VASCULAR COMPLICATIONS OF PEDIATRIC CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION AND EFFECTS ON MORBIDITY

Purpose: In this study we observed the vascular complications following the cardiac catheterization used both for diagnosis and treatment in pediatric patients. We also examined the characteristics, types and treatment methods of these complications and the effects of application on morbidity.

Method: This retrospective study included the records of 556 patients (ages 0-14) who had cardiac catheterization between January 1996 and May 2004 in pediatric cardiology clinic. Vascular complications were hematoma, embolus, pseudoaneurysm, A-V fistula, hemorrhage, infection and mortality. Surgical endications were determined by physical examination and arterial venous doppler ultrasonography.

Results: Vascular complications developed in 49 patients (8.81 %). Thirty of them (61.22 %) had surgical intervention. Hematoma in 18 patients (3.23 %), embolus in 12 patients (2.15 %), pseudoaneurysm in 2 patients (0.35 %), A-V fistula in 2 patients (0.35 %), hemorrhage in 8 patients (1.43 %), deep venous trombosis in 2 patients (0.35 %), infection in 4 patients (0.71 %) were found. Vascular complications extended the hospitalization period 5+2 days.

Conclusion: The small body sizes increase the morbidity rate, causing trouble in finding vessels to apply the catheter. A complete sedation and application of catheterization and vascular surgery by experienced hands decreases the vascular complications following cardiac catheterizations. During the treatment of vascular complication in pediatric ages the medical treatment must be discussed while keeping surgical intervention in mind. (Turkish J Vasc Surg 2004;13(1): 5-10)