Impact of preoperative risk factors on outcomes after Norwood palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome

Background Infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) are susceptible to pre-Norwood comorbidities (PCs) and complications. This study aimed to describe the effect of PCs on timing and survival of Norwood palliation (NP). Methods A single-center, retrospective review of infants with HLHS who underwent initial NP between 2003 and 2010 was performed. PCs included intact atrial septum, ≥ moderate atrioventricular regurgitation (AVVR), no antenatal diagnosis, mitral stenosis/aortic atresia subtype, genetic abnormality, and prematurity. Complications included pre-NP mechanical ventilation, inotropic support, infection, arrhythmia, and end-organ injury. The primary outcome measure was survival after NP. Results 113 patients were included with 78 (69%) patients having at least one PC and 61 (78%) of those patients having at least one complication. Patients with PCs underwent NP later than those without PCs (7 vs 6 days, P = .036) as well as when associated with a complication (8 vs 5 days, P