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Published on: June 11, 2020
Choreoathetosis after deep hypothermia without circulatory arrest
S DeLeon1, M Ilbawi, R Arcilla
1Heart Institute for Children and Pediatric Neurology, Christ Hospital and Medical Center, Oak Lawn, IL 60453.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|November 1, 1990
Summary
Choreoathetosis occurred in 8 patients after heart surgery with hypothermia. Deeper hypothermia and longer cooling times increased the risk of this neurological complication.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Medical Research
Background:
- Choreoathetosis is a rare postoperative complication following cardiac surgery.
- Neurological dysfunction can occur post-cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and potential risk factors of choreoathetosis after intracardiac operations.
- To identify specific parameters of cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermia associated with choreoathetosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 758 patients undergoing intracardiac operations.
- Grouping patients based on rectal temperature, cooling time, flow rate, and reoperation status.
- Statistical comparison of choreoathetosis incidence across different patient groups.
Main Results:
- Eight patients (1.06%) developed choreoathetosis postoperatively.
- Higher incidence linked to rectal temperature ≤ 25°C (p=0.02) and cooling time ≥ 1 hour (p=0.05).
- Reoperation significantly increased choreoathetosis risk (p<0.0001).
Conclusions:
- Depth of hypothermia and duration of cooling are significant risk factors for postoperative choreoathetosis.
- Reoperation is a critical risk factor for developing this neurological complication.
- Further research into neuroprotective strategies during cardiac surgery is warranted.
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