Late-Term Gestation Is Associated with Improved Survival in Neonates with Congenital Heart Disease Following Postoperative Extracorporeal Life Support∗

Abstract

Objective: Several population-based studies have shown that gestational age 39-40 weeks at birth is associated with superior outcomes in various pediatric settings. A high proportion of births for neonates with congenital heart disease occur before 39 weeks. We aimed to assess the influence of late-Term gestation (39-40 wk) on survival in neonates requiring extracorporeal life support following surgery for congenital heart disease. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. Patients: Neonates requiring extracorporeal life support after cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease. Measurements and Main Results: From 2005 to 2014, 110 neo..