OBJECTIVE: This research reported the experience of early surgical treatment for infants with large atrial septal defects (ASD) or ventricular septal defects (VSD) complicated by pneumonia.METHODS: Between January 2003 and January 2008, 39 infants with large ASD or VSD complicated by pneumonia were admitted to the Second Xiangya Hospital. Thirty-six patients underwent surgical repair within 7-10 days after pneumonia had been controlled. Mean age was 5.4±3.4 months and mean weight was 4.7±1.6 kg in the 36 patients. Three patients received conservative treatment due to uncontrolled lung infections.RESULTS: Of the 36 patients, 33 had successful surgery and 3 (8.3%) died of serious low cardiac output (n=1) or respiratory failure due to congenital tracheostenosis (n=2). The 33 survivors showed normal growth and development in a 6 month-5 year follow-up. Of the 3 patients receiving conservative treatment, 1 died of cardiopulmonary failure and 2 were discharged after the symptoms had been improved. CONCLUSIONS: With increasing medical experience and technique, early surgical operation may be performed with good outcomes in infants with large ASD or VSD complicated by pneumonia.