Clinical value of Tei index in pediatric patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot

Purpose: Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart disease characterized by underdevelopment of the right ventricular infundibulum. Present study aimed to explore the clinic value of Tei index in assessing right ventricular function of pediatric patients with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot. Methods: A total of 45 pediatric patients with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot were recruited and classified into: group A (Tei index <0.5; n= 13, aging 2-12 years), group B (0.5< Tei index <0.7; n= 19, aging 1-14 years), and group C (Tei index >0.7; n= 13, aging 4-14 years). The right ventricular Tei index value was related to the clinical characteristics of Tetralogy of Fallot repair patients. Results: Right ventricular Tei index was positively correlated with ventilation time, drainage volumes, and negatively with drug assistance and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay, although time for drug assistance and ICU stay were not statically different between group B and group C. There was no significant difference in left ventricular ejection fraction. Conclusion: Tei index is a sensitive indicator of right ventricular dysfunction, and has important clinical value to better our understanding of right ventricular function after tetralogy of Fallot repair.