EVALUATION OF RESPIRATORY FAILURE FOLLOWING PEDIATRIC CARDIAC SURGERY

Abstract

Background: This study evaluated the respiratory failure (postoperative reintubation, respiratory acidosis, deterioration of gas blood, respiratory disfunctions, hypoxia) after congenital heart surgery. Material and methods: To evaluate the impact of respiratory failure (within 48 hours postoperatively) in patients undergoing congenital heart surgery. This retrospective study included 45 operated patients (male and female aged 3 to 9 months) who had undergone cardiac surgery at the University Clinic for Pediatric Surgery in a period of two years. Type of congenital heart diseases, perioperative and postoperative parameters (duration of cardiopulmonary bypass - CPB, cross-clamping of aorta, duration of stay in ICU and complications) were analyzed. Results: Of a total of 45 operated patients, five required reintubation, and their average age was 7.5 months, and median body weight 7.8 kg. Perioperative procedures were prolonged (duration of CPB - 97 minutes, aortic cross-clamping time - 59 min. and duration stay in ICU -7.2 days), caused postoperative complications (chylothorax, respiratory infection and thoracic bleeding) and worsening of respiratory failure. We evaluated postoperative respiratory failure in five reintubated patients. Conclusion: Prolongated perioperative and postoperative procedures were significantly associated with postoperative complications, worsening of the general condition and prolonged postoperative treatment.