The aim of the study was to report the outcome of cardiac catheterisation in low-weight patients.

Data regarding cardiac catheterisation in infants weighing <2500 g are scarce.

We reviewed all cardiac catheterisations performed in infants weighing <2500 g between January 2000 and May 2016. An analysis with respect to the type of procedure, the complexity of procedure (procedure type risk), and haemodynamic vulnerability index was finally carried out. We report the occurrence of deaths and complications using the adverse event severity score.

A total of 218 procedures were performed on 211 patients. The mean age and weight were, respectively, 15 ± 26 days (range, 0–152) and 2111 ± 338 g (range, 1000–2500). Procedures were interventional and diagnostic, respectively, in 174 (80%) and 44 (20%) patients. Out of 218, 205 (94%) were successful. Eleven complications (5%) occurred – six with an adverse event severity score of 4 and five with an adverse event severity score of 3. Ten patients (91%) showed a favourable outcome, and one died (stent thrombosis few hours after patent ductus arteriosus stenting). No correlation was found between lower weight and occurrence of death (p = 0.68) or complications (p = 0.23). The gravity scores (procedure type risk and haemodynamic vulnerability index) were not predictive of complications.

Cardiac catheterisation in infants weighing <2500 g appears feasible and effective with low risk. The weight should not discourage from performing cardiac catheterisation in this population.