Prevalence of Sleep-Disordered Breathing in a Cohort of Adult Fontan Patients

Sleep-disordered breathing and lung function abnormalities in adults with congenital heart disease

PURPOSE

Advances in treatment enables most patients with congenital heart diseases (CHD) to survive into adulthood, implying the need to address comorbid conditions in this growing cohort of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and lung function abnormalities in patients with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD).

METHODS

Patients with ACHD underwent level 3 sleep testing (Embletta MPR polygraphy) and pulmonary function testing. Results were stratified by the underlying haemodynamic ACHD lesion group.

RESULTS

Patients with ACHD (n = 100) were middle-aged (42.3 ± 14.6 years), 54% male and slightly overweight (BMI 25.9 ± 5.5 kg/m2). Polygraphy revealed a prevalence of sleep apnoea of 39% with 15% of patients presenting with predominantly obstructive apnoeic episodes, while 23% of patients presenting primarily with central sleep apnoea. The distribution of mild, moderate, and severe sleep apnoea in the total study population was 26%, 7% and 6%, respectively. Comparison of apnoea-hypopnoea index, presence of sleep apnoea, and apnoea severity did not offer significant differences between the four ACHD lesion groups (p = 0.29, p = 0.41 and p = 0.18, respectively). Pulmonary function testing revealed obstructive lung disease in 19 of 100 patients. Concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obstructive sleep apnoea were diagnosed in 3% of patients and were associated with profound nocturnal desaturation.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest a mild propensity amongst patients with ACHD to develop SDB that seems to be unaffected by the specific underlying congenital lesion.

Exercise as therapy for neurodevelopmental and cognitive dysfunction in people with a Fontan circulation: A narrative review

People with a Fontan circulation are at risk of neurodevelopmental delay and disability, and cognitive dysfunction, that has significant implications for academic and occupational attainment, psychosocial functioning, and overall quality of life. Interventions for improving these outcomes are lacking. This review article discusses current intervention practices and explores the evidence supporting exercise as a potential intervention for improving cognitive functioning in people living with a Fontan circulation. Proposed pathophysiological mechanisms underpinning these associations are discussed in the context of Fontan physiology and avenues for future research are recommended.

Fontan Circulation Associated Organ Abnormalities Beyond the Heart, Lungs, Liver, and Gut: A Systematic Review

Introduction

Patients with a Fontan circulation are at risk for sequelae of Fontan physiology during follow-up. Fontan physiology affects all organ systems and an overview of end-organ damage is needed.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of abnormalities in multiple organ systems for patients with a longstanding Fontan circulation. We searched online databases for articles describing abnormalities in multiple organ systems. Cardio-pulmonary abnormalities, protein losing enteropathy, and Fontan associated liver disease have already extensively been described and were excluded from this systematic review.

Results

Our search returned 5,704 unique articles. After screening, we found 111 articles relating to multiple organ systems. We found abnormalities in, among others, the nervous system, pituitary, kidneys, and musculoskeletal system. Pituitary edema—relating to the unique pituitary vasculature- may affect the thyroid axis. Renal dysfunction is common. Creatinine based renal function estimates may be inappropriate due to myopenia. Both lean muscle mass and bone mineral density are decreased. These abnormalities in multiple organ systems may be related to Fontan physiology, cyanosis, iatrogenic factors, or lifestyle.

Conclusions

Health care providers should be vigilant for hypothyroidism, visual or hearing deficits, and sleep disordered breathing in Fontan patients. We recommend including cystatin C for assessment of renal function. This review may aid health care providers and guide future research.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021232461, PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42021232461.