Cardiovascular Surgery in Low Body Weight Infants

Abstract

Results of cardiovascular operetion in 22 infants born in low birth weight and weighing less than 2,500 gr at the time of operation were reviewed. Seventeen infants had patent ductus arteriosus(PDA-group) and 5 other had various congenital heart disease(CHD-group). Birth weight and gestational age in PDA-group were less developed than those in CHD-group. There was no operative death in PDA-group but 2 died in CHD-group. Combination of congenital anomalies of digestive organs in PDA-group was less frequent than in CHD-group. In the surgical treatment of cardiovascular anomalies in infants weighing less than 2,500 gr, meticulous pre- and post-operative respiratory and circulatory care is of prime importance beside with early accurate diagnosis, preferably by non-invasive technique and selection of proper operative method acceptable to small, poorly nourished infants.