[Surgical treatment for ventricular septal defect in infants under 5 kg of body weight].

OBJECTIVE

To review the indication and timing of surgery,surgical techniques and perioperative management of ventricular septal defect (VSD) repair on infants under 5 kg of body weight.

METHODS

From January, 2000 to December, 2005, 134 children patients with VSD and associated anomalies, who were under 5 kg of body weight and aged (3.9+/-1.9) months, were diagnosed and treated in our department.

RESULTS

One case died of arrhythmia and heart failure in the early stage of postoperation (mortality 0.7%). The most common postoperative complications were pneumonia (14), pulmonary hypertensive crisis (6), arrhythmia (4), low cardiac output (4), dropsy of thoracic cavity(1). Followed up for 6 m-6 y, the development of all 133 cases was well. Two children with residual shunt got a spontaneous closure confirmed by echocardiography one year postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

The clinical results of operations on VSD infants with low body weight are satisfactory with attention to the indication and timing of surgery, proper CPB management, rational operations and perioperative management.