Clinical profiles of adult patients with single ventricular physiology

This study was performed to clarify the present global clinical status, including medication(s) and social abilities, of adult patients with single ventricular physiology (SVP).

Clinical charts were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate the global clinical status, including functional capacity, medication(s), complications, and social activities of 68 adult patients with SVP aged 20-53 years (41 males); 50 had undergone the Fontan operation and they were divided into the young adult (25 patients) and adult Fontan groups. The others were cyanotic patients without the Fontan operation (non-Fontan group). Although the Fontan groups showed better functional capacity, higher arterial oxygen saturation and brain natriuretic peptide levels, and a better renal function, there was no difference in the cardiovascular events during follow-up between the 3 groups. The most frequent complication was arrhythmia without a significant group difference, although the non-Fontan group showed a high percentage of heart failure. Only 41 patients (60%) had a job and 8 (12%) were married.

Although the Fontan groups had favorable pathophysiological conditions, the high rate of cardiovascular events, as well as unsatisfactory social situations, indicate the importance of meticulous life-long management of patients with SVP, regardless of the type of surgical intervention.