Long-term results after surgical repair of atrioventricular septal defect

We analysed our 29-year experience of surgical repair of atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) to define risk factors for mortality and reoperation.

Between 1988 and 2017, 508 patients received AVSD repair in our institution; 359 patients underwent surgery for complete AVSD, 76 for intermediate AVSD and 73 for partial AVSD. The median age of the patients was 6.1 months (interquartile range 10.3 months), and the median weight was 5.6 kg (interquartile range 3.2 kg). The standard AVSD repair was performed using 2-patch technique (n = 347) and complete cleft closure (n = 496). The results were divided into 2 surgical eras (early era 1986-2004 and late era 2004-2017). Risk factors were analysed to determine the impact of patient age, weight, the presence of trisomy 21 and complex AVSD on mortality and reoperation rate.

In-hospital mortality decreased from 10.2% (n = 26) in early surgical era to 1.6% (n = 4) in late surgical era (P < 0.001). Seventy-seven patients required reoperation. Freedom from reoperation was 84.4% after 25 years. The main indication for reoperation was left atrioventricular valve regurgitation (13.8%). The multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed reoperation of the left AV valve, early surgical era, patient age <3.0 months and complex AVSD to be independent risk factors for mortality. Age <3.0 months, complex AVSD and moderate/severe left AV valve regurgitation at discharge predicted reoperation.

AVSD repair can be performed with low mortality and reoperation rate. Age <3 months, complex AVSD and moderate/severe regurgitation of the left AV valve at discharge were predictors for reoperation. Reoperation of the left AV valve was the strongest risk factor for mortality.