Predictors and Outcome of Early Extubation in Infants Postcardiac Surgery: A Single-center Observational Study

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the current study was to evaluate the timing of first extubation and compare the outcome of patient extubated early with others; we also evaluated the predictors of early extubation in our cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study included children <1 year of age undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease. Timing of first extubation was noted, and patients were dichotomized in the group taking 6 h after completion of surgery as cutoff for early extubation. The outcome of the patients extubated early was compared with those who required prolonged ventilation. Variables were compared between the groups, and predictors of early extubation were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-four (33.8%) patients were extubated early including 2 extubation in operating room and 406 (70.7%) were extubated within 24 h. Four (0.7%) patients died without extubation. No significant difference in mortality and reintubation was observed between groups. Patient extubated early had a significant lower incidence of sepsis (P = 0.003) and duration of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay (P = 0.000). Age <6 months, risk adjustment for congenital heart surgery category ≥3, cardiopulmonary bypass time ≥80 min, aortic cross-clamp time ≥ 60 min, and vasoactive-inotropic score >10 were independently associated with prolonged ventilation. CONCLUSION: Early extubation in infants postcardiac surgery lowers pediatric ICU stay and sepsis without increasing the risk of mortality or reintubation. Age more than 6 months, less complex of procedure, shorter surgery time, and lower inotropic requirement are independent predictors of early extubation.