Four successful pregnancies in a patient with Fontan palliation and congenital heart disease: a case report

Sexual Function in Men Living With a Fontan Circulation

Introduction: It is unknown if the Fontan circulation has an impact on sexual health in men. This study assessed self-reported sexual health and fertility in men with a Fontan circulation. Aims: In this prospective, cross-sectional study, Australian men ≥18 years enrolled in the Fontan Registry of Australia and New Zealand were invited to complete the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), alongside questions assessing fertility. These data were compared to historical, age-matched controls. Results: Of 227 eligible men, 54 completed the survey; of those 37 were sexually active and included in the final analysis. Mean age was 28 ± 3 years, age at Fontan was 5 ± 3 years. Fontan type was extra-cardiac conduit in 15 (41%), lateral tunnel in 12 (32%), and atriopulmonary connection (APC) in 10 (27%). Ventricular function was normal in 24 (83%), and all were New York Heart Association Class I (23 patients, 79%) and II (six patients, 21%). Nine participants (24%) had erectile dysfunction (IIEF-EF score ≤25). The severity was mild (IIEF 22-24) in six (16%), mild-moderate (IIEF 17-21) in two (5%), and moderate (IIEF 11-16) in one (3%). Baseline characteristics and current medication usage were similar in those with and without erectile dysfunction. Compared with historical control values, erectile function was not significantly impaired in the Fontan population (p =0.76). Men with a Fontan circulation had decreased levels of sexual desire and overall satisfaction (p < 0.001). There was no correlation between the presence of erectile dysfunction and any assessed parameter. Eleven (30%) of the cohort reported a pregnancy with a prior partner. Conclusion: In our cohort, overall erectile function was comparable between men with a Fontan circulation and historical controls, however sexual desire and overall satisfaction were reduced. There was no correlation between study parameters and the presence of erectile dysfunction. The proportion of the cohort who had a prior pregnancy was congruent with population data.

Pregnancy with Fontan circulation: A report of case series in Japan

Owing to new surgical procedures and medications, more women who have undergone the Fontan procedure reach childbearing ages. We report five cases of pregnancy with Fontan circulation. Case 1 had subchorionic hematoma (SCH), fetal growth restriction (FGR), and preterm labor (PTL). She delivered a 1073 g infant via cesarean section at gestation week 28 because of hemorrhagic shock. Case 2 delivered 2142 g and 2232 g infants at gestation weeks 37 and 36, respectively. She had FGR, PTL, and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Case 3 had SCH, PTL, and heart failure. At 36 weeks, labor was induced and she delivered a 2546 g infant by vacuum extraction with epidural analgesia. Cases 4 and 5 resulted in miscarriage. All subjects experienced obstetrical complications. This report discusses pregnant women with Fontan circulation by focusing on affected Japanese women. <Learning objective: More women who have undergone the Fontan procedure reach childbearing ages due to the new surgical procedures and medications. We report five cases and all of them experienced obstetrical complications. Anticoagulation might be one of the causes of postpartum hemorrhage. Labor epidural analgesia could contribute to minimized dynamic circulatory changes during labor. This report can be the literature regarding pregnant women with Fontan circulation in Japan.>.

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.