Linear Growth after Early Surgical Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot

Abstract: For surgical correction of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)the approach from one of initial palliation in the infant to one of primary repair around the age of 6 months was adopted in many centres,if clinically indicated. We examined the effects of this change on linear growth of infants.

Design: Preoperative and postoperative anthropometric data were converted with z scores. The presence of restrictive physiology was assessed by echocardiography.

Patients: We evaluated growth of 10 infants born with TOF who underwent early surgical correction (at mean age = 3.2 +/- 2 months). Growth data were followed and recorded regularly every 3 months for 18-24 months. Growth data included length, weight, weight for age SDS (WAZ), Length SDS (LAZ), and weight for length SDS(WLZ).

Results: Before surgery WAZ, LAZ and WLZ were significantly decreased in TOF versus normal infants. In the TOF group 2/10 had WAZ,LAZ and WLZ < -2.

After early surgical correction the WLZ increased significantly in the TOF and controls.One infant with TOF had LAZ

Conclusions: Early repair of TOF results in significant acceleration of weight gain and WLZ and normal linear growth, however linear growth may be slightly slower than normal infants.