Long‐Term (Up to 18 Years) Clinical and Echocardiographic Results of Mitral Balloon Valvuloplasty in Children in Comparison with Adult Population

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the safety, efficacy, and long-term results (up to 18 years) of mitral balloon valvuloplasty (MBV) in children in comparison to adults. 57 children age < or = 18 years (group A) and 474 adult patients (group B) who underwent successful MBV and were followed up for a mean 8.5 +/- 4.8 (range 1.5-18) years were analyzed. Patients in group A had a lower mitral echocardiographic score (echo score), 7.6 +/- 1.3 vs. 8.1 +/- 1 (P = 0.0005); smaller Doppler mitral valve area (MVA), 0.82 +/- 0.16 cm(2) vs. 0.92 +/- 0.17 cm(2) (P < 0.0001); and higher mitral valve gradient, 15.2 +/- 2.3 mmHg vs. 14.3 +/- 2.1 mmHg (P = 0.0003), than group B. Immediately after MBV, group A had larger MVA whether measured by catheter, 1.99 +/- 0.57 cm(2) vs. 1.8 +/- 0.52 cm(2) (P < 0.001), or by Doppler, 2.0 +/- 0.27 cm(2) vs. 1.97 +/- 0.28 cm(2) (P < 0.01), and similar complication rates, compared to group B. After a mean follow-up of 8.5 +/- 4.8 (range 1.5-18 years), restenosis in group A was 26% vs. 31% for group B (P = 0.41). Echo score > 8 (P = 0.046) was a predictor of restenosis in children and echo score > 8 (P < 0.0001) and previous surgery (P = 0.043) were predictors of restenosis in adults. Actuarial freedom from restenosis at 10, 15, and 18 years for groups A and B were 78%+/- 7%, 64%+/- 9%, and 18%+/- 14% and 77%+/- 2%, 43%+/- 4%, and 17%+/- 4%, respectively (P = 0.26). Event-free survival rates at 10, 15, and 18 years were 87%+/- 6%, 62%+/- 1%, and 20%+/- 2% versus 87%+/- 1%, 51%+/- 4%, and 20%+/- 5% for groups A and B, respectively (P = 0.51). Postprocedure MVA < 2.0 cm(2) (P = 0.043) and previous surgery (P = 0.03) were identified as predictors of events in children. Echo score > 8 (P < 0.0001) and prevalvuloplasty AF (P = 0.03) were identified as predictors of events in adults. MBV is safe and effective in children with rheumatic MS. It provides better immediate results than in adults and excellent long-term results that are comparable to those seen in adults.