ADJUNCTIVE USE OF INHALED NITRIC OXIDE IN CYANOTIC CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE REPAIR

Background: Pulmonary hypertension is a frequent challenge after corrective surgery for cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD), often contributing to hemodynamic instability, low cardiac output and organ dysfunction. Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) has been used to selectively reduce pulmonary vascular resistance, but its benefits in this population remain under investigation. Methods: Children with tetralogy of fallot, double outlet right ventricle, or pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect who underwent corrective repair was retrospectively analysed. Patients received either standard postoperative care or standard care with iNO. Propensity score was performed to balance baseline and surgical characteristics. The primary objective was low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) within 24 hours after surgery. Secondary objective included renal replacement therapy, ventilation duration, ICU/hospital stay, and in-hospital mortality.