Survival and predictors of mortality in patients after the Fontan operation

As a result of the surgical techniques now being employed, the survival rate in patients after undergoing the Fontan operation has improved. The aims of this study were focused on determining the survival rate and predictors of early mortality.

In a retrospective cohort study, 117 consecutive patients who underwent the Fontan operation were recruited. Multivariate Cox proportional regression analysis was used to assess the predictors of early mortality, defined as death within 30 days after the Fontan operation.

The median follow-up time was 6.1 years. The median age at the time of the Fontan operation was 5.7 years. Survival rates in the patients at 5, 10, and 15 years postoperatively were 92%, 87% and 84%, respectively. Using univariate Cox regression analysis, the predictors of early mortality were found to be postoperative mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥23 mm Hg (hazard ratio 26.0), renal failure (hazard ratio 9.5), heterotaxy syndrome (hazard ratio 5.3), and uncorrected moderate or severe atrioventricular valve regurgitation (hazard ratio 9.4). After adjusting for confounding factors using multivariate Cox regression analysis, the predictors of early mortality were found to be postoperative mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥23 mm Hg (hazard ratio 23.2) and uncorrected moderate or severe atrioventricular valve regurgitation (hazard ratio 8.2).

Uncorrected moderate or severe atrioventricular valve regurgitation and postoperative mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥23 mm Hg are independent predictors of early mortality after the Fontan operation. Patients with these factors should undergo aggressive management to minimize morbidity and mortality.