Repair Of Ventricular Septal Defect Research Articles

Urine high–sensitive troponin I in children cannot offer an applicable alternative to serum

IntroductionIn children, congenital heart defects represent the primary cause of increased serum troponin I. The elimination process of cardiac troponin I from the bloodstream and the factors influencing this process remain unknown. The objective of this study was to explore the role of troponin I as an indicator of cardiac damage in children both in serum and urine, a concept previously investigated in adults.MethodsOur prospective study involved 70 children under 24 months of age. The first group underwent ventricular septal defect repair, while the second group involved children who had undergone partial cavopulmonary anastomosis. For these groups, urine and serum troponin I were assessed on four occasions. The third group, consisting of healthy children, underwent a single measurement of urine troponin I.ResultsSerum troponin I values exhibited an expected elevation in the early postoperative period, followed by a return to lower levels. Significantly higher concentrations of serum troponin I were observed in the first group of children (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was found between troponin I in the first three measurements and cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamping time. There was no discernible increase in urine troponin I directly related to myocardial damage; troponin I couldn't be detected in most urine samples.DiscussionThe inability to detect troponin I in urine remains unexplained. Potential explanatory factors may include the isoelectric point of troponin I, elevated urinary concentrations of salts and urea, variations in urine acidity (different pH levels), and a relatively low protein concentration in urine.

Del Nido versus cold crystalloid cardioplegia for myocardial protection during ventricular septal defect repair in children under one year of age: a prospective randomized trial

Rationale: The choice of strategy for myocardial protection during procedures with cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegic arrest in children is not regulated by clinical guidelines due to insufficient data from clinical studies. The issue of methods to assess myocardial injury remains unresolved.
 Aim: To assess the frequency and specifics of the development of intraoperative myocardial injury syndrome in children of the first year of life with ventricular septal defect depending on the strategy for cardioplegia.
 Materials and methods: In a single center, prospective, randomized controlled trial we compared two cardioplegia strategies during surgical closure of ventricular septal defect in infants aged from 1 to 12 months: del Nido blood cardioplegia (n = 102) and cold crystalloid cardioplegia with Custodiol solution (n = 102). The primary endpoint was a persistent over 10-fold increase above the upper limit of the normal in the plasma concentration of high-sensitivity troponin I at 6 hours after surgery persisting after 24 hours. The secondary combined endpoint was myocardial damage verified by persistent increase in troponin I level more than 10-fold above the upper limit of the normal, persisting at 6 and 24 hours, accompanied by new pathological Q waves, acute complete left bundle branch block, abnormalities of the end part of the ventricular complex on the electrocardiography (ST segment elevation 1 mm or ST depression of 1 mm in more than 2 adjacent leads), and a decrease in the global longitudinal strain of the left ventricle by 50% from the initial value at 6 hours after surgery.
 Results: In 53/204 (26%) patients, the increase in troponin I persisted at 24 hours after the surgery and was associated with electrocardiography abnormalities, changes in the parameters of left ventricle longitudinal mechanics, and in some cases required greater inotropic support. By the end of the 1st postoperative 24 hours, the longitudinal strain of the left ventricle showed more negative changes over time in the Custodiol group compared to that in the del Nido group (-10 [-14.1; -6.27] versus -14.8 [- 16.5; -10]%; p 0.0001). The same was true for the left ventricle global strain rate (-0.71 [-0.9; -0.52] s-1 in the del Nido group and -0.57 [-0.760; - 0.44] s-1 in the Custodiol group; p = 0.0049). The primary endpoint was achieved by 21 (20.6%) and 55 (53.9%) patients in the del Nido and Custodiol groups, respectively (p = 0.032). The combined endpoint in the Custodiol group was achieved by 34 (33.3%) versus 19 (18.6%) patients in the del Nido group (p = 0.049, χ2 = 3.875, DF = 1, φ = 0.191).
 Conclusion: Del Nido blood cardioplegia compared to cold crystalloid cardioplegia with Custodiol has advantages in terms of preventing intraoperative myocardial damage and minimizing its severity. When assessing myocardial damage, such indicators as left ventricle global longitudinal strain and left ventricle global strain rate are informative, along with an increase in the troponin I level.

15-Year Analysis of Surgical Approaches and Outcomes for Coarctation in 132 Neonates and Infants.

A variety of surgical approaches exist to treat aortic coarctation in neonates and infants. Our institutional approach is designed to match the surgical approach to the individual anatomy of the patient. The objective of this study is to evaluate operative characteristics and outcomes of all neonates and infants who underwent surgical repair of coarctation of the aorta or hypoplastic aortic arch at University of Florida from 2006 to 2021, inclusive, either in isolation or with concomitant repair of atrial septal defect (ASD) and/or ventricular septal defect (VSD). A retrospective review was performed of 132 patients aged 0-1 year who underwent surgical repair of aortic coarctation or hypoplastic aortic arch between 2006 and 2021, inclusive, either in isolation or with concomitant repair of ASD and/or VSD. Patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical approach: Group 1=Median Sternotomy and Group 2=Left Lateral Thoracotomy. Continuous variables are presented as median (minimum-maximum); categorical variables are presented as N (%). The most common operative technique in Group 1 was end-to-side reconstruction with ligation of the aortic isthmus. The most common operative technique in Group 2 was extended end-to-end repair. Operative Mortality was one patient (1/132 = 0.76%). Transcatheter intervention for recurrent coarctation was performed in seven patients (7/132 = 5.3%). Surgical re-intervention for recurrent coarctation was performed in three patients (3/132 = 2.3%). From these data, one can conclude that a strategy of matching the surgical approach to the anatomy of neonates and infants who underwent surgical repair of aortic coarctation or hypoplastic aortic arch, either in isolation or with concomitant repair of ASD and/or VSD, is associated with less than 1% Operative Mortality and less than 3% recurrent coarctation requiring reoperation.

Predictive Value of Post-operative Cardiac Troponin I and Lactate Levels After Ventricular Septal Defect Closure

Objectives: Although the mortality rate of primary ventricular septal defect (VSD) closure surgery has been reduced to <0.5% in many centers, low cardiac output syndrome and multi-organ failure syndrome development in the post-operative period are still the most common causes of mortality and morbidity. The use of biochemical markers in the early period can be used as effective predictors for reducing mortality and morbidity. In this study, the effect of post-operative serum lactate and cardiac troponin I (cTNI) levels on hospital mortality in patients who underwent primary closure of VSD was investigated retrospectively. Methods: The effect of lactate and cTNI values on hospital mortality in 52 patients who underwent surgical repair for VSD was investigated. Serum lactate levels of all patients in the first 6 h after the operation; on the first post-operative day, cTNI values were examined retrospectively. Serum lactate levels exceeding 3.5 mmol/ lt and cTNI values exceeding 35 ng/mL were determined as the cut-off points. Results: Serum lactate level and cTNI increase were found to be statistically different in the mortality group (p<0.05). It was shown that increased cTNI was associated with weight, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, and cardiopulmonary bypass time (p<0.05). Serum lactate levels were 4.1±0.5 mmol/lt in the non-mortality group and 15.3±8.3 mmol/lt in the mortality group, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Hospital mortality was observed in 6 patients. Conclusion: In patients undergoing VSD closure surgery, serum lactate levels measured in the first 6 h postoperatively and cTNI levels measured on the first post-operative day are associated with hospital mortality. Concomitant elevations of lactate and cTNI values in patients after VSD closure should suggest to take caution and early supportive treatments to reduce mortality.

Epidemiology of Postoperative Junctional Ectopic Tachycardia in Infants Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

BackgroundJunctional ectopic tachycardia (JET) complicates congenital heart surgery in 2% to 8.3% of cases. JET is associated with postoperative morbidity in single-center studies. We used the Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium data registry to provide a multicenter epidemiologic description of treated JET. MethodsThis is a retrospective study (February 2019-August 2022) of patients with treated JET. Inclusion criteria were (1) <12 months old at the index operation, and (2) treated for JET <72 hours after surgery. Diagnosis was defined by receiving treatment (pacing, cooling, and medications). A multilevel logistic regression analysis with hospital random effect identified JET risk factors. Impact of JET on outcomes was estimated by margins/attributable risk analysis using previous risk-adjustment models. ResultsAmong 24,073 patients from 63 centers, 1436 (6.0%) were treated for JET with significant center variability (0% to 17.9%). Median time to onset was 3.4 hours, with 34% present on admission. Median duration was 2 days (interquartile range, 1-4 days). Tetralogy of Fallot, atrioventricular canal, and ventricular septal defect repair represented >50% of JET. Patient characteristics independently associated with JET included neonatal age, Asian race, cardiopulmonary bypass time, open sternum, and early postoperative inotropic agents. JET was associated with increased risk-adjusted durations of mechanical ventilation (incidence rate ratio, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.5-1.7) and intensive care unit length of stay (incidence rate ratio, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.2-1.3), but not mortality. ConclusionsJET is treated in 6% of patients with substantial center variability. JET contributes to increased use of postoperative resources. High center variability warrants further study to identify potential modifiable factors that could serve as targets for improvement efforts to ameliorate deleterious outcomes.

An alternative surgical approach for isolated pulmonary valve infective endocarditis secondary to restrictive ventricular septal defect: a case report

BackgroundNative pulmonary valve (PV) infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare condition with an incidence of 1.5–2%. Although medical therapy is the mainstay of treatment, surgical intervention is still indicated in cases that fail to respond to antibiotics. To date, there is lack of consensus about the best surgical approach for isolated native PV IE. While valve repair is sometimes feasible, most of the cases require valve replacement depending on the extent of tissue damage. A stented bioprosthesis can be used when infection is confined to the valve leaflets. However, extension of damage to the pulmonary root or right ventricular outflow tract usually requires debridement and root replacement.Case presentationA 30-year-old lady with a long history of restrictive ventricular septal defect (VSD) presented with fever and shortness of breath shortly after vaginal delivery that was diagnosed as isolated PV IE with pulmonary septic emboli. After 1 week of antibiotic therapy, there was no response with persistent infection and complete valve destruction. Heart team discussion recommended PV replacement using a Freestyle valve along with VSD repair. On follow-up after 1 year, she was doing fine with well-functioning Freestyle valve.ConclusionUnrepaired restrictive VSD can be a predisposing factor for native PV IE. A Freestyle valve in the pulmonary position is a valid option for such cases, with good early outcomes and reasonable durability, particularly when there is extensive tissue infection and homograft is not available. More evidence is still required to evaluate the long-term outcomes of PV Freestyle in cases of IE.

Conduction System Pacing in Pediatrics and Congenital Heart Disease: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Conduction system pacing involving either His bundle pacing (HBP) or left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) is a modality that has been introduced as a safe and effective alternative to right ventricular (RV) pacing to help prevent pacemaker-associated cardiomyopathy. While HBP has been employed in the pediatric and congenital populations, several small studies have shown LBBP to be safe and effective in the pediatric population. We present a patient with congenital atrioventricular block and postoperative ventricular septal defect repair cardiomyopathy with subsequent left ventricular function improvement following a transition from an RV epicardial pacemaker system to an LBBP system. This case report serves as a foundation for a review of the current state of LBBP in pediatrics and congenital heart disease.

Left Ventricular Dysfunction Following Repair of Ventricular Septal Defects in Infants.

Left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) is frequently observed following repair of ventricular septal defects (VSD), although little is known about its incidence, time course, or risk factors. Among infants undergoing VSD repair, for postoperative LVSD, we sought to determine (1) incidence, (2) predictors, and (3) time to resolution. We queried our institution's surgical database for infants who underwent repair of isolated VSDs from November 2001 through January 2019. The primary outcome was postoperative LVSD, which was defined as a shortening fraction (SF) of <26% by M-mode. Postoperative echocardiograms were reviewed, and measurements were made using standard methods. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was generated to determine the preoperative left ventricular internal dimension (LVIDd) z-score most predictive of LVSD. Multivariable analysis was conducted to determine associations with LVSD; covariates in the model were weight percentile, genetic syndrome, preoperative diuretic, VSD type, and preoperative LVIDd z-score. Of the 164 patients who met inclusion criteria, 62 (38%) had postoperative LVSD. Fifty-eight (94%) of patients had resolution of LVSD within 9months of surgery. Preoperative LVIDd z-score of >3.1 was associated with both an increased incidence of postoperative LVSD and prolonged time to resolution. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed only preoperative LVIDd z-score was independently associated with postoperative LVSD. LVSD following VSD closure is common, but nearly all cases resolve by 9months postoperatively. Elevated LVIDd prior to surgery is associated with postoperative LVSD. These data suggest VSD closure should be considered prior to the development of significant left ventricular dilation.

Surgical Repair of Ventricular Septal Defect in Neonates: Indications and Outcomes

Surgical Repair of Ventricular Septal Defect in Neonates: Indications and Outcomes

Comparing clinical course and patients out comes in patients undergoing Open surgical Versus Thoracoscopic closure of the atrial and ventricular septal defects in children

The current study is aimed at evaluation of the impact of different surgical approaches while correcting congenital heart diseases (CHD). Clinical outcomes like; operative time, complications, hospital stay were evaluated in children undergoing surgical repair of atrial septal defect (ASD) and ventricular septal defect (VSD).&#x0D; Patients and methods: Between 2015 and 2019, a total of 111 patients surgically managed for CHD with male: female ratio of…. and mean age 10.42±3.24 years. Two surgical approaches: open either right anterolateral thoracotomy or sternotomy and thoracoscopic were used. The study conducted to determine the operative time, ICU stay, complications, recovery period and long term follow up of the patients in both the groups.&#x0D; Results: 67 patients with ASD and 44 patients with VSD underwent cardiac surgery. Mean operation time was significantly longer in TS patients in comparison with TT and ST groups. However, mean intensive care unit (ICU) stay and hospital stay were significantly shorter in TS group in comparison with TT and ST patients.&#x0D; Conclusion: TS approach in repair of congenital heart defects not only resulted of good cosmetic effect, but also reduces time in ICU and hospital stay in comparison with “classical” operational techniques. In this article we tried to show the whole results of research.&#x0D; Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 23 No. 01 January’24 Page : 115-120

Post-Infarction Ventricular Septal Defect: A quarter century experience.

Post-infarction ventricular septal defect (VSD) is one of the known complications after acute myocardial infarction. This study investigated the clinical results after surgical repair of VSD. This retrospective study included all patients undergoing surgical repair of VSD from 1996 to 2020 in Oman. Out of a total of 75 patients, 62.5% were men, with a mean age of 59 years. The mean follow-up was 17.2 (7.5) years. Of the 75 patients, 34 (45.3%) patients died within 30 days. Total survival was 41.3% at 5 years, while the 10-year survival rate was 33.3%. Outcomes and predictors for 30 days mortality were the number of concomitant coronary involvement and anastomoses performed, residual postoperative shunt and postoperative dialysis. Even with surgical repair, early mortality of post-infarction septal defect is still considerably high. Early repair and the anatomically posterior rupture are predictors of early mortality. In patients surviving the immediate postoperative period, long-term survival is limited by pre-existing coronary artery disease, postoperative renal failure and the presence of a residual postoperative shunt.

Long-Term Effects of Child Early Surgical Ventricular Septal Defect Repair on Maternal Stress.

The ventricular septal defect (VSD) represents the most common congenital heart defect (CHD). The diagnosis of and cardiac surgery for their child's VSD are highly stressful experiences for parents; especially mothers, who are at risk of developing long-lasting stress-related symptoms. This study examined long-term alterations in maternal stress including self-reported psychological and biophysiological stress levels in a case-control design. We investigated 24 mothers of children with an isolated, surgically corrected VSD compared to non-affected controls. Maternal self-reports on psychopathology, everyday stress, parenting stress and hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) were measured during children's primary school age (6-9 years, t1) and early adolescence (10-14 years, t2). In maternal self-reports, psychopathology and stress symptoms in the VSD-group and controls were comparable at t1, whereas at t2, mothers in the VSD-group even showed a decrease in psychopathology. Maternal HCC levels in the VSD-group were significantly lower (hypocortisolism) than HCC levels of controls at t1. This effect was no longer observed at t2 reflecting an approximation of HCC levels in the VSD-group to controls' levels. This study highlights the potential for improved stress hormone balance and psychological well-being in mothers following their child's surgical VSD repair. However, the need for parent-centered interventions is discussed, particularly during peri-operative phases and in early child developmental stages.

Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) closure concomitant With Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): a rare case

Link of Video Abstract: https://youtu.be/LZnyDExOr9w Background: Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most common congenital cardiac anomaly in children and the second most common in adults. It often coexists with other cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), and heart failure. This presents unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 46-year-old woman with a previously undiagnosed VSD complicated by a ventricular septal rupture and prior myocardial infarction. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and VSD repair were performed. Unexpectedly, the VSD turned out to be an atrial septal defect (ASD) of the muscular type. The repair was successful using mattress sutures and a 0.6mm PTFE patch. Two-coronary-artery bypass was also performed. The patient's recovery was uneventful, with no residual VSD. Conclusions: Discovering a large, asymptomatic VSD in an elderly patient is uncommon. Simultaneous repair of VSD and CAD yields favorable surgical outcomes, highlighting the importance of thorough preoperative evaluation in such cases.

Postoperative Left Atrial Shunt in a Child with Ventricular Septal Defect Repair

Postoperative Left Atrial Shunt in a Child with Ventricular Septal Defect Repair

Surgical repair of post myocardial infarction ventricular septal defect: a retrospective analysis of a single institution experience

IntroductionVentricular septal defect (VSD) is a mechanical complication of acute myocardial infarction (MI) with a very high mortality, despite advances in surgical and circulatory support. The tremendous hemodynamic disturbance and the severely fragile myocardium render surgical repair a great challenge. The optimal time of surgical repair with or without circulatory support is still controversial.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to review our experience with early surgical repair of post-MI VSD in a single major cardiac institution in China.MethodsFrom January 2013 to October 2020, 9consecutive patients presented to our emergency department with a diagnosis of post-MI VSD. Among them, 8 were male, and the mean age was 58 ± 7years. The mean VSD size was 22.5 ± 5.7 mm. In all patients, an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP)was inserted immediately after admission to cardiac surgery service. All patients were operated at a mean of 3.3 ± 2.9 days, and 4 within 24 h of the rupture (range 1 to 9 days post-VSD). In 5 cases, the VSD was located superiorly, and 4 cases in the posterior septum.ResultsThe overall 30-day mortality was 11% (1/9). Coronary angiography was performed in all nine patients, four with single vessel disease had coronary stents implanted, and the other five received concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting during VSD repair surgery. There was no death in all 5 patients with anterior septal perforation. One patient with posterior septal perforation died in the operating room due to bleeding from the ventriculotomy site. Three survived patients were diagnosed with a small residual defect and mild left to right shunt post-repair. However, no further intervention was required, and patients remained asymptomatic (Killip II in 1 and III in 2).ConclusionIn our experience, immediate insertion of IABP and hemodynamic stabilization with early surgical intervention of VSD repair and concomitant coronary revascularization provided an 89% survival rate.

Repair of Ventricular Septal Defect in a Patient with Hemophilia A: Case Report

Hemophilia is an X-linked recessive hemorrhagic disease that affects 1 in 10,000 males worldwide, in all ethnic groups; hemophilia A represents 80% of all cases. Congenital heart disease is the most commonly occurring birth defect; it is formed during the intrauterine period. The combination of these two disease is rather rare and requires the cardiosurgeon’s apprehensive attitude. Here, we present our experience in the surgical treatment of a boy of 1-year-old with Perimembranous Ventricular Septal Defect with Hemophilia A which was found in preoperative examination. He was successfully operated with cardiac pulmonary bypass on the background of factor VIII injection.

Midterm prognosis following total correction of tetralogy of fallot in adult patients.

Tetralogy of Fallot is a common congenital heart disease characterized by cyanosis. The primary treatment approach involves corrective surgery typically performed within the first year of life to achieve complete resolution. However, certain patients may undergo surgery at an older age. This study seeks to assess the efficacy of surgery by examining the midterm outcomes of total correction of Tetralogy of Fallot when performed in older individuals. This interventional-longitudinal study focused on patients who underwent complete surgery to correct tetralogy of Fallot at an advanced age of over 15 years. All of the participants were referred to the Shahid Rajaei Heart and Vascular Center, which is a referral center for congenital heart diseases in Iran, between 2010 and 2020. The surgical procedures for these patients involved primary total correction of tetralogy of Fallot or surgery following by shunt implantation. Prior to the surgery, the necessary information was gathered from the patients' medical records. The patients were then monitored over a 5-year period, during which they received regular check-ups from cardiologist with fellowship in adult congenital heart disease. A total of 94 participants were enrolled in the study, with an average age of 26.7 ± 9.6 years. Notably, the majority of the participants were male. The study reported a late mortality rate of 3.2%. Furthermore, 17 patients, constituting 18% of the cohort, underwent a secondary surgical procedure. This secondary surgery encompassed 14 cases of Pulmonary Valve Replacement (14.8%) and 3 cases of Ventricular Septal Defect repair (3.1%). While the optimal age for total correction of Tetralogy of Fallot is conventionally considered to be within the first year of life, this study demonstrated that surgical intervention performed at a later stage of life can yield favorable midterm prognoses. It is imperative to emphasize that individuals unable to undergo surgery at the ideal age due to a multitude of factors should not be deprived of the potential benefits associated with surgical intervention.

THORACOSCOPY VERSUS STERNOTOMY IN THE CORRECTION OF A VENTRICULAR SEPTAL DEFECT: A SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE

Objective: To compare the immediate outcomes of thoracoscopy and median sternotomy in patients undergoing ventricular septal defect repair. Materials and мethods. We analyzed 59 patients diagnosed with VSD who were operated on at the SCCCST from 2012 to 2021. All patients were divided into two groups: group 1 included patients in whom thoracoscopic access was used (n=27), group 2 included the method of complete median sternotomy (n=32). Results. There were no statistically significant differences in complications in the postoperative period and no in-hospital mortality. The duration of the procedure and the duration of cardiopulmonary bypass in the thoracoscopy group were longer than in the sternotomy group. Blood loss during and after surgery was lower in the thoracoscopy group than in the sternotomy group. Hence, less blood and plasma transfusion was required in the thoracoscopy group than in the sternotomy group. The length of stay in the intensive care unit, the time spent on mechanical ventilation, bed days after surgery, the use of analgesics were statistically lower in the thoracoscopy group than in the sternotomy group. It should be noted that the length of the skin incision in patients in the thoracoscopy group was significantly less than in the second group. Conclusion. Thoracoscopic approach for VSD correction is an effective and low-traumatic method that does not increase the risk of surgical complications. Routine use of this technique requires a study on a larger sample of patients.

A Case of Duodenal Bleeding in a One-Year-Old Child in the Early Postoperative Period after the Surgical Correction of Congenital Heart Defect

Background. Gastrointestinal bleeding in children is a rather rare pathology. This especially applies to the bleeding in the postoperative period after surgical interventions that are not related to the pathology of the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, clinicians are not alert to the occurrence of such complications, which, in turn, can lead to late diagnosis and delay in the treatment of bleeding.&#x0D; Case report. We present a clinical case of duodenal bleeding in a one-year-old child in the early postoperative period after radical repair of ventricular septal defect by patching the defect. Laboratory parameters on admission: hemoglobin 120 g/L, red blood cells 4.37×1012/L. On the first postoperative day, hemoglobin was 103 g/L, hematocrit was 33%. On the 5th day after the operation, the boy had a currant jelly stool. Hemostatic therapy was provided: transfusion of fresh frozen plasma at a dose of 10 mL/kg, single administration of tranexamic acid at a dose of 10 mg/kg. The bleeding was stopped. After hemostatic therapy, hemoglobin was 105 g/L, hematocrit was 31%. Within 24 hours, fibrogastroduode-noscopy was performed which revealed an ulcer of the duodenal bulb covered with fibrin. The boy was consulted by gastroenterologist. Pathogenetic therapy was prescribed: proton pump inhibitors, antacids, enveloping drugs. The child was discharged home in a satisfactory condition on the 15th day after the operation under the supervision of a district pediatrician, cardiologist, and gastroenterologist. Laboratory parameters at discharge: hemoglobin 91 g/L, red blood cells 3.3×1012/L.&#x0D; Conclusion. The problem of gastrointestinal complications, including gastrointestinal bleeding in young children af-ter cardiac surgery, is extremely insufficiently covered in the scientific literature. Many questions remain unsolved re-garding the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of bleeding, so research in this field remains relevant for both clinicians and scientists.

Comparing apples to apples: Exploring public reporting of congenital cardiac surgery outcomes based on common congenital heart operations

ObjectiveWe sought to simplify reporting of outcomes in congenital heart surgery that compares well-defined patient groups and accommodates multiple stakeholder needs while being easily understandable. MethodsWe selected 19 commonly performed congenital heart surgeries ranging in complexity from repair of atrial septal defects to the Norwood procedure. Strict inclusion/exclusion criteria ensured the creation of 19 well-defined diagnosis/procedure cohorts. Preoperative, procedural, and postoperative data were collected for consecutive eligible patients from 9 centers between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2021. Unadjusted operative mortality rates and hospital length of stay for each of the 19 diagnosis/procedure cohorts were summarized in aggregate and stratified by each center. ResultsOf 8572 eligible cases included, numbers in the 19 diagnosis/procedure cohorts ranged from 73 for tetralogy of Fallot repair after previous palliation to 1224 for ventricular septal defect (VSD) repair for isolated VSD. In aggregate, the unadjusted mortality ranged from 0% for atrial septal defect repair to 28.4% for hybrid stage I. There was significant heterogeneity in case mix and mortality for different diagnosis/procedure cohorts across centers (eg, arterial switch operation/VSD, n = 7-42, mortality 0%-7.4%; Norwood procedure, n = 16-122, mortality 5.3%-25%). ConclusionsReporting of institutional case volumes and outcomes within well-defined diagnosis/procedure cohorts can enable centers to benchmark outcomes, understand trends in mortality, and direct quality improvement. When made public, this type of report could provide parents with information on institutional volumes and outcomes and allow them to better understand the experience of each program with operations for specific congenital heart defects.