Arterial switch operation in the first hours of life using autologous umbilical cord blood

In this study, we analyzed our clinical experience performing the arterial switch operation in the first hours of life using autologous umbilical cord blood transfusion (AUCBT). The safety and efficiency of AUCBT was assessed and compared with surgery with the use of homologous blood transfusion.

Between September 2009 and February 2011, 61 neonates underwent ASO at our institution. Patients were enrolled and allocated to two groups with different modalities of management strategies for neonates with dextrotransposition of the great arteries.

The groups were similar in diagnoses, birth weight, cardiopulmonary bypass protocol, and surgical technique, excepting timing of surgery and blood management strategy. Preoperative mean hematocrit did not differ significantly between the groups (45% versus 45%). Mean hematocrit was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group during cardiopulmonary bypass (24% versus 31%). The hematocrit progressively increased in the study group to 38% on the first postoperative day. Serum lactate levels were higher in the study group till the second day after surgery. There were no significant differences in postoperative clinical profiles. There were no hospital deaths and no AUCBT-related side effects in our study.

The arterial switch operation can be performed in the first hours of life with AUCBT. Therefore, AUCBT is a safe and an efficient alternative to homologous blood in neonatal open heart surgery. During the study, we also identified positive economic effects associated with this approach.