Incidence and causes of prolonged mechanical ventilation in children with Down syndrome undergoing cardiac surgery

Overall, 11.7% of DS patients required prolonged ventilation after cardiac surgery. Pulmonary hypertension was seen more frequently in cases requiring PMV, and half of PMV cases required antipulmonary hypertension medication upon discharge. Early recognition of pulmonary hypertension and proper perioperative management are recommended to avoid serious complication and comorbidity after cardiac surgery.