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Adult congenital heart disease in Greece: Preliminary data from the CHALLENGE registry

G Giannakoulas1, K Vasiliadis2, A Frogoudaki3

  • 1Department of Cardiology, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.

International Journal of Cardiology
|July 27, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) in Greece are a growing population. The CHALLENGE registry identified their characteristics, highlighting the need for specialized care and resource allocation for these complex patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Increasing survival rates for congenital heart disease (CHD) lead to a growing adult population (ACHD) facing long-term complications.
  • Understanding the specific demographic and clinical profiles of ACHD patients is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the demographic and clinical characteristics of adult patients with congenital heart disease (ACHD) in Greece.
  • To establish baseline data for the CHALLENGE registry, aiding future research and resource allocation.

Main Methods:

  • The CHALLENGE (Adult Congenital Heart Disease Registry) was initiated in January 2012.
  • 16 specialized centers nationwide enrolled patients with structural CHD over 16 years old.
  • Data from 2115 registered ACHD patients were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • The ACHD population (mean age 38) comprised 52% women, with 47% mild, 37% moderate, and 15% severe disease.
  • Atrial septal defect (ASD) was the most common diagnosis (33%); 92% were asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic.
  • 12% were elderly (>60), half had prior open-heart surgery, and 39% were on cardiac medications.

Conclusions:

  • Adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) represents an emerging patient group requiring dedicated attention.
  • National prospective registries like CHALLENGE are vital for identifying patient needs and optimizing resource allocation.
  • This registry provides essential data for understanding and managing the complexities of ACHD in Greece.
Abstract

Keywords:
Adult congenital heart diseaseEpidemiologyRegistry

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