Calcium Sensitizers Improve Short Term Outcome After Surgical Repair Of Pediatric Cardiac Patients With Severely Impaired Left Ventricle

Introduction: Delayed diagnosis and management of congenital cardiac defects with high LV afterload and infants with impaired coronary perfusion can lead to severe impairment of LV function. The surgical repair of these patients carries a high perioperative risk. Introduction of Inodilators in the medical management of these cases has greatly improved postoperative outcome. Aim of the work: To evaluate the effect of calcium sensitizers on short-term outcome of surgical repair of cardiac defects in pediatric cardiac patients with severely impaired left ventricle. Methods and results A retrospective study was conducted at our institute in 2024 to evaluate the effect of inodilator usage on short term outcome of surgical correction of congenital heart defects with severely impaired cardiac function. The perioperative data of congenital cardiac surgeries performed from 2008 tell 2020 at our Institute were reviewed. 68 infants were enrolled in the current study. Two obstructive systemic lesions (AS, CoA) and ALCAPA. Included in the study. Based on the perioperative management, two groups were allocated; group 1, who received calcium sensitizers (Levosimendan) in the preoperative preparation and group 2, who received the standard management (Milrinone). Exclusion criteria history of balloon dilatation with resultant significant aortic regurgitation, preoperative mechanical ventilation and sepsis. Endpoints were mortality, failure of LV improvement based on follow up. Conclusion Infusion of calcium sensitizers had not significantly affected early postoperative mortality in our series of patients undergoing corrective cardiac surgery.