Propensity Score Matched Analysis of Cleft Closure in Complete Atrioventricular Septal Defect Repair

BACKGROUND Repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect (cAVSD) is achieved with low mortality. However, there is a high rate of reoperation on the left atrioventricular valve (LAVV), which is often attributed to nonclosure of the cleft. Although nonclosure of the cleft has been reported to be a risk factor for reoperation, no randomized controlled or propensity-matched trials have ever been performed. We investigated the effect of cleft closure on outcomes after cAVSD repair. METHODS We reviewed 455 patients who underwent cAVSD repair between 1990 and 2019. To determine the effect of cleft closure, propensity score matching was performed on risk factors for reoperation after cAVSD repair. RESULTS Median age was 3.6 months (mean, 9.6 +/- 20.4 months), median weight was 4.3 kg (mean, 4.7 +/- 4.3 kg) and 41.9% (191 of 455) were male. Early mortality was 2.9% (13 of 455), and survival was 89.8% +/- 1.9% at 20 years. Early reoperation was a risk factor for mortality (P [.004). Freedom from reoperation was 72.5% +/- 4.0% at 20 years. Freedom from LAVV reoperation was 74.1% +/- 4.0% at 20 years. Preoperative severe LAVV regurgitation (P <.001) and early postoperative moderate or greater LAVV regurgitation (P = .007) were risk factors for reoperation, while trisomy 21 (P = .03) and recent era of surgery (P = .02) were protective. Propensity score matching yielded 106 pairs. There were no differences in long-term survival (P = .71) or reoperation (P = .26) between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS Repair of cAVSD can be achieved with low mortality and good long-term survival, although the reoperation rate remains high. Similar freedom from reoperation can be achieved with or without closure of the LAVV cleft. (C) 2022 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons