Complications associated to pediatric cardiac catheterization and congenital heart diseases

Introduction: Congenital heart diseases are the most common congenital abnormalities in newborns with a prevalence of 1%. Therapeutic and diagnostic cardiac catheterization has revolutionized the treatment of these diseases; however, it can be associated with complications. Objective: To describe the incidence and type of complications associated with pediatric cardiac catheterization in a reference center for congenital heart defects. Methodology: Retrospective observational study, with analytical intention based on records of cardiac catheterization performed on patients with congenital and acquired heart disease. Results: 2,688 records were included for nine consecutive years. 53.9% were men, 21.3% with ages between 2 and 5 years and 20.3% between 6 months and 2 years. 63.5% of the procedures were elective. The prevalence of complications in the first 24 hours after catheterization was 6.7% (4.2% minor and 2.4% major). Early death occurred in 0.8% of the procedures. Factors associated with complications were age at catheterization <28 days (OR 2.18, 95% CI ([1).28-3.70)), precatheter oxygen saturation <79% (OR 2.15, 95% CI ([1).02-4.53)), use of pre-catheter inotropics (OR 3.00, 95% CI ([1).685.33]). The variables included in the model explain 38% of the variance of post-cardiac catheterization complications in patients younger than 18 years. Discussion: Cardiac catheterization is associated with major and minor complications including death. The associated factors were less than 28 days, lower oxygen saturation and use of pre-catheter inotropics.