Frequency and Outcome of Acute Neurologic Complications after Congenital Heart Disease Surgery

OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency and immediate outcome of acute neurologic complications (ANCs) in children undergoing congenital heart surgery (CHS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, all patients undergoing CHS at our hospital from January 2007 to June 2016 were included. Patients were followed up for the development of seizures, altered level of consciousness (ALOC), abnormal movements, and stroke. Results are presented as mean with standard deviation and frequency with percentages. RESULTS: Of 2000 patients who underwent CHS at our center during the study, 35 patients (1.75%) developed ANC. Seizures occurred in 28 (80%), ALOC in 5 (14%), clinical stroke in 2, brain death in 6 patients. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) were started in 32 patients, of which 13 patients required more than one AED. Mean length of stay was 10 ± 7.36 days. Of 35 patients who developed ANC, 7 expired during the study. CONCLUSION: Neurological complications are scarce but significant morbidity after CHS at our center.