Work

The Association Between Preoperative Malnutrition and Early Postoperative Outcomes in Children with Congenital Heart Disease: A 2-Year Retrospective Study at a Lebanese Tertiary Medical Center

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objectives: This study aimed to describe the prevalence of malnutrition and its impact on postoperative outcomes in infants and children with congenital heart diseases (CHDs) undergoing cardiac surgeries. Methods: We conducted a single-center, retrospective review of medical records of children aged 1 month to 5 years with CHDs who underwent cardiac surgery at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) between January 2015 and January 2017. Anthropometric data were collected and z-scores for weight-for-age (WAZ), height-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-height (WHZ), and BMI-for-age were calculated. Malnutrition was classified based on the World Health Organization (WHO) definitions and the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) criteria. The postoperative outcomes were analyzed using bivariate and multivariable models. Results: The prevalence of malnutrition was 33.8%, with children younger than 24 months having significantly higher odds of malnutrition. The most common CHDs were ventricular septal defect (VSD) and tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), with malnutrition being significantly more prevalent in the children with VSD. Malnutrition was significantly associated with a prolonged pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) stay, with underweight being the strongest predictor. Malnourished children also had a significantly longer mechanical ventilation time (median 9.0 vs. 5.0 h, p = 0.017). Lower weight-for-age (WAZ) and BMI-for-age z-scores were associated with longer hospital stay, PICU stay, and mechanical ventilation durations. Conclusions: Malnutrition is prevalent among children with CHDs and is independently associated with longer hospital and PICU stays, as well as extended mechanical ventilation. Early nutritional assessment and intervention may improve postoperative outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Source: Children

DOI: 10.3390/children12060705