National Trends in Hospitalizations for Patients With Single-Ventricle Anatomy

Patients with single-ventricle (SV) anatomy now live to adulthood. Little is known about the cost of care and outcomes for patients with SV anatomy, especially those who develop heart failure (HF) cared for in adult hospitals in the United States. We analyzed the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2000 to 2011 for patients >14 years admitted to adult hospitals with the International Classifications of Diseases, Ninth Revision, codes for SV anatomy. Demographics, outcomes, co-morbidities, and cost were assessed. From 2000 to 2011, the number of SV admissions was stable with a trend toward increased cost per admission over time. Coexistent hypertension, obesity, and liver, pulmonary, and renal diseases significantly increased over time. The most common reason for admission was atrial arrhythmia followed by HF. Patients with SV with HF had significantly higher inhospital mortality, length of stay, and more medical co-morbidities than those with SV and without HF. In conclusion, the cohort of patients with SV admitted to adult hospitals has changed in the modern era. Patients with SV have medical co-morbidities including renal and liver diseases, hypertension, and obesity at a surprisingly young age. Aggressive and proactive management of HF and arrhythmia may reduce cost of care for this challenging population. Patients with SV with HF have particularly high mortality, more medical co-morbidities, and increased cost of care and deserve more focused attention to improve outcomes.