CRITICAL CHD – STENT TO DELAY SURGERY

These are major causes of early morbidity and mortality. Poor clinical condition at the time of surgery also plays a role in exacerbating the outcome as this may increase the risk of shunt occlusion.(7,8) Prostaglandin E1, as a continuous intravenous infusion to maintain ductus arteriosus patency, is often used in resource limited settings where waiting lists for surgery are lengthy. This may be at the expense of well known reported side effects such as apnea requiring prolonged ventilation, convulsions, necrotising enterocolitis and fever.(2,9) * Department of Paediatric Cardiology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa