OBJECTIVETo observe the operative efficacy of patients with complete atrioventricular septal defect (CAVSD).

METHODSFrom January 2003 to June 2006, CAVSD patients underwent operative closure were included in this study. Color Doppler with apical four-chamber view was used to evaluate the degree of valve insufficiency before surgery and 2 days, 1 month, 6 months and 1 year after the surgery. Cardiac catheterization was performed to evaluate pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary arteriolar resistance (PAR) before surgery in patients whose age were over 6 months. The time of staying at ICU, ventilation time after surgery and the occurrence of pulmonary artery hypertension crisis were recorded.

RESULTS105 CAVSD patients underwent operative closure were enrolled in this study. The mean staying time at ICU was (4.7 +/- 2.4) days, and the mean ventilation time was (1.7 +/- 1.0)days, 9 patients (8.5%) developed pulmonary artery hypertension crisis after surgery. Patients with PAR > 8 Wood unit were older, staying time at ICU and ventilation time were longer compared patients with PAR < 8 Wood unit (all P < 0.05). The incidence of pulmonary artery hypertension crisis after surgery was also significantly higher in patients with PAR > 8 Wood unit compared patients with PAR < 8 Wood unit (P < 0.05). Hospital mortality was 3.8% (4/105). Three out of 4 hospital-dead patients had severe hypoplasia of the atrioventricular valve. Compared with preoperative, degree of valve insufficiency in both sides were relieved after surgery (P < 0.05). The valve insufficiency remained unchanged in 81 patients (77.1%), worsened in 14 patients (13.3%) and improved in 10 patients (9.6%) after surgery.

CONCLUSIONSOur results suggested that early surgical repair for CAVSD was safe and beneficial. Preoperative PAR > 8 Wood unit was associated with increased risk of pulmonary artery hypertension crisis after surgery in patients with CAVSD.