Cardiac Arrest in Pediatric Patients with Congenital Heart Diseases Undergoing Cardiac Catheterization: A Retrospective Study
Prasert Sawasdiwipachai MD1, Bannachai Phothong MD2
Affiliation : 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand 2 Department of Anesthesia, Udon Thani Hospital, Udonthani, Thailand
Objective : Cardiac catheterizations are frequently performed in patients with congenital heart diseases. Cardiac arrest is the
serious complication that may affect the overall outcomes. The study was designed to report the incidence of in-procedure
cardiac arrest and potential contributing factors.
Materials and Methods : We conducted a single-center, retrospective cohort study by chart review in pediatric patients
undergoing cardiac catheterization in a large tertiary referral cardiac care center between January 2011 to June 2016. Patient
demographic data, diagnosis, incidence of cardiac arrest, outcome of cardiopulmonary resuscitation [CPR] and their final
disposition were collected and analyzed.
Results : A total of 726 catheterizations performed during the study period and reported incidence of cardiac arrests were 14
cases (1.9%). Successful CPR in 11 patients (84.6%, 1 patient was with Do Not Resuscitate status), but only 8 patients
(57.1%) survived to hospital discharge. Univariate analysis identified the following factors to be contributing to cardiac
arrest: age <1 year, weight <5 kg, American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] classification III-V, children with other
comorbidities, cyanotic type defect and emergent catheterization.
Conclusion : The incidence of cardiac arrest during pediatric catheterization remains high. Special precautions should be
exercised for patients at risk.
Keywords : Cardiac catheterization, Pediatric catheterization, Congenital heart disease, Cardiac arrest
