Effects of Partial vs Complete Thymus Removal on Immune Health in Infants Undergoing Heart Surgery A Prospective Study at Nantes University Hospital

What this Trial Is About

The trial investigates the impact of thymus removal during heart surgery on immune system development in infants under 6 months old. Researchers aim to compare the effects of complete versus partial thymectomy on immune function, particularly T lymphocyte development, and how this influences infection risk after surgery. The study is prospective and interventional, conducted at a single center, and focuses on long-term immune outcomes following pediatric cardiac surgery. Infants undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass are divided into groups based on whether they receive complete thymectomy, partial thymectomy, or no thymus removal control groups including cardiac surgery without thymectomy and non-cardiac surgery. Blood samples are collected twice once during surgery and again 12 months later, to measure immune cell counts, antibody levels, and vaccine responses. Parents complete questionnaires on infections experienced by their child over the year following surgery. Participants are closely monitored through blood tests and infection tracking. At 12 months post-surgery, families return for a follow-up blood draw and review of infection data, followed by a consultation to discuss results and future care if needed. The study examines immune cell profiles, vaccine responses, and clinical infection outcomes to understand the long-term effects of thymectomy type on infant immunity and guide future surgical decisions.

Impact of Thymectomy on Immunity in Infants After Cardiac Surgery