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Freilinger S, Kaemmerer H, Pittrow RD, Achenbach S, Baldus S, Dewald O, Ewert P, Freiberger A, Gorenflo M, Harig F, Hohmann C, Holdenrieder S, Hörer J, Huntgeburth M, Hübler M, Kohls N, Klawonn F, Kozlik-Feldmann R, Kaulitz R, Loßnitzer D, Mellert F, Nagdyman N, Nordmeyer J, Pittrow BA, Pittrow LB, Rickers C, Rosenkranz S, Schelling J, Sinning C, Suleiman MN, von Kodolitsch Y, von Scheidt F, Kaemmerer-Suleiman AS. PATHFINDER-CHD: prospective registry on adults with congenital heart disease, abnormal ventricular function, and/or heart failure as a foundation for establishing rehabilitative, prehabilitative, preventive, and health-promoting measures: rationale, aims, design and methods. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2024; 24:181. [PMID: 38532336 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-024-03833-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adults with congenital heart defects (ACHD) globally constitute a notably medically underserved patient population. Despite therapeutic advancements, these individuals often confront substantial physical and psychosocial residua or sequelae, requiring specialized, integrative cardiological care throughout their lifespan. Heart failure (HF) is a critical challenge in this population, markedly impacting morbidity and mortality. AIMS The primary aim of this study is to establish a comprehensive, prospective registry to enhance understanding and management of HF in ACHD. Named PATHFINDER-CHD, this registry aims to establish foundational data for treatment strategies as well as the development of rehabilitative, prehabilitative, preventive, and health-promoting interventions, ultimately aiming to mitigate the elevated morbidity and mortality rates associated with congenital heart defects (CHD). METHODS This multicenter survey will be conducted across various German university facilities with expertise in ACHD. Data collection will encompass real-world treatment scenarios and clinical trajectories in ACHD with manifest HF or at risk for its development, including those undergoing medical or interventional cardiac therapies, cardiac surgery, inclusive of pacemaker or ICD implantation, resynchronization therapy, assist devices, and those on solid organ transplantation. DESIGN The study adopts an observational, exploratory design, prospectively gathering data from participating centers, with a focus on patient management and outcomes. The study is non-confirmatory, aiming to accumulate a broad spectrum of data to inform future hypotheses and studies. PROCESSES Regular follow-ups will be conducted, systematically collecting data during routine clinical visits or hospital admissions, encompassing alterations in therapy or CHD-related complications, with visit schedules tailored to individual clinical needs. ASSESSMENTS Baseline assessments and regular follow-ups will entail comprehensive assessments of medical history, ongoing treatments, and outcomes, with a focus on HF symptoms, cardiac function, and overall health status. DISCUSSION OF THE DESIGN The design of the PATHFINDER-CHD Registry is tailored to capture a wide range of data, prioritizing real-world HF management in ACHD. Its prospective nature facilitates longitudinal data acquisition, pivotal for comprehending for disease progression and treatment impacts. CONCLUSION The PATHFINDER-CHD Registry is poised to offer valuable insights into HF management in ACHD, bridging current knowledge gaps, enhancing patient care, and shaping future research endeavors in this domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Freilinger
- International Center for Adults With Congenital Heart Disease, Clinic for Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University Munich, München, Germany
| | - Harald Kaemmerer
- International Center for Adults With Congenital Heart Disease, Clinic for Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University Munich, München, Germany
| | - Robert D Pittrow
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stefan Achenbach
- Department of Cardiology, Medizinische Klinik 2 - Kardiologie und Angiologie University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stefan Baldus
- Clinic III for Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Oliver Dewald
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter Ewert
- International Center for Adults With Congenital Heart Disease, Clinic for Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University Munich, München, Germany
| | - Annika Freiberger
- International Center for Adults With Congenital Heart Disease, Clinic for Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University Munich, München, Germany
| | - Matthias Gorenflo
- Department of Paediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Disease Center for Child and Adolescent Health, Medical Center-University of Heidelberg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Harig
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christopher Hohmann
- Clinic III for Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Stefan Holdenrieder
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Deutsches Herzzentrum München, Technical University Munich, München, Germany
| | - Jürgen Hörer
- Department for Congenital and Paediatric Surgery, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University Munich, München, Germany
- Division for Congenital and Pediatric Heart Surgery, University Hospital of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- European Pediatric Heart Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Huntgeburth
- International Center for Adults With Congenital Heart Disease, Clinic for Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University Munich, München, Germany
| | | | - Niko Kohls
- Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences and Health, Division of Health Promotion, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Coburg, Coburg, Germany
| | - Frank Klawonn
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Biostatistics Research Group, Brunswick, Germany
| | | | - Renate Kaulitz
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Dirk Loßnitzer
- Department of Paediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Disease Center for Child and Adolescent Health, Medical Center-University of Heidelberg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Friedrich Mellert
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nicole Nagdyman
- International Center for Adults With Congenital Heart Disease, Clinic for Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University Munich, München, Germany
| | - Johannes Nordmeyer
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Benjamin A Pittrow
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Leonard B Pittrow
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Rosenkranz
- Clinic III for Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | - Mathieu N Suleiman
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Fabian von Scheidt
- International Center for Adults With Congenital Heart Disease, Clinic for Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University Munich, München, Germany
| | - Ann-Sophie Kaemmerer-Suleiman
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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Kaemmerer H, Diller GP, Dähnert I, Eichstaedt CA, Eicken A, Freiberger A, Freilinger S, Geiger R, Gorenflo M, Grünig E, Hager A, Herberg U, Huntgeburth M, Kaemmerer AS, Kozlik-Feldmann R, Lammers A, Nagdyman N, Michel S, Schmidt KH, Uebing A, von Scheidt F, Apitz C. [Pulmonary arterial hypertension in congenital heart disease - Part I]. Pneumologie 2023; 77:956-961. [PMID: 37963485 DOI: 10.1055/a-2146-7434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
The number of adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) is steadily rising and amounts to approximately 360,000 in Germany. CHD is often associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), which may develop early in untreated CHD. Despite timely treatment of CHD, PAH often persists or recurs in older age and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.The revised European Society of Cardiology/European Respiratory Society 2022 guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of PH represent a significant contribution to the optimized care of those affected. However, the topic of "adults with congenital heart defects" is addressed only relatively superficially in these guidelines. Therefore, this article addresses the perspective of congenital cardiology in greater depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Kaemmerer
- Internationales Zentrum für Erwachsene mit angeborenem Herzfehler, Klinik für angeborene Herzfehler und Kinderkardiologie, Deutsches Herzzentrum München, München, Deutschland
| | - Gerhard Paul Diller
- Klinik für Kardiologie III: Angeborene Herzfehler (EMAH) und Klappenerkrankungen, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster, Deutschland
| | - Ingo Dähnert
- Universitätsklinik für Kinderkardiologie, Herzzentrum Leipzig, Leipzig, Deutschland
| | - Christina A Eichstaedt
- Zentrum für Pulmonale Hypertonie, Thoraxklinik Heidelberg am Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Deutschland
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universität Heidelberg, INF 366, Heidelberg, Deutschland
| | - Andreas Eicken
- Internationales Zentrum für Erwachsene mit angeborenem Herzfehler, Klinik für angeborene Herzfehler und Kinderkardiologie, Deutsches Herzzentrum München, München, Deutschland
| | - Annika Freiberger
- Internationales Zentrum für Erwachsene mit angeborenem Herzfehler, Klinik für angeborene Herzfehler und Kinderkardiologie, Deutsches Herzzentrum München, München, Deutschland
| | - Sebastian Freilinger
- Internationales Zentrum für Erwachsene mit angeborenem Herzfehler, Klinik für angeborene Herzfehler und Kinderkardiologie, Deutsches Herzzentrum München, München, Deutschland
| | - Ralf Geiger
- Univ.-Klinik für Pädiatrie III, Kardiologie, Pneumologie, Allergologie, Cystische Fibrose, Innsbruck, Österreich
| | - Matthias Gorenflo
- Klinik für Kinderkardiologie und angeborene Herzfehler, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Deutschland
| | - Ekkehard Grünig
- Zentrum für Pulmonale Hypertonie, Thoraxklinik Heidelberg am Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Deutschland
| | - Alfred Hager
- Internationales Zentrum für Erwachsene mit angeborenem Herzfehler, Klinik für angeborene Herzfehler und Kinderkardiologie, Deutsches Herzzentrum München, München, Deutschland
| | - Ulrike Herberg
- Klinik für Kinderkardiologie und Angeborene Herzfehler, Universitätsklinikum Aachen, Aachen, Deutschland
| | - Michael Huntgeburth
- Internationales Zentrum für Erwachsene mit angeborenem Herzfehler, Klinik für angeborene Herzfehler und Kinderkardiologie, Deutsches Herzzentrum München, München, Deutschland
| | | | - Rainer Kozlik-Feldmann
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinderkardiologie, Universitäres Herz- und Gefäßzentrum Hamburg, Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinderherzmedizin und Erwachsene mit angeborenen Herzfehlern, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - Astrid Lammers
- Klinik für Pädiatrische Kardiologie, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster, Deutschland
| | - Nicole Nagdyman
- Internationales Zentrum für Erwachsene mit angeborenem Herzfehler, Klinik für angeborene Herzfehler und Kinderkardiologie, Deutsches Herzzentrum München, München, Deutschland
| | - Sebastian Michel
- LMU Klinikum, Herzchirurgische Klinik und Poliklinik, Sektion für Chirurgie angeborener Herzfehler und Kinderherzchirurgie, Campus Großhadern, München
| | - Kai Helge Schmidt
- Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Zentrum für Kardiologie - Kardiologie I, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Mainz, Deutschland
| | - Anselm Uebing
- Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Klinik für angeborene Herzfehler und Kinderkardiologie, Kiel, Deutschland
| | - Fabian von Scheidt
- Internationales Zentrum für Erwachsene mit angeborenem Herzfehler, Klinik für angeborene Herzfehler und Kinderkardiologie, Deutsches Herzzentrum München, München, Deutschland
| | - Christian Apitz
- Universitätsklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin Ulm, Ulm, Deutschland
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Niwa K, von Kodolitsch Y, Oto Ö, Kaemmerer H. Introduction to the focused series on "Current Management Aspects in Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD): Part V". Cardiovasc Diagn Ther 2023; 13:323-325. [PMID: 37583689 PMCID: PMC10423735 DOI: 10.21037/cdt-2023-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Koichiro Niwa
- Executive Advisor, Cardiovascular Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yskert von Kodolitsch
- Professor of Internal Medicine/Cardiology, Klinik für Gefäßmedizin, Universitäres Herz- und Gefäßzentrum Hamburg, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Öztekin Oto
- Professor of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Harald Kaemmerer
- Professor of Internal Medicine/Cardiology, International Center for Adult Congenital Heart Disease, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
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Sinning C, Huntgeburth M, Fukushima N, Tompkins R, Huh J, Tataneo S, Diller GP, Chen YS, Zengin E, Magnussen C, Kaemmerer AS, Cho YH, Blankenberg S, Rickers C, Harig F, Weyand M, Hübler M, von Kodolitsch Y, Oto Ö, Zuckermann A, Kirchhof P, Baumgartner H, Reichenspurner H, Kobashigawa J, Kaemmerer H, Niwa K. Treatment of advanced heart failure in adults with congenital heart disease: a narrative review and clinical cases. Cardiovasc Diagn Ther 2022; 12:727-743. [PMID: 36329959 PMCID: PMC9622410 DOI: 10.21037/cdt-22-230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The number of adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) is increasing worldwide. Almost all congenital cardiac lesions can be successfully treated due to the progress in neonatal surgery and pediatric cardiology with a high likelihood of surviving until adulthood. However, ACHD frequently develop sequelae related to the initial cardiac anomaly. Heart failure (HF) is one of the most common complications associated with a high morbidity and mortality. METHODS The authors did search the PubMed database regarding relevant content covering publications up to March 2022. Relevant manuscripts were classified according to the impact factor of the journal, being a guideline manuscript, a position paper by a society or a comprehensive review of the current literature. KEY CONTENT AND FINDINGS Optimal HF treatment remains an unmet need in ACHD. In particular, advanced HF therapy with cardiac resynchronization therapy, ventricular assist devices or organ transplantation is still very different and more specific in ACHD compared to non-ACHD. This review aims to compile international views and evidence from the literatures on the treatment of advanced HF in ACHD. Current challenges, but also the success of different treatment strategies in ACHD are illustrated by clinical cases. CONCLUSIONS The main finding of the review is that data is still scarce regarding ACHD with advanced HF and international efforts to collect data regarding these patients needed to improve the current standard of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Sinning
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Centre Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- German Centre of Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
| | - Michael Huntgeburth
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Norihide Fukushima
- Department of Transplant Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Rose Tompkins
- The Guerin Family Congenital Heart Program, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - June Huh
- Department of Pediatrics, Heart Vascular Stroke Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Shigeru Tataneo
- Section of Adult Congenital Heart Disease, Chiba Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Ichihara, Chiba, Japan
| | - Gerhard-Paul Diller
- Division of Adult Congenital and Valvular Heart Disease, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, Germany
| | - Yih-Sharng Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Elvin Zengin
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Centre Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christina Magnussen
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Centre Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- German Centre of Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ann-Sophie Kaemmerer
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander University, Erlangen-Nurnberg, Germany
| | - Yang Hyun Cho
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Stefan Blankenberg
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Centre Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- German Centre of Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
| | - Carsten Rickers
- Adult Congenital Heart Disease Section, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Frank Harig
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander University, Erlangen-Nurnberg, Germany
| | - Michael Weyand
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander University, Erlangen-Nurnberg, Germany
| | - Michael Hübler
- Department of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yskert von Kodolitsch
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Centre Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Öztekin Oto
- Dokuz Eylul University Hospital air Esref Cad, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Andreas Zuckermann
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Paulus Kirchhof
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Centre Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- German Centre of Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
- Institute of Cardiovacsular Sciences and SWBH and UHB NHS Trusts, Birmingham, UK
| | - Helmut Baumgartner
- Division of Adult Congenital and Valvular Heart Disease, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, Germany
| | - Hermann Reichenspurner
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jon Kobashigawa
- Cedars-Sinai Smidt Heart Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Harald Kaemmerer
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Koichiro Niwa
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Center, St. Luke’s International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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[Care of adults with congenital heart diseases in Germany-Leading role by internal medicine specialists and general practitioners]. Internist (Berl) 2022; 63:95-102. [PMID: 34985563 DOI: 10.1007/s00108-021-01211-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) is steadily increasing. The present cross-sectional study was conceived to investigate ACHD care from the perspective of patients and family practitioners (specialists for general medicine and internal medicine, general practitioners). METHODS Questionnaire-based cross-sectional study to analyze the real care situation of ACHD in Germany from the perspective of patients and primary care physicians (PCP). RESULTS The questionnaire was completed by 4493 ACHD (53.7% female; 41.3 ± 16.9 years) and 1055 PCP. The majority of ACHD (79.8%) visited their PCP for noncardiac health problems but also for cardiac problems. Almost all ACHD had substantial needs for medical consultation (performance, employment etc.). Of the patients 2014 (44.8%) did not know of any certified ACHD specialists or specialized centers and 2816 (62.7%) respondents were not aware of any ACHD patient organization. Of the PCPs 87.5% had cared for ACHD of all severities due to defect-typical residual and resulting symptoms. Many were not aware of any certified ACHD specialists. Only 28.5% consulted an ACHD specialist. Only 23.5% were aware of ACHD patient organizations. CONCLUSION General practitioners are a mainstay of ACHD care in Germany. The present study shows that ACHD and their general practitioners are largely uninformed about the specialized care structures available nationwide, despite the high level of need for specialist care. In order to keep the morbidity and mortality of affected patients low, solutions must be elaborated in future to involve and integrate primary care physicians more intensively into the already existing dedicated ACHD care structures, in cooperation with specialized pediatric cardiologists, cardiologists and centers.
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Kaemmerer H, Andonian C, Ewert P, Freilinger S, Nagdyman N, Neidenbach R, Schelling J, Huntgeburth M. [Managing transition - Medical follow-up care for adults with congenital heart defects]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2021; 146:1192-1199. [PMID: 34521124 DOI: 10.1055/a-1332-4563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Currently, due to medical advances, more than 500 000 patients with congenital heart defects (CHD) are living in Germany, including more than 330 000 adults. In CHD, the aspect of transition from childhood and adolescence to adulthood is becoming increasingly important to ensure long-term success of the provided treatments. This is so important because despite primarily successful treatments, residua and sequels as well as (non-) cardiac comorbidities may influence the chronic course of the disease and lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Adults with congenital heart defects in Germany are insufficiently managed by existing specialized and accredited care structures, despite the great need for follow-up, and their care is largely provided by primary care physicians (general practitioners and internists) and non-specialized cardiologists.Optimized, future-oriented care requires regular follow-up and the possibility of interdisciplinary, integrated medical care of CHD in the long-term course.
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Kaemmerer AS, Freilinger S, Andonian C, Ewert P, Havasi K, Nagdyman N, Pieper L, Nebel K, Seidel L, Neidenbach R, Nemes A. Provision of medical health care for adults with congenital heart disease associated with aortic involvement. Cardiovasc Diagn Ther 2021; 11:518-528. [PMID: 33968630 DOI: 10.21037/cdt-20-359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background All patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) are chronically ill from their cardiac disease. Despite the increasing evidence that aortic alterations are becoming relevant, the importance of aortopathy in CHD has long been underestimated. This study was conducted to determine the health status of patients and/or the provision of health services of adults with CHD (ACHD) with manifest aortopathy or at risk thereof. Methods In a questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey, the "real life"-care of ACHD was analysed, comparing patients with risk of developing aortopathy and/or manifest aortopathy. Results Of the 563 enrolled ACHD (49.6% female, mean age 35.8±12.1, 18-86 years) 56.8% (n=320) had a risk of developing aortopathy and/or manifest aortopathy. Of the 320 patients at risk, 187 (33.2% of the total number) had a proven aortopathy. Within this subgroup, the basic medical care for CHD-independent medical problems was given by primary medical care providers [family doctors/general practitioners (GP) in 89.4% (n=286), internists in 13.4% (n=43), physicians of another specialty in 2.5% (n=8)]. Almost all primary medical care providers knew about the CHD of their patients. Even for CHD-specific health problems, the basic medical care of risk patients was provided by a family doctor or GP in 56.6% (n=181) and by an internist in 18.4% (n=59). 30.0% (n=96) primarily consulted another specialist, including cardiologists. Only 32.8% of ACHD at risk had ever been referred to a CHD specialist by a GP for cardiac problems related to their CHD. In contrast, the need for advice was high for ACHD with aortopathy and related mainly to physical activity, employment and education, pregnancy, rehabilitation or health and life insurance. Only 35.5% of patients at risk indicated that their information on specific care structures for ACHD was sufficient, and a further 38.1% of patients were aware of patient organizations. Conclusions Even today, aortic involvement in ACHD is an often-overlooked condition, although considerable negative effects on morbidity and mortality exist. As aortopathy gains in importance with increasing age and complexity of CHD, almost all affected ACHD need lifelong medical advice and access to modern, scientifically based care concepts. According to the study-results, primary care providers and also patients are mostly insufficiently informed about the specialized ACHD facilities. The future goal is therefore to create a better awareness of CHD problems among both primary care physicians and the patients concerned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Sophie Kaemmerer
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Paediatric Cardiology, German Heart Centre Munich, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Medicine and Cardiology Center, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Sebastian Freilinger
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Paediatric Cardiology, German Heart Centre Munich, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Caroline Andonian
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Paediatric Cardiology, German Heart Centre Munich, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Ewert
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Paediatric Cardiology, German Heart Centre Munich, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kalman Havasi
- Department of Medicine and Cardiology Center, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Nicole Nagdyman
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Paediatric Cardiology, German Heart Centre Munich, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lars Pieper
- Department of Behavioural Epidemiology, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Kathrin Nebel
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Paediatric Cardiology, German Heart Centre Munich, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lavinia Seidel
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Paediatric Cardiology, German Heart Centre Munich, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Rhoia Neidenbach
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Paediatric Cardiology, German Heart Centre Munich, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Attila Nemes
- Department of Medicine and Cardiology Center, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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Alakhfash AA, Alqwaiee A, Alakhfash GA, Alhajjaj A, Almesned AA. Pulmonary hypertension associated with congenital heart disease; clinical decision scenario. Respir Med Case Rep 2020; 31:101286. [PMID: 33294357 PMCID: PMC7683341 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2020.101286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease (PAH-CHD) is one type under group 1 PH. Undiagnosed or delayed diagnosis of significant CHD might lead to significant PAH and at the end might lead to Eisenmenger syndrome. We could expect the degree of PAH in patients with CHD by proper clinical assessment as well as by the basic assessment tools including the chest x-ray (CXR), ECG, and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). We are presenting a three and half years old child with a delayed/missed diagnosis of large patent ductus arteries (PDA) who present with significant PAH. Clinical evaluation, CXR, ECG, TTE, as well as cardiac catheterization data are presented, with a review of the current guidelines regarding the management of pediatric patients with PAH-CHD.
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Key Words
- APW, Aortopulmonary window
- BPD, Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
- CHD, Congenital Heart Disease
- Congenital heart defects
- PAH, Pulmonary arterial hypertension
- PCW, pulmonary capillary wedge
- PDA closure
- PDA, Patent ductus arteriosus
- PH, Pulmonary hypertension
- PVR, pulmonary vascular resistance
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension
- Qp, pulmonary blood flow
- Qs, Systemic blood flow
- SVR, Systemic vascular resistance
- VSD, Ventricular septal defect
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali A Alakhfash
- Consultant Pediatric Cardiologist, Prince Sultan Cardiac Center-Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Alqwaiee
- Consultant Pediatric Cardiologist, Prince Sultan Cardiac Center-Qassim, Saudi Arabia
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Seidel L, Nebel K, Achenbach S, Bauer U, Ewert P, Freilinger S, Gundlach U, Kaemmerer H, Nagdyman N, Oberhoffer R, Pieper L, Reinhard W, Sanftenberg L, Schelling J, Weyand M, Neidenbach R. Facts about the General Medical Care of Adults with Congenital Heart Defects: Experience of a Tertiary Care Center. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E1943. [PMID: 32580342 PMCID: PMC7355698 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9061943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Due to the increase in survival rates for congenital heart disease (CHD) in the last decades, over 90% of patients today reach adulthood. Currently, there are more than 300,000 adults with CHD (ACHD) living in Germany. They have an increased need for specialized medical care, since almost all ACHD have chronic heart disease and suffer from specific chronic symptoms, risks, and sequelae. Primary care physicians (PCPs) play a crucial role in referring patients to ACHD specialists or specialized institutions. This cross-sectional study is intended to clarify the real-world care of ACHD from the PCP's perspective. Methods: This analysis, initiated by the German Heart Centre Munich, was based on a 27-item questionnaire on actual ACHD health care practice in Germany from the PCP's perspective. Results: In total, 767 questionnaires were considered valid for inclusion. The majority of the PCPs were general practitioners (95.9%), and 84.1% had cared for ACHD during the past year. A majority (69.2%) of the PCPs had cared for patients with simple CHD, while 50.6% and 33.4% had cared for patients with moderate and severe CHD, respectively, in all age groups. PCPs treated almost all typical residual symptoms and sequelae, and advised patients regarding difficult questions, including exercise capacity, pregnancy, genetics, and insurance matters. However, 33.8% of the PCPs did not even know about the existence of certified ACHD specialists or centers. Only 23.9% involved an ACHD-specialized physician in their treatment. In cases of severe cardiac issues, 70.8% of the PCPs referred patients to ACHD-certified centers. Although 52.5% of the PCPs were not sufficiently informed about existing structures, 64.2% rated the current care situation as either "very good" or "good". Only 26.3% (n = 190) of the responding physicians were aware of patient organizations for ACHD. Conclusions: The present study showed that the majority of PCPs are not informed about the ACHD care structures available in Germany. The need for specialized ACHD follow-up care is largely underestimated, with an urgent need for optimization to reduce morbidity and mortality. For the future, solutions must be developed to integrate PCPs more intensively into the ACHD care network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Seidel
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Paediatric Cardiology, German Heart Centre Munich, Technical University Munich, 80636 Munich, Germany; (L.S.); (K.N.); (P.E.); (S.F.); (H.K.); (N.N.); (R.O.)
| | - Kathrin Nebel
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Paediatric Cardiology, German Heart Centre Munich, Technical University Munich, 80636 Munich, Germany; (L.S.); (K.N.); (P.E.); (S.F.); (H.K.); (N.N.); (R.O.)
| | - Stephan Achenbach
- Department of Cardiology, University of Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (S.A.); (U.G.)
| | - Ulrike Bauer
- Competence Network for Congenital Heart Defects, 13353 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Peter Ewert
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Paediatric Cardiology, German Heart Centre Munich, Technical University Munich, 80636 Munich, Germany; (L.S.); (K.N.); (P.E.); (S.F.); (H.K.); (N.N.); (R.O.)
| | - Sebastian Freilinger
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Paediatric Cardiology, German Heart Centre Munich, Technical University Munich, 80636 Munich, Germany; (L.S.); (K.N.); (P.E.); (S.F.); (H.K.); (N.N.); (R.O.)
| | - Ulrike Gundlach
- Department of Cardiology, University of Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (S.A.); (U.G.)
| | - Harald Kaemmerer
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Paediatric Cardiology, German Heart Centre Munich, Technical University Munich, 80636 Munich, Germany; (L.S.); (K.N.); (P.E.); (S.F.); (H.K.); (N.N.); (R.O.)
| | - Nicole Nagdyman
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Paediatric Cardiology, German Heart Centre Munich, Technical University Munich, 80636 Munich, Germany; (L.S.); (K.N.); (P.E.); (S.F.); (H.K.); (N.N.); (R.O.)
| | - Renate Oberhoffer
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Paediatric Cardiology, German Heart Centre Munich, Technical University Munich, 80636 Munich, Germany; (L.S.); (K.N.); (P.E.); (S.F.); (H.K.); (N.N.); (R.O.)
- Department of Preventive Paediatrics, Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 80992 Munich, Germany
| | - Lars Pieper
- Department of Behavioural Epidemiology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany;
| | - Wibke Reinhard
- Cardiology Department, German Heart Centre Munich, Technical University Munich, 80636 Munich, Germany;
| | - Linda Sanftenberg
- Institute of General Practice, University of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany;
| | - Jörg Schelling
- Private Group Practice Martinsried, 82152 Martinsried, Germany;
| | - Michael Weyand
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Rhoia Neidenbach
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Paediatric Cardiology, German Heart Centre Munich, Technical University Munich, 80636 Munich, Germany; (L.S.); (K.N.); (P.E.); (S.F.); (H.K.); (N.N.); (R.O.)
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10
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Congenital heart disease in adults (when kids grow up) pediatric geriatric anesthesia. Curr Opin Anaesthesiol 2020; 33:335-342. [PMID: 32371630 DOI: 10.1097/aco.0000000000000849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The current review focuses on the new development of adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients in the areas of imaging, percutaneous interventions, ventricular assist devices and transplantation. RECENT FINDINGS Since the last ACHD publication in the journal, several advances have been made in the evaluation and treatment of these patients. As CHD patients' longevity increases pregnancy, comorbities and acquired heart disease become a concern. Recent data show that the incidence of complications in low-risk CHD is not higher that the regular population. In addition, breakthrough research in percutaneous valve implantation has been published showing good outcomes but needing intensive care recovery in a significant number of patients. In the ACHD heart failure population, assist device and transplant fields mounting evidence shows that these therapies should not be the last resort since low-risk ACHD patient may have similar outcomes to those with acquired heart disease. Finally risk stratification is important in ACHD to define better ways to recover from surgery and anesthesia. SUMMARY The field of anesthesia for ACHD is growing with new indications for diagnostic, interventional and surgical procedures. Tailoring cardiac and noncardiac care to the different risk profile in ACHD patients will be defined in the next few years. VIDEO ABSTRACT Motta summary clip: http://links.lww.com/COAN/A65.
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Neidenbach R, Achenbach S, Andonian C, Beckmann J, Biber S, Dittrich S, Ewert P, Freilinger S, Huntgeburth M, Nagdyman N, Oberhoffer R, Pieper L, von Kodolitsch Y, Weyand M, Bauer UMM, Kaemmerer H. [Medical care of adults with congenital heart diseases : Present and future]. Herz 2019; 44:553-572. [PMID: 31263905 DOI: 10.1007/s00059-019-4820-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Congenital heart diseases (CHD) are the most common types of congenital organ defects. Thanks to medical progress in congenital cardiology and heart surgery, most children with CHD reach adulthood. Despite primarily successful treatment residual and subsequent conditions as well as (non)cardiac comorbidities can influence the chronic course of the disease and lead to a higher morbidity and mortality. Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) in Germany are not tied to the healthcare structure despite the great need for aftercare. According to the results of the medical care of ACHD (MC-ACHD) study, ACHD centers and specialists in Germany are insufficiently perceived despite increased complication rates and the great need for specialist guidance. General practitioners and patients are not adequately informed about existing ACHD facilities. A better awareness of the ACHD problem should be created at the level of primary medical supply in order to optimize care and to reduce morbidity and mortality. Improved future-oriented patient care includes lifelong regular follow-up and the possibility of interdisciplinary, integrated medical care of CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Neidenbach
- Klinik für angeborene Herzfehler und Kinderkardiologie, Deutsches Herzzentrum München, Lazarettstr. 36, 80636, München, Deutschland.
| | - S Achenbach
- Medizinische Klinik 2, Kardiologie und Angiologie, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Ulmenweg 18, 91054, Erlangen, Deutschland
| | - C Andonian
- Lehrstuhl für Sportpsychologie, Fakultät für Sport- und Gesundheitswissenschaften, Technische Universität München, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60-62, 80992, München, Deutschland
| | - J Beckmann
- Lehrstuhl für Sportpsychologie, Fakultät für Sport- und Gesundheitswissenschaften, Technische Universität München, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60-62, 80992, München, Deutschland
| | - S Biber
- Lehrstuhl für Sportpsychologie, Fakultät für Sport- und Gesundheitswissenschaften, Technische Universität München, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60-62, 80992, München, Deutschland
| | - S Dittrich
- Medizinische Klinik 2, Kardiologie und Angiologie, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Ulmenweg 18, 91054, Erlangen, Deutschland
| | - P Ewert
- Klinik für angeborene Herzfehler und Kinderkardiologie, Deutsches Herzzentrum München, Lazarettstr. 36, 80636, München, Deutschland
| | - S Freilinger
- Klinik für angeborene Herzfehler und Kinderkardiologie, Deutsches Herzzentrum München, Lazarettstr. 36, 80636, München, Deutschland
| | - M Huntgeburth
- Klinik III für Innere Medizin, Zentrum für Erwachsene mit angeborenen Herzfehlern (EMAH), Herzzentrum, Universitätsklinikum Köln, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Köln, Deutschland
| | - N Nagdyman
- Klinik für angeborene Herzfehler und Kinderkardiologie, Deutsches Herzzentrum München, Lazarettstr. 36, 80636, München, Deutschland
| | - R Oberhoffer
- Lehrstuhl für Präventive Pädiatrie, Technische Universität München, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60/62, 80992, München, Deutschland
| | - L Pieper
- Professur für behaviorale Epidemiologie, Technische Universität Dresden, Chemnitzer Str. 46, 01187, Dresden, Deutschland
| | - Y von Kodolitsch
- Universitäres Herzzentrum Hamburg, Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemeine und Interventionelle Kardiologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - M Weyand
- Medizinische Klinik 2, Kardiologie und Angiologie, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Ulmenweg 18, 91054, Erlangen, Deutschland
| | - U M M Bauer
- Nationales Register für angeborene Herzfehler, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - H Kaemmerer
- Klinik für angeborene Herzfehler und Kinderkardiologie, Deutsches Herzzentrum München, Lazarettstr. 36, 80636, München, Deutschland.
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12
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Folwaczny M, Bauer F, Grünberg C. Significance of oral health in adult patients with congenital heart disease. Cardiovasc Diagn Ther 2019; 9:S377-S387. [PMID: 31737544 PMCID: PMC6837931 DOI: 10.21037/cdt.2018.09.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Due to improved diagnosis and treatment life expectancy of patients with congenital heart disease is steadily increasing resulting in a growing portion of adult patients. When entering, adulthood patients commonly show a shift in their specific needs for medical care. Since the treatment is mostly not curative many patients have life-long cardiovascular anomalies, among others, entailing high risk for the development of infective endocarditis. Several oral diseases, i.e., caries, apical periodontitis and periodontitis show a very high overall prevalence. These entities are primarily initiated by bacterial infections. Hence, they cause an inherent risk for bacteremia and subsequently for infective endocarditis in patients with congenital heart disease during professional dental care and various daily activities. Conversely congenital heart disease seems to be inevitably associated with considerable impairment of oral health resulting in a tight interrelation between both entities. Different preventive strategies are available to address the elevated risk for infective endocarditis due to oral diseases in patients with congenital heart disease during professional dental care and routine daily activities. This review delineates the current evidence regarding the issue of oral health in adult patients with congenital heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Folwaczny
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Bauer
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Technology Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christina Grünberg
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
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