Earlier stage 1 palliation is associated with better clinical outcomes and lower costs for neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to examine the effects of surgical timing on major morbidity, mortality, and total hospital reimbursement for late preterm and term infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) undergoing stage 1 palliation within the first 2 weeks of life.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of infants aged ≥35 weeks gestation, with HLHS, admitted to our institution at age ≤5 days, between January 1, 2003, and January 1, 2013. Children with other cardiac abnormalities or other major comorbid conditions were excluded. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to determine the association between age at stage 1 palliation and major morbidity, mortality, and hospital reimbursement.

RESULTS: One hundred thirty-four children met inclusion criteria. Mortality was 7.5% (n = 10). Forty-three percent (n = 58) experienced major morbidity. Median costs were $97,000, in 2013 dollars (interquartile range, $72,000-$151,000). Median age at operation was 5 days (interquartile range, 3-7 days; full range, 1-14 days). All deaths occurred in patients operated on between 4 and 8 days of life. For every day later that surgery was performed, the odds of major morbidity rose by 15.7% (95% confidence interval, 2.5%-30.7%; P = .018) and costs rose by 4.7% (95% confidence interval, 0.9%-8.2%; P < .014).

CONCLUSIONS: Delay of stage 1 palliation for neonates with HLHS is associated with increased morbidity and health care costs, even within the first 2 weeks of life.