Significance of arteriovenous partial carbon dioxide pressure of difference in Fallot patients during the perioperative period

AIM:To investigate whether arteriovenous carbon dioxide partial pressure of difference (PcvaCO2) can be used as a perioperative Fallot heart output index after postoperative superior vena cava oxygen saturation (ScvO2)>60% in Fallot patients. METHODS: Eightyseven Fallot correction patients of early postoperative ScvO2>60% were divided into high PcvaCO2 group and low PcvaCO2 group by PcvaCO2≥8 mmHg. Hemodynamic parameters, perfusion index, cardiac status and recovery were immediately observed in both groups 8, 12, 24 and 48 h after the surgery. RESULTS: Fiftythree cases were in the low PcvaCO2 group and 34 cases were in the high PcvaCO2 group. Confidence interval (CI) in low PcvaCO2 group was significantly higher than in the high PcvaCO2 group (P<005). Lactic acid, reintubation rate, application rate of noninvasive ventilation, mechanical ventilation time, time in ICU and complications in low PcvaCO2 group were significantly lower than those in high PcvaCO2 group (P<005). CI and global enddiastolic volume were positively correlated. CONCLUSION: Early PcvaCO2≥8 mmHg in Fallot patients may suggest lack of effective circulating blood flow. Early high level of PcvaCO2 is significantly associated with the occurrence of postoperative complications.