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Updated: Feb 27, 2026
Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease
Published on: July 18, 2014
Revision: review of non-elective hospitalisations of adults with CHD
Alexandra Soufi1, Jack M Colman2, Qunyu Li2
11Cardio-Pediatric and Congenital Medico-Surgical Department,Cardiologic Hospital Louis Pradel,Lyon,France.
Insights
Adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) face high risks. Non-elective hospitalizations for heart failure significantly increase length of stay, requiring optimized healthcare resources for this growing population.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD)
- Hospital Medicine
Background:
- The population of adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) is growing and aging.
- This demographic remains at high risk for morbidity and mortality.
- Understanding hospitalization patterns is crucial for managing this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review non-elective hospitalizations in adults with CHD.
- To identify factors influencing the length of hospital stay.
- To inform resource allocation for ACHD care.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective single-centre study.
- Analysis of 103 non-elective hospital admissions over 12 months for adults (≥18 years) with CHD.
- Data extraction included demographics, cardiac history, admission details, and length of stay.
Main Results:
- 91 patients (37±10 years, 52% female) had 103 admissions; 96% had moderate/complex defects.
- Common admissions reasons: arrhythmia (37%) and heart failure (28%).
- Mean length of stay was 7.9 days; significantly longer for heart failure (12.2 days) and direct ward admission (9.6 days).
Conclusions:
- Non-elective hospitalizations in adults with CHD often require interdisciplinary management.
- Heart failure is a primary driver of prolonged hospital stays.
- Healthcare systems need adequate resources to manage the increasing ACHD population effectively.
Abstract:
Introduction The adult CHD population is increasing and ageing and remains at high risk for morbidity and mortality. In a retrospective single-centre study, we conducted a comprehensive review of non-elective hospitalisations of adults with CHD and explored factors associated with length of stay.
Methods:
We identified adults (⩾18 years) with CHD admitted during a 12-month period and managed by the adult CHD service. Data regarding demographics, cardiac history, hospital admission, resource utilisation, and length of stay were extracted.
Results:
There were 103 admissions of 91 patients (age 37±10 years; 52% female). Of 91 patients, 96% had moderate or complex defects. Of 103 admissions, 45% were through the emergency department. The most common reasons for admission were arrhythmia (37%) and heart failure (28%); 29% of admissions included a stay in the ICU. The mean number of consultations by other services was 2.0. Electrophysiology and anaesthesiology departments were most frequently consulted. After removing outliers, the mean length of stay was 7.9±7.4 days (median=5 days). The length of stay was longer for patients admitted for heart failure (12.2±10.3 days; p=0.001) and admitted directly to the ward (9.6±8.9 days; p=0.009).
Conclusions:
Among non-electively hospitalised adults with CHD in a tertiary-care centre, management often entails an interdisciplinary approach, and the length of stay is longest for patients admitted with heart failure. The healthcare system must ensure optimal resources to maintain high-quality care for this expanding patient population.
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