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Neidenbach R, Achenbach S, Andonian C, Bauer UMM, Ewert P, Freilinger S, Gundlach U, Kaemmerer AS, Nagdyman N, Nebel K, Oberhoffer R, Pieper L, Reinhard W, Sanftenberg L, von Scheidt F, Schelling J, Seidel L, Weyand M, Kaemmerer H. Systematic assessment of health care perception in adults with congenital heart disease in Germany. Cardiovasc Diagn Ther 2021; 11:481-491. [PMID: 33968627 PMCID: PMC8102265 DOI: 10.21037/cdt-20-825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) is steadily rising due to increased survival rate and improved medical resources. Accordingly, more than 330,000 ACHD are currently living in Germany. Almost all of them require lifelong specialized medical follow-up for their chronic heart disease, often accompanied by residua, sequelae, or comorbidities. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are a crucial factor in directing patients to ACHD specialists or specialized institutions, but despite all efforts, the number of ACHD under specialized care is low, the lost-to-follow-up rate is high, and the morbidity and mortality is substantial. The present cross-sectional study was designed to systematically characterize the health care of ACHD from a patient perspective, including (I) use of medical care by ACHD, (II) medical counselling needs, and (III) perceived satisfaction with health care. METHODS The German-wide analysis was based on a 25-item questionnaire designed to address different aspects of medical status and health issues of ACHD from their own perspective, performed between May of 2017 and July of 2020. RESULTS A total of 4,008 ACHD (52% female; mean age 41.9±17.2 years) completed the questionnaire. The majority of ACHD (3,524, 87.9%) reported, that they consulted their PCP for non-cardiac health problems, and 49.7% (n=1,991) consulted their PCP also for medical problems associated with the underlying CHD. Almost all ACHD reported a need for medical advice concerning exercise capacity and daily life activities, occupational skills, pregnancy, rehabilitation, genetic counselling, insurance, and retirement. A total of 1,840 (45.9%) patients were not aware of the existence of certified ACHD specialists or centers. Moreover, 2,552 (67.6%) of those surveyed were uninformed about patient organizations for ACHD. CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrates that ACHD are largely uninformed about the ACHD care structures available nationwide, although the patients have a great need for specialized follow-up, advice, and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhoia Neidenbach
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University Munich, Germany
- Department of Sports Medicine, Exercise Physiology and Prevention, Institute of Sport Science, University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Stephan Achenbach
- Department of Cardiology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany
| | - Caroline Andonian
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrike M. M. Bauer
- Competence Network for Congenital Heart Defects, National Register for Congenital Heart Defects, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Ewert
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Freilinger
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrike Gundlach
- Department of Cardiology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany
| | - Ann-Sophie Kaemmerer
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University Munich, Germany
| | - Nicole Nagdyman
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin Nebel
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University Munich, Germany
| | - Renate Oberhoffer
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University Munich, Germany
- Department of Preventive Pediatrics, Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Germany
| | - Lars Pieper
- Department of Behavioral Epidemiology, Technical University of Dresden, Germany
| | - Wibke Reinhard
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University Munich, Germany
| | - Linda Sanftenberg
- Institute of General Practice, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany
| | - Fabian von Scheidt
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University Munich, Germany
| | | | - Lavinia Seidel
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Weyand
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Harald Kaemmerer
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University Munich, Germany
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Koerten MA, Niwa K, Szatmári A, Hajnalka B, Ruzsa Z, Nagdyman N, Niggemeyer E, Peters B, Schneider KTM, Kuschel B, Mizuno Y, Berger F, Kaemmerer H, Bauer UMM. Frequency of Miscarriage/Stillbirth and Terminations of Pregnancy Among Women With Congenital Heart Disease in Germany, Hungary and Japan. Circ J 2016; 80:1846-51. [PMID: 27334027 DOI: 10.1253/circj.cj-15-1296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 2011 guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) on the management of cardiovascular diseases during pregnancy define the maternal predictors for neonatal complications. The aim of this study was to determine whether these are associated with an increased number of miscarriages/stillbirths and terminations of pregnancy (TOPs) also in patients with congenital heart defects (CHD). METHODS AND RESULTS The 634 women from Germany, Hungary and Japan were surveyed concerning the issues of sexuality and reproductive health, as well as their general life situation and medical care. 25% of the recorded pregnancies in women with CHD resulted in miscarriage, stillbirth or TOP. Affecting 16.8% of all recorded pregnancies, miscarriages or stillbirths occurred more frequently than in the general population and more than previously recorded for patients with CHD. TOP occurred in 8% of the surveyed pregnancies. Underlying maternal predictors for neonatal events had an influence on the number of TOP; among those with underlying predictors, TOP was recorded 3-fold more than in those without such predictors (15.6% vs. 5.5%). Remarkably, a significant deficit regarding the level of information on potential pregnancy-associated risks was observed in all 3 participating countries. CONCLUSIONS Pregnant women with CHD should always be treated and counseled individually by cardiologists, gynecologists, obstetricians and anesthetists with appropriate expert knowledge. (Circ J 2016; 80: 1846-1851).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc-André Koerten
- German Heart Centre Munich, Department of Paediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Defects, Technical University of Munich
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Kernell K, Sydsjö G, Bladh M, Nielsen NE, Josefsson A. Congenital heart disease in men - birth characteristics and reproduction: a national cohort study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2014; 14:187. [PMID: 24890365 PMCID: PMC4064810 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2393-14-187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2013] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Women with congenital heart disease (CHD) are more often born preterm or small-for-gestational age and with a caesarean section. This pattern together with an increased risk of congenital anomalies seems to be repeated in the next generation. Information on the effect of paternal CHD on their offspring is sparse. In this study we investigated if men with CHD differ from those who do not have CHD with respect to characteristics related to their own births, their reproductive patterns and the neonatal outcomes of their children. Methods In this national cohort study data were derived from Swedish population-based registries. The population consists of all men born in 1973-1983 who were alive and living in Sweden at 13 years of age (n = 522 216). The index group is men with CHD (n = 2689). Men diagnosed with CHD were compared with men without CHD. The CHD were also divided into two groups, complex and simple CHD and comparisons between the groups were made. Results Men with CHD are more likely to have been born preterm (p < 0.001), small-for gestational-age (p < 0.001) or large-for-gestational-age (p < 0.001) than men without CHD. They are also more likely to have been the result of a twin pregnancy (p < 0.001) and to have been delivered by caesarean section (p < 0.001). Men with CHD have a decreased likelihood to become fathers compared to non-CHD men and in this study their offspring do not have a higher incidence of CHD than offspring to non-CHD fathers. The neonatal outcomes of children of men with CHD do not differ from the outcomes of children of non-CHD men. Conclusions Men with CHD were more often born with non-optimal characteristics compared to men without the condition. However, the increased risk does not repeat itself in the next generation. This knowledge can lead to improved preconception counselling for couples in which the father has a CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ann Josefsson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
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[Adult patients with congenital heart disease]. Internist (Berl) 2013; 54:18, 20-7. [PMID: 23318541 DOI: 10.1007/s00108-012-3089-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Unlike a few decades ago, today most patients with congenital heart disease reach adulthood after intervention or reparative surgery. As complete correction is generally not possible, a patient population with great complexity and a particular challenge to medical management is rising and a regular follow-up is mandatory. The aim of care is the timely recognition of residual or associated problems. Frequency and intensity of follow-up examinations depend on type and complexity of the lesion. The standard repertoire at follow-up consists of a specific history, clinical examination, ECG, Holter-monitoring, exercise tests, and echocardiography. Depending on the indication, cardio-MRI, CT scan, and sophisticated cardiac catheterization may become necessary. Long-term complications like rhythm disturbances, pulmonary hypertension, or heart failure are frequent, despite optimal care. Acute complications like arrhythmias, infective endocarditis, cerebral events, cerebral abscesses, aortic dissection, pulmonary embolism, and bleeding have to be recognized early and treated appropriately. Additional focus has to be placed on counseling and management of noncardiac disease and surgery, pregnancy and delivery, exercise at work and in private life, driving, and insurance issues. Training and certification of physicians as well as the establishment of specialized centers will help to ensure high quality health care for the affected patient population.
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Diller GP, Breithardt G, Baumgartner H. Congenital heart defects in adulthood. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2011; 108:452-9. [PMID: 21776319 PMCID: PMC3139408 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2011.0452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2010] [Accepted: 06/28/2010] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than 90% of children with congenital heart defects now survive into adulthood; just a few decades ago, survival was rare, particularly among patients with complex defects. The new population of adults with congenital heart disease presents a special challenge to physicians from all of the involved specialties. METHODS Selective literature review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION A complete cure of the congenital heart defect in childhood is exceptional, and most adult patients continue to suffer from residual problems and sequelae. Further surgery or catheter interventions may be needed. Potential late complications include arrhythmias, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, endocarditis, and thromboembolic events. The management of these patients during pregnancy or non-cardiac surgery remains a challenge. If this evolving patient population is to receive the best possible care, the adequate provision of specialized medical services is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition: patients and their referring physicians will also need to be aware that these services are available, and then actually make use of them. Moreover, optimal communication among all of the involved physicians is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard-Paul Diller
- Kardiologisches Zentrum für Erwachsene mit angeborenen und erworbenen Herzfehlern (EMAH), Münster, Germany.
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