CHALLENGES AND OUTCOMES OF BALLOON AORTIC VALVULOPLAST (BAV) IN CHILDREN

Objective: This study was aimed to determine acute success and complications,in pediatric patients undergoing balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV). Methodology: This cross sectional study consisted of patients with severe aortic valve stenosis underwent aortic valve ballooning from August 2010 to April2015. All patients had single procedure. Clinical, hemodynamic, and follow-upmorbidity and mortality data was collected. Result: A total of 81 patients were included with cohort mean age was 90.5 ± 9.8 months. Male to female ratio was 3:1.BAV was performed for symptomaticrelief and to gain time for surgical aortic valve replacement. The mean pressuregradient decreased from 80±6mmof Hg to 25±7mmof Hg. The mean aorticvalve annulus increased from 12±2mm to 15±3mm. Serious adverse eventsoccurred in 5 patients (6.17%), death in one child (1.2 %)during procedure,ventricular premature contractions in 3 (3.7 %), bradycardia in 1 (1.2 %) andmortality rate 1 (1.2%). Conclusion: Balloon aortic valvotomy is a rewarding procedure in pediatric agegroup with good results. This procedure relieves symptoms as well as preservesleft ventricular function for future aortic valve replacement.