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[Single-ventricle heart defects--long-term prognosis, late complications and quality of life]

Taisto Sarkola1, Jaana Pihkala, Heta Nieminen

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Labatt Family Heart Center, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X8 Canada.

Duodecim; Laaketieteellinen Aikakauskirja
|April 4, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Single-ventricle heart defects require blood flow redirection. Many adults face long-term issues like heart failure and arrhythmias, impacting quality of life.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pediatric Cardiac Surgery
  • Congenital Heart Disease

Context:

  • Single-ventricle physiology presents unique challenges in managing systemic and pulmonary blood flow.
  • Surgical palliation aims to reroute venous return directly to the pulmonary artery, bypassing the underdeveloped right ventricle.
  • Increasing survival rates mean more adults live with complex single-ventricle physiology.

Purpose:

  • To describe the long-term outcomes and complications associated with the surgical palliation of single-ventricle heart defects.
  • To highlight the prevalence and nature of late sequelae in adult survivors.
  • To underscore the ongoing need for specialized adult congenital cardiology care.

Summary:

  • Treatment involves redirecting systemic venous blood to the pulmonary artery without right heart involvement.
  • A significant proportion of adults with single-ventricle defects experience late complications.
  • Common issues include heart failure, arrhythmias, cyanosis, thromboembolic events, and neurological deficits.

Impact:

  • Improved understanding of long-term morbidity in single-ventricle survivors.
  • Highlights the critical need for lifelong monitoring and management of these complex patients.
  • Informs strategies for enhancing quality of life and addressing specific complications in adult congenital heart disease.

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