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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.

Background – Children with exposure to COVID-19 in recent times (asymptomatic or symptomatic infection) approaching congenital heart surgery (CHS) program are in increasing numbers. Understanding outcomes of such children will help risk-stratify and guide optimization prior to CHS. Objective: The objective of the present study was to determine whether convalescent COVID-19 children undergoing congenital heart surgery have any worse mortality or postoperative outcomes. Design: Consecutive children undergoing CHS from Oct 2020 to May 2021 were enrolled after testing for RT-PCR (Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase chain test) or rapid antigen test (RAT) and IgG antibody prior to surgery. Convalescent COVID-19 was defined in any asymptomatic patient positive for IgG antibodies and negative for RT-PCR or RAT anytime 6 weeks prior to surgery. Control patients were negative for any of the three tests. Mortality and postoperative outcomes were compared among the groups. Results: 1129 consecutive CHS were stratified as convalescence and control. COVID-19 Convalescent (n=349) and COVID-19 control (n=780) groups were comparable for all demographic and clinical factors except younger and smaller kids in control. Convalescent children had no higher mortality, ventilation duration, ICU and hospital stay, no higher support with ECMO, HFNC, no higher need for re-intubations, re-admissions, and no higher infections as CLABSI, SSI, and VAP on comparison with COVID-19 control children. Conclusions: Convalescent COVID-19 do not have any unfavorable outcomes as compared to COVID-19 control children. Positive IgG antibody screening prior to surgery is suggestive of convalescence and supports comparable outcomes on par with control peers.

Background: We objective of the current study was to identify the prevalence of AKI and classify them based on Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) staging system. We also evaluated the outcome of patients developing AKI and identified the associated risk factors.Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in pediatric cardiac ICU of a tertiary care hospital. Patient < 18 years who underwent cardiac surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for congenital heart disease were enrolled in the study. AKI was defined as increase in serum creatinine ≥ 0.3 mg/dl within 48 hours or 1.5 times or more from baseline within the first 7 days post-surgery. Results: Nine hundred and twenty children were enrolled in the study. Three hundred and twelve (34%) children developed AKI with 202 (20%) developing stage I, 92 (10%) stage II and 18 (2%) stage III. Resolution was achieved in all the patients and none developed chronic kidney disease. Risk factors for AKI were higher CPB time, higher aortic cross clamp time, significant arrhythmias and higher inotropic requirement at admission. Children with stage 2 and 3 disease had higher odds for requirement of mechanical ventilation > 24 hours and > 72 hours, length of ICU stay > 5 days and in hospital mortality.   Conclusions: AKI following cardiac surgery is common. Although majority of the cases are mild disease and self-limiting it can significantly affect the outcome of these patients.

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