Abstract P-550: ARRHYTHMIAS IN POST OPERATIVE CARDIAC CHILDREN: FREQUENCY AND OUTCOME FROM A TERTIARY CARE PEDIATRIC ICU

Abstract

Aims & Objectives: To determine the frequency and diagnosis of paediatric arrhythmias in the postoperative period following congenital cardiac surgery Methods This is a Prospective observational study conducted at a major tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Aga Khan University Hospital. The study was reviewed by the institution’s ethics review committee (ERC) prior to data collection.Subjects:Data from all patients, newborns to 16 years of age, admitted to pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (PCICU) of Aga Khan University hospital after surgery for congenital heart defects during the period of 1st January 2014 to 31st December 2015, were included in the study.Patients with haemodynamically stable significant arrythmias were identified.Electrocardiograms were analysed by a pediatric intensivist and/or a cardiologist. Results Five hundred and forty five patients underwent congenital heart surgery in the study period. A total of forty four cases developed arrhythmias post-operatively. The mean age of the 31 males and 13 females was 38.75 months. A higher incidence of arrhythmias was observed in males than females. Amongst the arrythmias, Junctional Ectopic Tachycardia(JET) (18.2%),was the most frequently encountered arrythmia.Most arrhythmias were observed in the first 24 hours after the surgery and were observed after Tetralogy of Fallot repair. Age, gender and cross clamp time were significant associations with post operative arrhythmias. Conclusions Arrhythmias are common after pediatric cardiac surgery. JET is the most common type of tachyarrhythmia seen during early postoperative care.Prolonged CBP time is associated with post operative arrhythmias.Postoperative arrhythmias can be life-threatening tachyarrhythmia and need to be recognized and managed immediately.