Current results of primary repair of truncus arteriosus in early infancy

Abstract

Repair of truncus arteriosus in early infant period has become standard practice in many centers. We report the current clinical outcomes of primary repair of truncus arteriosus in early infancy at a single institution. A retrospective analysis of 31 patients with mean age 2.6 ± 1.3 months (range, 15 days–6 months), and mean body weight 3.4 ± 0.6 kg (range, 2.6–4.7 kg) who underwent primary repair of truncus arteriosus. Data were collected regarding demographics, anatomy, operative data, cardiac intensive care unit, and last available follow-up. There were four hospital deaths (12.9%); three of them were due to pulmonary hypertension. At median follow up of 8 months (range, 1–100 months) after surgery, there was no late death. One patient was reoperated on for right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery (RV-to-PA) conduit replacement, residual ventricular septal defect repair, and truncal valve repair. One patient was reoperated on twice for truncal valve repair and later on truncal valve replacement. Three patients required percutaneous balloon dilation and stenting of pulmonary artery branches. Truncus arteriosus can be performed in early infancy with acceptable perioperative mortality and morbidity. Pulmonary hypertension continues to be a risk factor of mortality.