Evaluation of the frequency of complications and affecting factors in children undergoing cardiac catheterisation

Merve Barlas1, Alper Akin2, Mehmet Ture2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Dicle University Faculty of Medicine, Diyarbakır, Turkey.

Cardiology in the Young
|February 26, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Low body weight and young age increase complication risks during pediatric cardiac catheterization. Identifying these factors helps reduce adverse events in children undergoing the procedure.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Medical Complications Research

Background:

  • Complications following pediatric cardiac catheterization require identification of associated risk factors.
  • Understanding these factors is crucial for implementing preventative measures and improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify factors influencing complication development in pediatric cardiac catheterization.
  • To provide data that can inform strategies for reducing complication frequency.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 609 patients aged 0-18 years undergoing cardiac catheterization (2012-2020).
  • Evaluation of demographic data, procedure details, laboratory results, and post-procedure records.

Main Results:

  • Complications occurred in 6.4% of patients, with vascular complications (41%) being most frequent, followed by bleeding (12.8%) and anemia (10.3%).
  • Mortality was observed in 0.3% of patients.
  • Risk factors identified for complications included low body weight (<10 kg) and age under 1 year (<12 months).

Conclusions:

  • Vascular complications, bleeding, and anemia are the most common adverse events post-pediatric cardiac catheterization.
  • Low body weight (<10 kg) and young age (<1 year) are significant risk factors for complications.
  • This large-scale study encompassing diverse procedures contributes valuable data to the literature on pediatric cardiac catheterization complications.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Cardiac Catheterization I: Pre-Procedure Overview01:28

Cardiac Catheterization I: Pre-Procedure Overview

Cardiac catheterization is an invasive diagnostic technique used to identify and evaluate structural and functional diseases of the heart and major blood vessels. This technique diagnoses congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, and coronary spasms and assesses ventricular function. It helps guide treatment decisions, including the need for revascularization procedures like percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and...
1.8K
Cardiac Catheterization IV: Nursing Management01:26

Cardiac Catheterization IV: Nursing Management

Nursing responsibilities before cardiac catheterization include:Assess for allergies and establish baseline health status.Before cardiac catheterization, assess the patient for allergies to contrast dye. Perform a comprehensive baseline assessment, including vital signs, heart and breath sounds, and a neurovascular assessment of the extremities, noting distal pulses, skin color, and temperature. Instruct the patient to fast for 8-12 hours before the procedure. Evaluate baseline laboratory...
903
Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization01:21

Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization

Right Heart Catheterization: An OverviewRight heart catheterization is an invasive diagnostic procedure that measures right-sided cardiac and pulmonary artery pressures, calculates cardiac output, and identifies intracardiac shunts. It provides detailed hemodynamic data essential for diagnosing and managing various cardiovascular conditions, such as pulmonary hypertension.Access SitesCommon access sites for right heart catheterization include the internal jugular vein in the neck region, the...
1.4K
Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization01:24

Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization

Left heart catheterization is an invasive diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the function and structure of the left side of the heart. It is generally performed to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions such as valve abnormalities, coronary artery disease, and congenital heart defects.Diagnostic and therapeutic purposesLeft heart catheterization serves various diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:Assessing coronary artery bypass grafts.Evaluating coronary artery disease in...
880
Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management01:28

Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management

Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy may undergo a septal myectomy (Morrow procedure). This procedure involves excising a portion of the hypertrophied septum below the aortic valve using a heart-lung machine to improve blood flow through the LVOT. Effective preoperative and postoperative nursing management ensures successful patient outcomes, minimizes complications, and...
400
Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias01:30

Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that range from benign to life-threatening. A thorough evaluation is crucial for appropriate management and involves a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests.Medical HistorySymptoms: Collect detailed information on palpitations, dizziness, syncope, chest pain, and fatigue. Note their onset, frequency, and triggers.Previous Cardiac Issues: Document any history of heart...
422