Efficacy of Evolving Early-Extubation Strategy on Early Postoperative Functional Recovery in Pediatric Open-Heart Surgery: A Matched Case-Control Study

We examined 50 consecutive pediatric cardiac surgery patients extubated in the operating room (February 2009 to July 2009) against a control group of delayed-extubation patients. No significant differences were found in preoperative variables except heart failure medication. Significant intraoperative variables included the following: blood products (363 vs 487 mL, P = .023), morphine (62% vs 6%, P < .0001), and inotropes (16% vs 60%, P < .0001) given. Postoperatively significant differences included hospital stay and lower inotrope scores in the early-extubation group (14.89 vs 31.68, P < .0001). The reintubation rate was not significant. EE patients have equivalent hemodynamic profiles shown by a decreased necessity for inotropic support. We conclude that EE is feasible in low-/medium-risk pediatric congenital heart surgery patients.

Source: Seminars in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia - August 7, 2014 Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Hamilton, B. C. S., Honjo, O., Alghamdi, A. A., Caldarone, C. A., Schwartz, S. M., Van Arsdell, G. S., Holtby, H. Tags: Original Research Source Type: research