Systemic pulmonary shunts in neonates: early clinical outcome and choice of surgical approach

Background. Systemic pulmonary shunt remains a major strategy for the palliation of cyanotic lesions in neonates despite the associated morbidity and mortality. Methods. Between March 1993 and December 1998, 79 systemic pulmonary shunts were performed in 75 neonates with cyanosis and severely reduced pulmonary blood flow. The mean age was 11.5 days and the mean weight, 3 kg. All neonates were dependent on duct flow and prostaglandin E1 infusion for adequate oxygenation. Results. The systemic pulmonary shunt was performed through a right thoracotomy in 36 patients, left thoracotomy in 6, and median sternotomy in 33 patients. The 30-day mortality was 3 patients (4%). Univariate and logistic regression analyses revealed a weight less than 2 kg (p = 0.039) and preoperative mechanical ventilation (p = 0.008), to be predictors of early mortality, whereas pulmonary hypoplasia (p = 0.55), diagnostic group (p = 0.79), shunt size (p = 0.2), and surgical approach (p = 0.5) were not. There were seven episodes of shunt-related complications that required early intervention. Conclusions. Systemic pulmonary shunt remains an effective palliative measure in cyanotic neonates despite specific complications. Both low weight and preoperative ventilation represent significant risk factors for early mortality.