Diaphragmatic paralysis after pediatric cardiac surgery: Associated implications and outcomes.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the associated implications and outcomes of diaphragmatic paralysis following pediatric cardiac surgery at a center specializing in congenital heart diseases. Methods: The eligibility criteria for this cross-sectional study included patients who underwent surgery between January 2020 and June 2021. We collected sociodemographic, anthropometric, cardiac diagnostic, surgical, diaphragmatic paralysis diagnostic, ventilatory, and temporal variables and those related to the outcome of diaphragmatic paralysis and hospital outcomes. We conducted descriptive and inferential (logistic regression model) statistical analysis. Results: Among a total of 246 patients, a prevalence of 2.4% of diaphragmatic paralysis was estimated, predominantly in those with cyanotic congenital heart disease. Patients with extubation failure were 3.59 times more likely to have diaphragmatic paralysis (p<0.05). The need for non-invasive ventilation increased the patient's chance of being diagnosed with diaphragmatic paralysis by 14 times (OR=14.29, p>0.05). Unilateral diaphragm injury and the necessity for surgical treatment by plication were predominant. All patients with diaphragmatic paralysis were in the intensive care unit discharged. Conclusion: Extubation failure and non-invasive support were associated with diaphragmatic paralysis. Outcomes included diaphragmatic plication and subsequent discharge from the intensive care unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]