RF45 LOW BIRTH WEIGHT NEONATES AND CHD: IS CARDIAC SURGERY ASSOCIATED WITH WORSE OUTCOME?

Abstract

Background and Aim: Congenital heart diseases often occur in low birth weight and preterm neonates. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between different strata of low weight at surgery and outcomes, and between gestational age and outcomes of cardiac surgery in low weight neonates treated at our institution. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed hospital records of neonates treated from January 2007 to November 2017. Inclusion criteria were body weight ≤ 2500 g at time of surgery for congenital heart disease, excluding isolated ductus arteriosus closure and pacemaker implantation. The outcomes investigated were 30-days and late mortality, major complications and need for reintervention. 84 patients met our criteria. Results: There were 10 early deaths; overall survival was 73% (23 pts died). 35 patients (42%) had major complications. 19 (23%) patients needed a reintervention. Weight at surgery, gestational age, type of operation and single or biventricular physiology did not influence neither mortality (early or late) nor morbidity (reintervention or complication). Mortality was significantly higher when extra-corporeal circulation was used (P < 0,01); this can be related with more severe diagnosis and type of surgery. Conclusions: Despite the common thought that low weight and prematurity are associated with increased mortality, according to our results surgery for congenital heart diseases can be performed on low weight and preterm neonates with acceptable outcomes.