Objective:We report the early and constant-term outcome following mechanical heart valve replacement in children in Fuwai hospital.

MethodsBetween 2001 and 2011, 19 children ( 12 male, mean age 4.8±1.9 years, range 1.0–7.0 years) underwent mechanical valve replacement (MVR 12 and AVR 7 ). Valve replacement were performed because of congenital heart disease in 17 patients, traumatic valve lesions and infective endocarditis in 1 patient, respectively. All patients received long-term anticoagulation treatment with sodium warfarin, aiming to maintain an international normalized ratio between 1.8 and 2.5.

ResultsThe mean follow-up was 2.9±2.8 years (range 0.3-10.9 years,). In-hospital mortality was 15.7% (3/19), No late deaths and reoperation occurred during the follow-up. Follow-up is 94% complete. All patients are in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I-II. Actuarial survival after 10 years was 78.9%. Late complications included thromboembolism (1; 0.5%) and hemorrhage (3; 15.7%).

ConclusionMechanical valve prostheses are a valuable option for heart valve replacement in children with good results. Operative mortality and the incidence of any valve-related events as thromboembolism and hemorrhage were acceptable.