Preoperative Hemodynamics and Brain Injury in Transposition of the Great Arteries

Authors' conclusion

Although no clear association was found with brain injury, this study provides evidence that high QpQs is related to lower superior vena cava flow and cerebral oxygen delivery and may predispose infants with TGA to white matter injury and hypoxic ischemic injury. These findings suggest that to preserve cerebral blood flow, preoperative TGA patients who remain hypoxemic after balloon atrial septostomy may be better served by earlier arterial switch operation rather than attempting to increase patent ductus arteriosus size with prostaglandins. Our findings suggest hypoxic ischemic injury secondary to pulmonary overcirculation is also an important form of injury and may be preventable through judicious use of prostaglandin and timely surgical repair.