omparison of Two Cardioplegia Solutions Using hermodilution Cardiac Output in Neonates nd Infants

Background. Information from clinical studies is limted regarding the optimal method for myocardial proection in immature hearts, and specifically the benefits f different cardioplegia (CP) formulations. We comared two CP techniques by evaluation of the cardiac ndex using thermodilution catheters. Methods. The study cohort includes 102 neonates and nfants (aged 2 to 269 days) undergoing biventricular repair urgery. A total of 52 patients were managed with commerially available crystalloid CP (“standard CP”) and 50 had a ustom mix of crystalloid CP with dilute blood (“custom P”). Repeated-measures analysis of variance was applied o compare the cardiac index every 3 hours during the 4-hour postoperative period between the two groups and tratified by diagnosis. Adjustment for possible confoundrs was used to more objectively compare the groups. Results. Standard crystalloid CP provided superior yocardial protection in patients who had transposition