An evaluation of bilateral cerebral oxygen saturation during cyanotic and non-cyanotic cardiac surgery

Background: This study aims to investigate cerebral oxygenation differences between cyanotic and non-cyanotic pediatric cardiac surgery patients using near-infrared spectroscopy. Methods: Between January 2013 and May 2013, a total of 25 pediatric patients (10 boys, 15 girls) were included in this prospective study. Cyanotic group (group C) included 11 patients who received total correction for tetralogy of Fallot, while the non-cyanotic group (group NC) included 14 patients whose simple congenital heart disease was surgically repaired. Bilateral near-infrared spectroscopy values at varying time points: post-induction (T-1), pre-bypass (T-2), on cross-clamp (T-3), after removal of cross-clamp (T-4), rewarming (T-5), off bypass (T-6), and end of the operation (T-7) were recorded. Also, hemodynamic variables, body temperature, blood gas parameters, lactate, oxygen content, hematocrit values, mechanical ventilation duration, and length of intensive care unit and hospital stay were noted. Results: There was no significant difference in the right and left cerebral oxygenation values between the groups. Similarly, no significant difference was observed in the right and left cerebral oxygenation in each individual group. None of the patients experienced morbidity or mortality following surgery. Conclusion: Although hematocrit, arterial oxygen, and carbon dioxide pressure may alter in cyanotic cardiac diseases, bilateral cerebral oxygenation values appear to be similar between cyanotic and non-cyanotic patients. Although there were significant physiopathological differences between the groups, NIRS values did not differ.