Timing of discharge of pediatric patients post cardiac catheterization

Ali A Alakhfash1, Abdulrahman A Al Mesned1, Abdulla M Al Qwaiee1

  • 1From the From the Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Prince Sultan Cardiac Center in Qassim, Buraidah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia.

Annals of Saudi Medicine
|February 10, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Same-day discharge after pediatric cardiac catheterization is feasible for most patients, reducing hospital stays. Key factors for prolonged stays include neonatal interventions and complications, necessitating careful patient selection.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Healthcare Management

Background:

  • Same-day discharge after cardiac catheterization is being explored for safety and efficiency.
  • A fast-track protocol was implemented to facilitate same-day discharge in pediatric cardiac catheterization patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the feasibility of same-day discharge after pediatric cardiac catheterization.
  • To identify risk factors associated with prolonged hospital stays post-procedure.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective review of 300 pediatric cardiac catheterization cases over 17 months.
  • Data collected included patient demographics, clinical information, echocardiographic and catheterization details, and outcomes.
  • Criteria for same-day discharge were established and applied.

Main Results:

  • 67% of patients (201/300) were discharged on the same day, with a median length of stay of 8.7 hours.
  • No complications were reported in same-day discharge patients.
  • Neonatal status, complex interventions (PDA stenting, RVOT stenting), aortic valve interventions, and complications were linked to prolonged hospital stays.

Conclusions:

  • Same-day discharge is feasible for the majority of pediatric cardiac catheterization patients.
  • A fast-track protocol aids in determining appropriate discharge timing.
  • Careful patient selection and monitoring are crucial for safe and effective same-day discharge.
Abstract

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