Risk factors for recurrence after surgical repair of coarctation of the aorta in children: a single-center experience based on 51 children

BACKGROUND: Coarctation of the aorta (CoA), is a congenital malformation, often combined with several cardiac abnormalities. At present, the operation effect is satisfactory, but postoperative restenosis is still a matter. Identification of risk factors for restenosis and prompt therapy adjustments may improve patient outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective clinical study of patients under 12 who had CoA repair in 2012–2021, with a randomized cohort population of 475 patients. RESULTS: A total of 51 patients (M/F: 30/21) with a mean age of 5.33 (2.00–15.00) months and a median weight of 5.60 (4.20–10.00) kg. The mean follow-up was 8.93 (3.77–19.37) months. Patients were divided into 2 groups: no-restenosis (n-reCoA) (G1, 38 patients) and restenosis (reCoA) (G2, 13 patients). ReCoA was defined as a restenosis requiring interventional or surgery or a pressure gradient >20 mmHg at the repair site as reported by B-ultrasound with the presence of an upper and lower limb blood pressure gradient or growing dysplasia. The overall reCoA incidence was 25% (13/51). In multivariate COX regression, smaller preoperative z-score of the ascending aorta (P = 0.009, HR = 0.68) and transverse aortic arch (P = 0.015, HR = 0.66), arm-leg systolic pressure gradient ≥12.5 mmHg at discharge (P = 0.003, HR = 1.09) were independent risk factors for reCoA. CONCLUSION: The overall outcome of CoA surgery is successful. Smaller preoperative z-score of the ascending aorta and transverse aortic arch, and an arm-leg systolic pressure gradient ≥12.5 mmHg at discharge increase reCoA risk, and closer follow-up for such patients are required especially within 1 postoperative year.