The influence of viral respiratory season on perioperative outcomes in patients undergoing spinal fusion for neuromuscular scoliosis

Purpose Respiratory complications are common following neuromuscular scoliosis (NMS) spinal fusion. Concern exists regarding the safety to perform complicated procedures in winter months when viral respiratory illness is common. The purpose of this study was to compare perioperative outcomes in children with NMS undergoing spinal fusion during peak (November-March) or non-peak (April-October) viral season. Methods The Health Care and Utilization Project (HCUP) Kids' inpatient database (KID) from 2006 to 2012 was reviewed. Children 20 years or younger who underwent spinal fusion for NMS were included. Patients were grouped by date of surgery during peak or non-peak viral season. Continuous variables were compared using t tests and categorical variables were compared using the Rao-Scott Chi-square test. Weighted logistic regression models were performed. Results This study identified 5082 records, including 1711 and 3371 patients who had surgery in peak and non-peak viral seasons, respectively. Patients who had spinal fusion during peak viral season were less likely to experience respiratory failure (p = 0.0008) and did not demonstrate an increased incidence of aspiration pneumonia (p = 0.26), respiratory complication (p = 0.43), or mortality (p = 0.68). Respiratory failure was associated with younger age (p = 0.0031), the presence of a tracheostomy (p < 0.0001), and the number of chronic conditions (p < 0.0001). Higher number of chronic medical conditions (mean of 5.0) was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality (p < 0.0001), aspiration pneumonia (p = 0.0009), and respiratory failure (p < 0.0001). Conclusion Spinal fusion for NMS during peak viral season has a lower risk of respiratory failure without an increase in mortality or other complications compared to during non-peak viral season.