Junctional Ectopic Tachycardia in The Postoperative of Cardiovascular Surgery: A Cohort Study

Abstract

Introduction: Arrhythmias in the postoperative of cardiovascular surgery are an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Junctional ectopic tachycardia (JET) is among the most frequent types of arrhythmias. The purpose of this study is to describe the prevalence of JET in a certain population and to find predisposing factors for its development.

Population and Methods: Analysis of a retrospective observational cohort study of 0–16-year-old patients admitted to an intensive care unit in the postoperative period following cardiovascular surgery between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2018.

Results: Of 2247 admitted patients, 268 underwent recovery from cardiovascular surgery. Fifty-nine percent (n=157) were males. Mean age was 32 months (r: 0-187 months) and mortality rate was 5% (n=14). The prevalence of arrhythmias was 21% (n=56) and 9 out of 14 deceased patients had arrhythmias. The most frequent type of arrhythmia was junctional ectopic tachycardia in 18 patients (6.7%). Extracorporeal circulation time >110 (OR 4.74, 95% CI 1.28-6.36) and septal defect repairs (OR 8.03, 95% CI 1.79-11.05) were associated with the development of junctional ectopic tachycardia.

Conclusion: Junctional ectopic tachycardia was the most frequent arrhythmia and its development was associated with extracorporeal circulation time longer than 110 minutes and septal repair surgery.