The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Early Arrhythmias Following Pediatric Open Heart Surgery in Egyptian Children

AIM: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of early postoperative arrhythmias after cardiac operation in the pediatric population, and to analyse possible risk factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study included 30 postoperative patients, with age range four up to 144 months. They were selected from those admitted to the Cardiology Unit in the Pediatric department of Ain Shams University hospitals, after undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery for correction of congenital cardiac defects. All patients had preoperative sinus rhythm and normal preoperative electrolytes levels. All patients’ records about age, weight, type of surgery, intraoperative arrhythmias, cardiopulmonary bypass time, ischemic time and use of inotropic drugs were taken before they were admitted to the specialised pediatric post-surgery intensive care unit (ICU). RESULTS: Arrhythmia was documented in 15 out of 30 patients (50%). Statistically significant difference between the arrhythmic and non-arrhythmic group were recorded in relation to the age of operation (23 vs 33 months), weight (12 vs. 17 kg), ischemic time (74.5 vs. 54 min), cardiopulmonary bypass time (125.5 vs. 93.5min), inotrope use (1.6 vs. 1.16) and postoperative ICU stay (5.8 vs. 2.7 days), P<0.05. CONCLUSION: Early postoperative arrhythmias following surgery for congenital heart disease are relatively frequent in children (50%). Younger age, lower body weight, longer ischemic time and bypass time, and more inotrope use are all risk factors for postoperative arrhythmias and lead to increase the hospital stay.