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Arrhythmia in early post cardiac surgery in pediatrics: Siriraj experience
Kanoknaphat Chaiyarak1, Jarupim Soongswang, Kritvikrom Durongpisitkul
1Her Majesty Cardiac Center, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Insights
Early postoperative arrhythmias are common in pediatric open-heart surgery patients. Longer cardiopulmonary bypass times and repeat surgeries increase the risk of these arrhythmias, impacting patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Postoperative arrhythmias are a significant concern in pediatric cardiac surgery.
- Understanding their incidence and risk factors is crucial for improving patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of early postoperative arrhythmias in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease.
- To identify specific surgical and patient characteristics associated with increased arrhythmia risk.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of pediatric patients undergoing open-heart surgery.
- Data collection included demographics, diagnoses, pre-operative arrhythmias, surgical details, and continuous postoperative electrocardiographic monitoring.
- Analysis of arrhythmia types, timing, and associated risk factors.
Main Results:
- 23.5% of 191 pediatric patients developed early postoperative arrhythmias, primarily within 24 hours.
- Junctional ectopic tachycardia (40%) and heart block (15.6%) were the most common arrhythmias.
- Single ventricle physiology repair, longer cardiopulmonary bypass times, and redo-operations were identified as significant risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Postoperative arrhythmias are common and critical complications following pediatric open-heart surgery.
- Prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass and redo-operations are key risk factors for early arrhythmias.
- Effective management strategies are essential to mitigate the impact of these arrhythmias on patient outcomes.
Objectives:
To determine the incidence, risk factors and outcome of early postoperative arrhythmias in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease.
Material And Method:
A prospective study was conducted in every pediatric patient who consecutively underwent open-heart surgery at Siriraj Hospital from January 1st to December 31st, 2006. The collected data were demographic data, diagnosis, pre-operative arrhythmia, cardiac surgical data and continuous electrocardiographic monitoring data throughout the post operative intensive care period.
Results:
A total of 191 pediatric patients underwent cardiac surgery. Forty-five cases (23.5%) developed early post operative cardiac arrhythmias i.e. junctional ectopic tachycardia 18 cases (40%), heart block 7 cases (15.6%), supraventricular tachycardia 2 cases (4.4%). Cardiac arrhythmia occurred mostly within 24 hours after the operation. Patients with single ventricle physiology repaired developed the highest incidence of acute post operative arrhythmia (36.4%). Longer, cardiopulmonary bypass time- and redo-operation were the risk factors. Thirty-nine cases were treated with medications, 7 cases with temporary pacing, and 1 case with electrical cardioversion. Four patients needed long-term anti-arrhythmic agents. Cardiac arrhythmia played role in the causes of death in 2 cases (1.1% of total cases).
Conclusions:
Post operative arrhythmias remained common and important complications of pediatric open-heart surgery. Long cardiopulmonary bypass time and redo-operation were risk factors for early post operative arrhythmia.
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