Use of a Postoperative Care Management Pathway Reduces the Incidence of Chylothorax Post-Fontan Palliation.

Pleural effusions and chylothorax are challenging morbidities post-Fontan palliation. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of our Fontan Care Pathway (FCP) in reducing the incidence of post-operative chylothorax and Time to Chest Tube Removal (TTCTR), and to determine risk factors associated with longer TTCTR. Between 2016 and 2022 our institutional approach to post-Fontan care fell into three categories: Group 1 (n = 36): no standardized approach; Group 2 (n = 30): a prophylactic chylothorax diet (fat content < 5%); Group 3 (n = 57): the FCP (a chylothorax diet, fluid restriction, supplemental O2 and aggressive diuresis). The incidence of chylothorax and TTCTR was compared between groups. Predictors of TTCTR were analyzed using linear regression modelling, adjusting for covariates. Chylothorax rate decreased in Group 3 compared to Groups 1 and 2 (9% vs. 28% and 33% respectively, p = 0.011), without alteration in TTCTR. Univariate factors associated with median TTCTR included chylothorax (+ 13.7 days, p = 0.001), additional procedures at time of Fontan (+ 2.4 days per procedure p = 0.017), Fontan revision or takedown (+ 11.7 days, p = 0.018) and minor/major complications (+ 5.1, p = 0.01 and + 15.8, p < 0.001, respectively). On multivariable analysis, chylothorax (+ 6.5 days, p = 0.005) and major complications (+ 15.8 days, p = 0.001) were associated with increased TTCTR. When chylothorax was excluded from multivariable analysis, the FCP showed a significant decrease in TTCTR (- 3.3 days, p = 0.034). A bundled therapy approach was associated with reduced laboratory confirmed chylothorax post-Fontan, whereas diet change alone was not. Additional studies in this area, with larger sample sizes are warranted.

Acute kidney injury and renal recovery following Fontan surgery.

Objectives: Acute kidney injury has been described after Fontan surgery, but the duration and outcomes are unknown. We sought to describe the incidence of and risk factors for acute kidney injury and the phenotype of renal recovery, and evaluate the impact of renal recovery phenotype on outcomes. Methods: All children who underwent a Fontan operation at a single center between 2009 and 2022 were included. Data collected included Fontan characteristics, vasopressor use, all measures of creatinine, and postoperative outcomes. Logistic regression models were used to assess predictors of acute kidney injury and the association between acute kidney injury and outcomes. Results: We enrolled 141 children (45% female). Acute kidney injury occurred in 100 patients (71%). Acute kidney injury duration was transient (<48 hours) in 77 patients (55%), persistent (2-7 days) in 15 patients (11%), more than 7 days in 4 patients (3%), and unknown in 4 patients (3%). Risk factors for acute kidney injury included higher preoperative indexed pulmonary vascular resistance (odds ratio, 3.90; P = .004) and higher postoperative inotrope score on day 0 (odds ratio, 1.13, P = .047). Risk factors for acute kidney injury duration more than 48 hours included absence of a fenestration (odds ratio, 3.43, P = .03) and longer duration of cardiopulmonary bypass (odds ratio, 1.22 per 15-minute interval, P = .01). Acute kidney injury duration more than 48 hours was associated with longer length of stay compared with transient acute kidney injury (median 18 days [interquartile range, 9-62] vs 10 days [interquartile range, 8-16], P = .006) and more sternal wound infections (17% vs 4%, P = .049). Conclusions: Acute kidney injury after the Fontan operation is common. The occurrence and duration of acute kidney injury have significant implications for postoperative outcomes.

Implementation of Virtual Fontan Heart Camps During a Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Children with a Fontan operation represent a unique form of congenital heart disease (CHD) that requires multiple cardiac surgeries and procedures with an uncertain long-term outcome. Given the rarity of the types of CHD that require this procedure, many children with a Fontan do not know any others like them. METHODS: With the cancelation of medically supervised heart camps due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have organized several physician-led virtual day camps for children with a Fontan operation to connect with others in their province and across Canada. The aim of this study was to describe the implementation and evaluation of these camps via the use of an anonymous online survey immediately after the event and reminders on days 2 and 4 postevent. RESULTS: Fifty-one children have participated in at least 1 of our camps. Registration data showed that 70% of participants did not know anyone else with a Fontan. Postcamp evaluations showed that 86% to 94% learned something new about their heart and 95% to 100% felt more connected to other children like them. CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated the implementation of a virtual heart camp to expand the support network for children with a Fontan. These experiences may help to promote healthy psychosocial adjustments through inclusion and relatedness.

Strategies to maintain a family-centered care approach in the era of COVID-19: Experiences of a Canadian pediatric cardiology program.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in strict provincial guidelines to prevent its spread. Physical distancing requirements, the postponement of elective pediatric cardiac surgeries and non-invasive cardiac interventions, and hospital visitor restrictions have significantly impacted services provided by our pediatric cardiac program. Rapid modifications to current inpatient and outpatient practices were required to maintain a family-centered care approach. Strategies our team used to maintain a family-centered care approach focused on six key areas including inpatient care, outpatient pediatric cardiology clinics, family meetings, discharge planning and teaching, the connection of inpatient pediatric patients to the outside world, and social support. The majority of our strategies are adaptable to other pediatric cardiology programs and some may prove useful after the pandemic and as restrictions lift. These strategies each have their own limitations and challenges that must be considered when adapting them to other pediatric cardiology programs and continuing their use after the pandemic has resolved.