The CALF (Congenital Heart Disease in Adults Lower Extremity Systemic Venous Health in Fontan Patients) Study

EASL-ERN position paper on liver involvement in patients with Fontan-type circulation

Fontan-type surgery is the final step in the sequential palliative surgical treatment of infants born with a univentricular heart. The resulting long-term haemodynamic changes promote liver damage, leading to Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD), in virtually all patients with Fontan circulation. Owing to the lack of a uniform definition of FALD and the competitive risk of other complications developed by Fontan patients, the impact of FALD on the prognosis of these patients is currently debatable. However, based on the increasing number of adult Fontan patients and recent research interest, the European Association for The Study of the Liver and the European Reference Network on Rare Liver Diseases thought a position paper timely. The aims of the current paper are: (1) to provide a clear definition and description of FALD, including clinical, analytical, radiological, haemodynamic, and histological features; (2) to facilitate guidance for staging the liver disease; and (3) to provide evidence- and experience-based recommendations for the management of different clinical scenarios.

Duplex ultrasound abnormalities of the lower limb veins might precede clinical venous reflux signs in post-Fontan adolescents and young adults

OBJECTIVE

After the Fontan operation (ie, direct anastomosis of the caval veins to the pulmonary arteries, constituting right ventricular bypass circulation), high central venous pressure can lead to peripheral venous stasis and venous valvar insufficiency. We hypothesized that post-Fontan patients are at a higher risk of developing lower extremity venous lesions detectable using duplex ultrasound, even if clinical signs of chronic venous disease might not be evident.

METHODS

A total of 87 transplantation-free survivors after the Fontan procedure who reached adolescence or young adulthood (current age, 15-30 years) participated in a leg vein duplex ultrasound study. The median age at the Fontan procedure, median age at the vein study, and median interval between the two were 3.65 years (interquartile range [IQR], 3.1-5.3 years), 21.7 years (IQR, 18.9-24.7 years), and 16.6 years (IQR, 14.9-19.4 years), respectively. Duplex ultrasound scanning was performed using a venous ultrasound imaging system (Logiq P7; GE Healthcare). The patients were categorized according to the presence of venous reflux (VR) in the superficial, deep, or perforating venous systems: no VR, superficial VR (SVR), deep VR (DVR), perforating VR (PVR), and a combination of multiple venous systems. Correlation of the duplex ultrasound-detected venous lesions with clinical severity using the modified CEAP (clinical, etiological, anatomical, pathophysiological) classification was analyzed using Spearman's correlation analysis.

RESULTS

Leg pain was reported by 48 of 87 patients (55.2%). The duplex ultrasound findings for the cohort were no VR in 21 patients (24.1%), SVR in 22 (25.3%), isolated PVR in 21 (24.1%), and reflux of multiple venous systems in 23 patients, including SVR and PVR in 19, DVR and PVR in 1, and SVR, PVR, and DVR in 3 patients. Although the patients with advanced venous lesions detected by duplex ultrasound tended to have a higher CEAP clinical class (P < .001), VR of any venous system on duplex ultrasound was present even in patients with a lower CEAP clinical class. The CEAP clinical class was C0 for 66 patients (76%), and VR of any venous system was present on duplex ultrasound in 66 patients (76%).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of lower extremity venous lesions detected by duplex ultrasound is strikingly high in post-Fontan adolescents and young adults, and duplex ultrasound-detected venous abnormalities can precede clinical manifestations. Early detection and timely intervention for leg vein problems are mandatory for post-Fontan patients, especially for those considered to have risk factors for developing chronic lower extremity venous disease.

Morbidity and Mortality in Adult Fontan Patients After Heart or Combined Heart-Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND

An increasing number of adult Fontan patients require heart transplantation (HT) or combined heart-liver transplant (CHLT); however, data regarding outcomes and optimal referral time remain limited.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to define survivorship post-HT/CHLT and predictors of post-transplant mortality, including timing of referral, in the adult Fontan population.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of adult Fontan patients who underwent HT or CHLT across 15 centers in the United States and Canada was performed. Inclusion criteria included the following: 1) Fontan; 2) HT/CHLT referral; and 3) age ≥16 years at the time of referral. Date of "failing" Fontan was defined as the earliest of the following: worsening fluid retention, new ascites, refractory arrhythmia, "failing Fontan" diagnosis by treating cardiologist, or admission for heart failure.

RESULTS

A total of 131 patients underwent transplant, including 40 CHLT, from 1995 to 2021 with a median post-transplant follow-up time of 1.6 years (Q1 0.35 years, Q3 4.3 years). Survival was 79% at 1 year and 66% at 5 years. Survival differed by decade of transplantation and was 87% at 1 year and 76% at 5 years after 2010. Time from Fontan failure to evaluation (HR/year: 1.23 [95% CI: 1.11-1.36]; P < 0.001) and markers of failure, including NYHA functional class IV (HR: 2.29 [95% CI: 1.10-5.28]; P = 0.050), lower extremity varicosities (HR: 3.92 [95% CI: 1.68-9.14]; P = 0.002), and venovenous collaterals (HR: 2.70 [95% CI: 1.17-6.20]; P = 0.019), were associated with decreased post-transplant survival at 1 year in a bivariate model that included transplant decade.

CONCLUSIONS

In our multicenter cohort, post-transplant survival improved over time. Late referral after Fontan failure and markers of failing Fontan physiology, including worse functional status, lower extremity varicosities, and venovenous collaterals, were associated with post-transplant mortality.

Induction of aggressive arterial and venous dilation therapy in addition to pulmonary dilation therapy (super-Fontan strategy) improves Fontan circulation both at rest and during treadmill exercise

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Management of the adult Fontan patient

Adults with congenital heart disease who underwent the Fontan operation to palliate single ventricle heart defects—by direct connection of caval venous return to the pulmonary circulation—have improved survival due to advancements in surgical and interventional techniques. However, cardiac and non-cardiac comorbidities often coexist, complicating management, and contributing to premature morbidity and mortality. Cardiac issues include heart failure symptoms related to systolic and diastolic dysfunction, atrial and ventricular arrhythmias and systemic atrioventricular valve regurgitation. Structural issues may be related to obstruction of the Fontan pathway, or to branch pulmonary artery stenosis, both of which exacerbate symptoms. Non-cardiac complications in adults involve hepatic congestion, fibrosis and cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, chronic kidney disease, stroke, venous stasis, lymphatic issues and involvement of other organ systems. ‘Fontan failure’ refers to circulatory dysfunction, either cardiac, non-cardiac, or both, diagnosed after exclusion or treatment of reversible contributors such as structural issues and arrhythmias. Counselling about reproductive health, mental health, perioperative management and overall wellness are paramount for patients’ well-being. Fontan patients are typically managed in highly specialised adult congenital heart centres, but may present to cardiologists or other practitioners with cardiac and non-cardiac emergencies or urgencies, sometimes after being out of care. In this review, we discuss the management of the adult Fontan patient, including surveillance, cardiac and non-cardiac complications, reproductive health, and advanced therapies.

Arrhythmias in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease: What the Practicing Cardiologist Needs to Know

The expanding population of adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) combined with the pervasiveness of arrhythmias has resulted in the rapid growth of a dedicated sector of cardiology at the intersection between 2 subspecialties: electrophysiology and adult CHD. Herein, practical considerations are offered regarding urgent referral for catheter ablation of atrial arrhythmias, anticoagulation, and primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). Patients with Ebstein anomaly and ventricular pre-excitation should be referred promptly due to the high prevalence of multiple accessory pathways and increased incidence of atrial tachyarrhythmias, which may be poorly tolerated. In patients with transposition of the great arteries and atrial switch surgery, atrial arrhythmias should be managed without delay because they could provoke ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death. Other settings in which atrial arrhythmias can be poorly tolerated include single ventricle physiology and Eisenmenger syndrome. Long-term anticoagulation is generally indicated in patients with sustained intra-atrial reentrant tachycardia or atrial fibrillation and a mechanical valve, moderate or severe systemic atrioventricular valve stenosis, traditional risk factors for stroke, and/or moderate or complex CHD. The only class I indication for a primary prevention ICD is a systemic left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 35%, with biventricular physiology, and New York Heart Association class II or III symptoms. ICD therapy is reasonable in selected adults with tetralogy of Fallot and multiple risk factors for sudden death identified by observational studies. Indications for ICDs in patients with systemic right ventricles and univentricular hearts are less well established, underscoring the need for future research to inform risk stratification.

Long Term Consequences of the Fontan Procedure and How to Manage Them

In 1971, Fontan and Baudet described a surgical technique for successful palliation of patients with tricuspid atresia. Subsequently, this technique has been applied to treat most forms of functional single ventricles and has become the current standard of care for long-term palliation of all patients with single ventricle congenital heart disease. Since 1971, the Fontan procedure has undergone several variations. These patients require lifelong management including a thorough knowledge of their anatomic substrate, hemodynamic status, management of rhythm and ventricular function along with multi organ evaluation. As these patients enter middle age, there is increasing awareness regarding the long-term complications and mortality. This review highlights the long-term outcomes of the Fontan procedure and management of late sequelae.

Non-cardiac comorbidities in adults with inherited and congenital heart disease: report from a single center experience of more than 800 consecutive patients

Background

As a result of improved surgical and therapeutical management, more than 90% of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) reach adulthood. However, the natural course of CHD is complicated by noncardiac medical problems. Aim of the study was to evaluate noncardiac comorbidities in a contemporary cohort of adults with CHD (ACHD).

Methods

In a tertiary care center for ACHD, 821 consecutive patients, admitted to the outpatient clinic, were evaluated for clinically relevant noncardiac comorbidities.

Results

The consecutively included patients (age: range, 15-80 years; 56% female) represent all types and severity grades of acyanotic and cyanotic CHD. A considerable proportion of ACHD had significant noncardiac comorbidities, which have the potential to profoundly influence the natural course of the underlying disease. In 95.5%, relevant non-cardiac comorbidities were apparent, that could be related to 16 special medical fields as endocrinologic/metabolic disease, gastroenterology/hepatology, gynecology/obstetrics, angiology, orthopedics, neurology/psychiatry and others. Most frequently seen comorbidities were endocrine and metabolic disorders (43.97%).

Conclusions

Non-cardiac comorbidities are increasingly common in ACHD. The data revealed non-cardiac comorbidities as they were presented in the cohort of ACHD seen in a tertiary center. The study proves that ACHD with significant non-cardiac comorbidities need multidisciplinary care by medical organ specialists, aside the congenital cardiologist, with a deep knowledge about congenital heart defects, the special effects of the organ disease on the particular heart defect and, how the heart defect may affect the course of the particular organ disease. The study may create the basis for the development of screening programs for comorbidities in ACHD as well as a multidisciplinary concept for diagnosis and treatment of concomitant disorders or for disease prevention. Particularly disease prevention may improve quality of life as well as the further fate of the affected patients.

Diagnosis and Management of Noncardiac Complications in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Life expectancy and quality of life for those born with congenital heart disease (CHD) have greatly improved over the past 3 decades. While representing a great advance for these patients, who have been able to move from childhood to successful adult lives in increasing numbers, this development has resulted in an epidemiological shift and a generation of patients who are at risk of developing chronic multisystem disease in adulthood. Noncardiac complications significantly contribute to the morbidity and mortality of adults with CHD. Reduced survival has been documented in patients with CHD with renal dysfunction, restrictive lung disease, anemia, and cirrhosis. Furthermore, as this population ages, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and its risk factors are becoming increasingly prevalent. Disorders of psychosocial and cognitive development are key factors affecting the quality of life of these individuals. It is incumbent on physicians who care for patients with CHD to be mindful of the effects that disease of organs other than the heart may have on the well-being of adults with CHD. Further research is needed to understand how these noncardiac complications may affect the long-term outcome in these patients and what modifiable factors can be targeted for preventive intervention.

Emerging Research Directions in Adult Congenital Heart Disease: A Report From an NHLBI/ACHA Working Group

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect, affecting about 0.8% of live births. Advances in recent decades have allowed >85% of children with CHD to survive to adulthood, creating a growing population of adults with CHD. Little information exists regarding survival, demographics, late outcomes, and comorbidities in this emerging group, and multiple barriers impede research in adult CHD. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the Adult Congenital Heart Association convened a multidisciplinary working group to identify high-impact research questions in adult CHD. This report summarizes the meeting discussions in the broad areas of CHD-related heart failure, vascular disease, and multisystem complications. High-priority subtopics identified included heart failure in tetralogy of Fallot, mechanical circulatory support/transplantation, sudden cardiac death, vascular outcomes in coarctation of the aorta, late outcomes in single-ventricle disease, cognitive and psychiatric issues, and pregnancy.

Effect of Ambrisentan on Exercise Capacity in Adult Patients After the Fontan Procedure

The Fontan operation is a common end point for children born with a single functional ventricle. Fontan patients typically experience physiological deterioration leading to transplant or death in their third or fourth decades of life. This deterioration is partially attributable to progressive increases in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and as such endothelin receptor antagonists, which are known to decrease pulmonary vascular resistance, have been proposed as potentially beneficial in this population. We conducted a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study of 12 weeks of ambrisentan therapy (10 mg per day) versus placebo to test the hypothesis that endothelin receptor antagonism will improve cardiopulmonary exercise test parameters and 36-item short form (SF-36) assessed quality of life in adult Fontan patients. Twenty-eight patients entered the trial, 19 patients completed the protocol. Ambrisentan therapy improved peak oxygen consumption by 1.7 ml/kg/min in patients who achieved a respiratory exchange ratio of >0.95 (p = 0.05) and decreased the slope of the ventilatory equivalent ratio for oxygen (-2.8, p = 0.019) in all completers. It did not change SF-36 physical function score compared with placebo (p = 0.28). Ambrisentan therapy resulted in a decrease in (-1.4 g/dl, p <0.001) with no change in liver or renal function. Therapy was generally well tolerated, with no greater rate of side effects than placebo. In conclusion, ambrisentan is well tolerated and improves exercise capacity in adult Fontan patients.

Fetal aortic valvuloplasty for evolving hypoplastic left heart syndrome: postnatal outcomes of the first 100 patients

BACKGROUND

Fetal aortic valvuloplasty can be performed for severe midgestation aortic stenosis in an attempt to prevent progression to hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). A subset of patients has achieved a biventricular (BV) circulation after fetal aortic valvuloplasty. The postnatal outcomes and survival of the BV patients, in comparison with those managed as HLHS, have not been reported.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We included 100 patients who underwent fetal aortic valvuloplasty for severe midgestation aortic stenosis with evolving HLHS from March 2000 to January 2013. Patients were categorized based on postnatal management as BV or HLHS. Clinical records were reviewed. Eighty-eight fetuses were live-born, and 38 had a BV circulation (31 from birth, 7 converted after initial univentricular palliation). Left-sided structures, namely aortic and mitral valve sizes and left ventricular volume, were significantly larger in the BV group at the time of birth (P<0.01). After a median follow-up of 5.4 years, freedom from cardiac death among all BV patients was 96±4% at 5 years and 84±12% at 10 years, which was better than HLHS patients (log-rank P=0.04). There was no cardiac mortality in patients with a BV circulation from birth. All but 1 of the BV patients required postnatal intervention; 42% underwent aortic or mitral valve replacement. On the most recent echocardiogram, the median left ventricular end-diastolic volume z score was +1.7 (range, -1.3 to +8.2), and 80% had normal ejection fraction.

CONCLUSIONS

Short- and intermediate-term survival among patients who underwent fetal aortic valvuloplasty and achieved a BV circulation postnatally is encouraging. However, morbidity still exists, and ongoing assessment is warranted.

Prevalence and predictors of haemostatic complications in 412 Fontan patients: their relation to anticoagulation and haemodynamics

OBJECTIVES

Our aim in the present study was to determine the prevalence of haemostatic events in our Fontan patients, to identify predictive factors and to determine their association with haemodynamics and anticoagulant therapy.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 424 Fontan patients and examined correlations between postoperative haemodynamics and anticoagulant regimens with haemostatic events.

RESULTS

After exclusion of 12 patients with a mechanical valve at the time of Fontan operation, our 412 patients were sub-divided into 21 groups based on the therapeutic duration of warfarin and antiplatelet agent therapy. During the early 5- to 10-year postoperative period, patients receiving warfarin showed higher central venous pressure and lower arterial oxygen saturation (Sat) (P < 0.05-0.001). During a mean follow-up of 11.2 years, 29 (7.0%) haemostatic events occurred. With regard to haemorrhagic events, haemoptysis was most common (n = 13, 45%), followed by cerebral bleeds in 3 (10%). Of thrombo-embolic events, thrombosis in the Fontan pathway was the most common (n = 7, 24%), followed by cerebral infarction in 3. Early haemorrhagic events were associated with late Fontan operation and use of preoperative renin-angiotensin system blockers, while late events were related to heterotaxy syndrome, male gender and low Sat (P < 0.05-0.01). A low Sat was the only predictor of early postoperative thrombo-embolic events (P = 0.0192). Among the three subgroup analyses of fixed anticoagulant regimens, the most frequent haemorrhagic events were associated with long-term use of warfarin (P = 0.0033). None of the anticoagulant regimens that included warfarin and/or antiplatelet agents were independently associated with haemostatic events throughout the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Anticoagulant regimens in Fontan patients varied widely with a significant trend for warfarin use in patients with impaired haemodynamics. Low arterial oxygenation may predict haemostatic events. The relatively high prevalence of haemorrhagic complications indicates the need for individualized anticoagulant administration throughout the follow-up.

Clinical research priorities in adult congenital heart disease

BACKGROUND

Adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) clinicians are hampered by the paucity of data to inform clinical decision-making. The objective of this study was to identify priorities for clinical research in ACHD.

METHODS

A list of 45 research questions was developed by the Alliance for Adult Research in Congenital Cardiology (AARCC), compiled into a survey, and administered to ACHD providers. Patient input was sought via the Adult Congenital Heart Association at community meetings and online forums. The 25 top questions were sent to ACHD providers worldwide via an online survey. Each question was ranked based on perceived priority and weighted based on time spent in ACHD care. The top 10 topics identified are presented and discussed.

RESULTS

The final online survey yielded 139 responses. Top priority questions related to tetralogy of Fallot (timing of pulmonary valve replacement and criteria for primary prevention ICDs), patients with systemic right ventricles (determining the optimal echocardiographic techniques for measuring right ventricular function, and indications for tricuspid valve replacement and primary prevention ICDs), and single ventricle/Fontan patients (role of pulmonary vasodilators, optimal anticoagulation, medical therapy for preservation of ventricular function, treatment for protein losing enteropathy). In addition, establishing criteria to refer ACHD patients for cardiac transplantation was deemed a priority.

CONCLUSIONS

The ACHD field is in need of prospective research to address fundamental clinical questions. It is hoped that this methodical consultation process will inform researchers and funding organizations about clinical research topics deemed to be of high priority.

Usefulness of progesterone-only components for contraception in patients with congenital heart disease

The objective of the study is to report the contraceptive methods used by patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) before referral to a specific preconception clinic and evaluate safety and treatment adherence of the alternative contraception method, progesterone-only component (PC), offered. Contraceptive methods in the CHD population reported included estrogen-progesterone combined contraceptives (EPCC), despite the potential risk for thromboembolism. PC has been suggested as an alternative, but, no information on its use has been reported. Retrospective analysis was performed of all patients (n = 237) referred to the preconception clinic of an adult CHD center. Thirty-three percent of patients had used EPCC in the past; 3.8% had had thromboembolic events during its use. Current contraception consisted of barrier methods in 58% of patients, EPCC in 18%, and PC in 1.3%; 21.7% of patients were not using any contraception. PC was offered as an alternative in 146 patients; 73% of patients agreed to start the treatment. At a median follow-up of 1 year, 73% of patients who started PC maintained the treatment. Gynecologic side effects were reported in 25% of patients, with no cardiovascular effects. In conclusion, a significant proportion of patients with CHD were former users of EPCC, although some had formal contraindications, and the rate of PC use before referral to the preconception clinic was low. After being offered as an alternative treatment, the use of PC in its various forms was extensive, with no thrombogenic side effects and an acceptable rate of gynecologic side effects being reported.

Long-term Issues After the Fontan Procedure

The Fontan procedure is used to treat various serious congenital heart defects. Although many people who have had the procedure live productively into adulthood, as they age, they face several health issues due to the physiology of the Fontan circulation. This article reviews the 4 types of Fontan procedures and the changes caused by the surgery, including single-ventricle physiology, nonpulsatile pulmonary perfusion, systemic venous hypertension, and intracardiac scarring, as well as their sequelae. Key nursing assessment items and possible treatment strategies are reviewed. Additional topics, including pregnancy in patients who have undergone the procedure, infective endocarditis prophylaxis, and health-related quality of life, are briefly discussed. Options for Fontan failure, including Fontan conversion or transplantation, are presented. Potential future solutions are outlined.

Extracardiac complications in adults with congenital heart disease

With the increasing number of adults living with repaired, or unrepaired, congenital heart disease, there is a growing incidence of extracardiac comorbidities. These comorbidities can affect various organ systems in complex ways, and may have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life and survival. Many of these potential complications may go undiagnosed until there is already a significant bearing on the patient's life. Therefore, it is important for physicians who care for the adult congenital patient to be mindful of these potential extracardiac complications, and actively assess for these complications in their adult congenital practice. Continued research to identify modifiable risk factors is needed so that both preventative and therapeutic management options for these extracardiac complications may be developed.

Assessment of vascular remodeling after the Fontan procedure using a novel very high resolution ultrasound method: arterial wall thinning and venous thickening in late follow-up

The Fontan circulation is associated with an increased central venous pressure, decreased ventricular preload, and increased afterload. We postulated that these central hemodynamic abnormalities would have consequences for the structural and functional properties of the peripheral arteries and veins, and performed a cross-sectional study in a tertiary health-care setting. We prospectively examined venous and arterial wall morphology by very high resolution ultrasound (VHRU, 25-55 MHz), and function by conventional vascular ultrasound (flow-mediated dilatation, FMD) and applanation tonometry (pulse wave velocity, PWV) in 28 patients after the Fontan procedure (age 14.8 ± 1.3 years) and 54 age-matched controls. Pig venous samples were studied with VHRU and compared with histology for accuracy. The precision of the venous VHRU method was studied in healthy volunteers. The lumen dimension was reduced in Fontans compared with controls in the common carotid, brachial, radial, and femoral arteries (p < 0.05). The common carotid, brachial, radial, ulnar, femoral, and dorsal tibial artery intima-media thicknesses (IMTs) and the brachial, ulnar, and femoral artery adventitial thicknesses were decreased (p < 0.05 for all), while the cubital and dorsal tibial vein IMTs were increased in Fontans (p < 0.001). FMD, abdominal aortic stiffness, and carotid-femoral PWV were similar, while carotid-radial artery PWV was increased in Fontans (p < 0.01). Venous wall layer assessment with VHRU was accurate and precise. The Fontan circulation is associated with significant arterial and venous remodeling, presumably reflecting abnormalities of central hemodynamics. These novel data may be of clinical importance in the circulatory management as well as the understanding of the early pathogenesis of vasculopathy in patients after the Fontan procedure.

The precarious state of the liver after a Fontan operation: summary of a multidisciplinary symposium

As the cohort of survivors with the single-ventricle type of congenital heart disease grows, it becomes increasingly evident that the state of chronically elevated venous pressure and decreased cardiac output inherent in the Fontan circulation provides the substrate for a progressive decline in functional status. One organ at great risk is the liver. Wedged between two capillary beds, with the pulmonary venous bed downstream, which typically has no pulsatile energy added in the absence of a functional right ventricle, and the splanchnic bed upstream, which may have compromised inflow due to inherent cardiac output restriction characteristic of the Fontan circulation, the liver exists in a precarious state. This review summarizes a consensus view achieved at a multidisciplinary symposium held at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in June 2011. The discussion includes current knowledge concerning the hemodynamic foundations of liver problems, the diagnostic tools available, the unique histopathology of the liver after the Fontan operation, and proposed mechanisms for hepatic fibrosis at the cellular level. At the completion of the symposium, a consensus recommendation was made by the authors' group to pursue a new prospective protocol for clinical evaluation of the liver for all patients in our practice 10 years after the Fontan operation.

Parental knowledge regarding lifelong congenital cardiac care

OBJECTIVE

To assess parental knowledge regarding lifelong congenital cardiac care (LLCCC).

BACKGROUND

National guidelines recommend that nearly 50% of adult survivors with congenital heart disease (CHD) receive LLCCC; the number of adults who receive such care seems far less. Inadequate parental knowledge of LLCCC might contribute to care interruption.

METHODS

In this multicenter study, we administered a questionnaire to parents of children with moderate and complex CHD to assess knowledge of LLCCC.

RESULTS

A total of 500 parents participated; the median age of their children was 10 years (range: 2-18 years). Most parents (81%) understood that their child would need LLCCC, but only 44% recognized that their child's cardiology care should be guided by an adult congenital heart specialist in adulthood. More than half (59%) of the parents stated that their current cardiology team had never spoken to them about LLCCC, but 96% wished to learn more. Variables associated with parental LLCCC knowledge included previous discussions regarding LLCCC, underlying cardiac surgical diagnosis, and level of parental education.

CONCLUSIONS

A substantial number of parents of children with moderate and complex CHD lack knowledge about LLCCC, but almost all of them have a desire to learn more about the care their child will need as an adult.