Background
The impact of age and weight on outcomes following the Fontan operation is unclear. Previous analyses have suggested that lower weight-for-age z-score is an important predictor of poor outcome in patients undergoing bidirectional Glenn. We evaluated variation in age, weight, and weight-for-age z-score at Fontan across institutions, and the impact of these variables on post-operative morbidity and mortality.
Methods
Patients in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database undergoing the Fontan operation (2000–2009) were included. Center variation in age, weight, and weight-for-age z-score were described. Multivariable analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of age, weight, and weight-for-age z-score on in-hospital mortality, Fontan failure (combined in-hospital mortality and Fontan takedown/revision), post-operative length of stay, and complications, adjusting for other patient and center factors.
Results
A total of 2747 patients (68 centers) were included: 61% male; 45% right dominant lesions (38% left dominant, 17% undifferentiated). An extracardiac conduit Fontan (vs. lateral tunnel) was performed in 63%; 65% were fenestrated. Median age and weight at Fontan operation and proportion with weight-for-age z-score <−2 varied across centers ranging from 1.7–4.8 yrs, 10.5–16.1 kg, and 0%–30%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, age and weight were not significantly associated with outcome. Weight-for-age z-score <−2 was associated with increased in-hospital mortality (OR 2.73, 95%CI 1.09–6.86), Fontan failure (OR 2.59, 95%CI 1.24–5.40), and longer length of stay (+1.2 days, 95%CI 0.1–2.4).
Conclusions
Weight-for-age z-score <−2 is associated with significant morbidity and mortality following the Fontan operation independent of other patient and center characteristics.
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