Factors affecting the clinical outcomes in pediatric post-cardiotomy patients requiring perioperative peritoneal dialysis.

OBJECTIVE: Fluid overload is associated with increased mortality and morbidity in pediatric cardiac surgery. In the pediatric age group, peritoneal dialysis might improve postoperative outcome with avoiding fluid overload and electrolyte imbalance. It preserves hemodynamic status with the advantage of passive drainage. In this study, we are reporting our results of peritoneal dialysis after cardiac surgery. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we evaluated the patients who underwent pediatric cardiac surgery in our hospital between December 2010 and January 2020. Patients who required peritoneal dialysis during hospitalization period were included in the study. Patients' clinical status and outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Peritoneal dialysis was performed to 89 patients during the study period. The age varies from the newborn to 4 years old. The indication of peritoneal dialysis was prophylactic in 68.5% (n=61) and for the treatment in 31.5% (n=28). There were 31 mortalities. The risk factors for the mortality were preoperative lower age, longer cardiopulmonary bypass time, lengthened intubation, lengthened inotropic support, and requirement of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Earlier initiation of peritoneal dialysis in pediatric cardiac surgery helps maintain hemodynamic instability by avoiding fluid overload, considering the difficulty in the treatment of electrolyte imbalance and diuresis.