Effect of body weight on the outcome of ventricular septal defect repair

Introduction Low body weight and failure to thrive (FTT) often are considered limiting factors for open heart surgery. The purpose of our study is to asses the impact of FTT on ICU outcome of children undergoing ventricular septal defect repair. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review analysis of all children who had VSD closure by open heart surgery during the period 2002–2010. Children were divided into two groups based on their weight for age using standard growth charts. Those with normal or mild failure to thrive ( Z score > −3) are labeled as group A. Group B included all children with severe failure to thrive ( Z score ⩽ −3). Both groups were compared in term of early post operative course. Results One hundred and forty-five patients underwent open heart surgery for VSD closure during the study period. There were 58 cases in group A and 87 patients in group B. The age and weight in group A was (8 ± 5.16 months) and (6.31 ± 1.75 kg), respectively. The age and weight in group B was (7.6 ± 3.9 months) and (4.84 ± 1.12) kg, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of post operative course, and major complications. Conclusion Failure to thrive was not associated with increase in ICU morbidity and mortality in children undergoing VSD closure. Attempt to optimize the body weight for age in children with CHD may not add any beneficial advantages in term of surgical risk or postoperative ICU outcome.