Impact of Down syndrome on the surgical treatment of congenital heart defects / 中南大学学报(医学版)

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the impact of Down syndrome (DS) on surgical management in patients with congenital heart defects (CHD).@*METHODS@#We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data from 35 children with DS and CHD, who underwent cardiac surgery between 2004 and 2009. The data on surgical mortality, complications and follow-up results are emphasized.@*RESULTS@#All of the patients underwent primary repair. One child (2.9%) with DS and complete atrioventricular septal defect (CAVSD) died early postoperatively because of pulmonary hypertension. Two patients (5.7%) had low cardiac output syndrome, and 15 (42.9%) suffered pulmonary complications. III degree atrioventricular block (AVB) occurred in 4 patients (11.5%). Thirty children who were followed up 10 months to 6 years [(3.8±1.1) years] are in NYHA class I or II. There were no reoperations or later death.@*CONCLUSION@#CHD in DS children can be repaired with a low risk of mortality, although a high incidence of severe infections and III degree AVB can result in a complicated postoperative course. The results of mid-term follow up are satisfactory.