Hypogammaglobulinemia as a Predictive Factor of Postoperative Complications in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery

Hypogammaglobulinemia, developed as a result of cardiac surgery accompanied by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), may be caused by hemodilution, destruction of immunoglobulin, extravasation into the interstitial space related to systemic inflammation, and capillary leak syndrome. Therefore, to address this gap, we analyzed the characteristics of the infants who developed hypogammaglobulinemia after cardiac surgery and could benefit from Immunoglobulin supplementation. Methods: This is a retrospective study evaluating infants undergoing surgery for repair of congenital heart defects from October 1, 2019 to June 30th, 2020 in the neonatal unit of our institution. Due to its retrospective design, informed consent was not required. Patients were divided in two groups: Group 1 (IgG >= 340mg/dL) and Group 2 (IgG < 340mg/dL). The value cut point was defined taking into consideration p10 level of Immunoglobulin according to Fujimura. Results: From October 1, 2019 to June 30th, 2020, 62 children were born or admitted in our neonatal unit. Among them, 19 (30%) have their IgG dosed, according to attending physician decision. Among patients with hypogammaglobulinemia, Pseudomonas sp was present in 87.5% of blood stream and/or tracheal secretion cultures. Regarding survival analysis, mortality was not different between Group 1 and 2. Conclusion: Hypogammaglobulinemia has proved to be a predictor factor of postoperative complications in pediatric cardiac surgery. However, prospective trials are needed to determine the incidence of this problem, its real impact on survival, and the appropriate therapy.