Outcomes, mortality risk factors, and functional status post-Norwood: A single-center study

Background

The Norwood operation (NO) for infants with univentricular physiology has high interstage mortality. This study evaluated outcomes and risk factors for mortality following NO.

Methods

Retrospective single-center study of patients undergoing NO from 2010 to 2020. Analysis used appropriate statistics.

Results

Of 269 patients undergoing NO, 213 (79.2 %) survived to discharge. Non-survivors had longer bypass times, delayed sternal closure, required nitric oxide, higher vasoactive scores, required post-operative catheterization, Extracorporeal Life Support (ECLS), and longer ventilation (p < 0.05). Logistic regression showed moderate-severe atrioventricular valve regurgitation on intraoperative TEE (OR 2.6), requiring nitric oxide (OR 2.63), delayed sternal closure (OR 2.94), post-operative catheterization (OR 10.48), and ECLS (OR 14.54) increased mortality odds (p < 0.05). Multivariable analysis confirmed catheterization (aOR 10.48) and ECLS (aOR 14.54) as significant predictors. Of survivors, 26 (12.3 %) developed new morbidity, 9 (4.2 %) had unfavorable outcomes. Functional status improved from 6.0 to 8.04, mainly in feeding and respiratory domains (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Norwood survival was 79.2 %. Requiring post-operative catheterization and ECLS significantly increased mortality risk. Multicenter evaluation of these modifiable risk factors is needed to improve outcomes in this high-risk population.