Modern Pediatrics. Ukraine. (2026).3(155): 51-59. doi: 10.15574/SP.2026.3(155).5159
Melnychenko M. H.¹, Buzovskyi V. P.², Tomak A. I.², Zlatina N. V.²
¹Odesa National Medical University, Ukraine
²Odesa Regional Children’s Clinical Hospital, Ukraine

For citation: Melnychenko MH, Buzovskyi VP, Tomak AI, Zlatina NV. (2026). Echocardiographic profile and stress markers in infants after correction of congenital heart defects. Modern Pediatrics. Ukraine. 3(155): 51-59. doi: 10.15574/SP.2026.3(155).5159.
Article received: Jan 21, 2026. Accepted for publication: Apr 13, 2026.

In the early postoperative period after cardiaosurgical correction in infants, even with preserved systolic function, the persistence of chamber remodeling and a systemic response to surgical stress is possible.
Aim – to determine the characteristics of the echocardiographic (EcoCG) profile of infants in the early postoperative period after the correction of congenital heart defects and their association with laboratory stress markers.
Materials and methods. A retrospective cohort study of 101 infants (1-12 months) after the correction of congenital heart defects. Echocardiographic data and laboratory parameters of the early postoperative period were analyzed.
Results. Left ventricular systolic function was generally preserved: the median ejection fraction was 75.0 (70.0; 80.0)% (55-101%, n=101). At the same time, signs of chamber remodeling and overload persisted: left ventricular enlargement in 25.7%, left atrial dilatation in 35.6%, and right ventricular dilatation in 33.7%. ΔP gradients were variable, with isolated high values. Pathological changes of the mitral valve were not detected in 65.3% patients; mitral regurgitation occurred sporadically (3.9%); abnormalities of the right heart chambers and the pulmonary circulation were recorded in approximately half of the patients. The laboratory response formed a “triad”: anemia/hemodilution (↓ hemoglobin (Hb), ↓ red blood cells), an acute-phase reaction (↑ neutrophils, ↓ lymphocytes, ↑ erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ↑ C-reactive protein (CRP), and renal stress (↑ creatinine, with a tendency toward increased  urea).
Conclusions. The early postoperative profile is characterized by a combination of preserved ejection fraction with frequent persistence of chamber remodeling and variable gradients, which is consistent with an integral laboratory response. Comprehensive monitoring during the first 24-48 hours (Hb/perfusion, CRP levels, creatinine/diuresis) is advisable.
The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The study protocol was approved by the local ethics committee of the institution specified in the work.
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Keywords: infants, congenital heart defects, echocardiography, early postoperative period, acute-phase reaction, renal stress.

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