Predicted outcome after repair of tetralogy of Fallot by postoperative pressure ratio between right and left ventricle.
BACKGROUND
The surgical management of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) has continued to evolve and there are now generally excellent early and long-term results following complete repair.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the early results of the authors' current surgical management of TOF by assessing the perioperative and early to intermediate follow-up period. The authors paid particular attention to the post-operative ratio of right ventricular to left ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP/LVSP), focusing on the presence of low cardiac output, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, prolonged of inotropic support and ventilation support time.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
Between June 2002 and August 2004, 31 consecutive patients underwent complete repair of TOF. Their mean age was 7.7 +/- 5.1 years (range, 2.9 to 25.3). A previous palliative shunt had been performed in 14 (45.2%) patients. Twenty-three patients (74.2%) were in NYHA FC II. Mean hematocrit and oxygen saturation were 50.9 +/- 10.25% and 80.5 +/- 8.6%, respectively. Mean preoperative ratio of RVSP/LVSP was 1.1 +/- 0.15. The operative approach was transatrial/transpulmonary, and 17 (54.8%) patients required a transannular patch. An extracardiac valve conduit was necessary in 3 (9.7%) patients with pulmonary atresia.


RESULTS
There were no operative or late deaths. Two cases were reoperated from cardiac tamponade. Mean postoperative ratio of RVSP/LVSP was 0.53 +/- 0.16. Median ICU and hospital stays were 2.2 and 11 days, respectively. Presence of low cardiac output and prolonged inotropic support were significantly (P < 0.05) related to a RVSP/LVSP ratio of more than 0.5. At median follow-up of 6 months, 29 (93.5%) patients were asymptomatic and all patients were free of significant residual lesion.


CONCLUSIONS
The authors' early results in complete repair of TOF patients are acceptable with a low incidence of morbidity. A postoperative RVSP/LVSP ratio of more than 0.5 was significantly associated to adverse outcome. Late complications may, however, develop, and long term follow-up for early detection of any such complications is essential.
Chittithavorn
Voravit
V
Division of Cardiovascular Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand. cvoravit@medicine.psu.ac.th
Rergkliang
Chareonkiat
C
Chetpaophan
Apirak
A
Vasinanukorn
Prasert
P
Sopontammarak
Somkiat
S
Promphan
Worakan
W
D000293:Adolescent; D002303:Cardiac Output, Low / Q000150:complications; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006321:Heart / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011184:Postoperative Period; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013771:Tetralogy of Fallot / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D017725:Ventricular Pressure / Q000502:physiology*