (13 of 37 vs. 6 of 47, respectively, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the more complex cardiac surgery required at implantation and longer donor ischemic time, heart transplantation can be performed in children with complex congenital heart disease with success similar to that in patients with other cardiac diseases.

Adolescent↗