Kidney disease and congenital heart disease: Partnership for life

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Nephrology
• Congenital Heart Disease

Background:

• Cardiorenal disease is well-studied, but kidney disease in adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) is less understood.
• Improved survival in ACHD patients has led to a rising prevalence of kidney disease.
• Key risk factors for chronic kidney disease in ACHD include hypoxia, neurohormonal imbalances, hemodynamic changes, and cardiac surgeries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current data on kidney disease in adults with congenital heart disease.
• To highlight knowledge gaps in the prevalence, pathophysiology, and prognosis of cardiorenal disease in ACHD.
• To provide clinicians with tools for managing kidney disease in this complex population.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of contemporary data on kidney disease in adults with congenital heart disease.
• Discussion of risk factors, pathophysiology, and clinical management strategies.
• Identification of current gaps in knowledge and future research directions.

Main Results:

• Prevalence of kidney disease is increasing in adults with congenital heart disease.
• Chronic hypoxia, neurohormonal derangements, hemodynamic changes, and cardiac surgeries are significant risk factors.
• Data on prevalence, pathophysiology, and prognosis remain scarce, leading to a lack of clear management guidelines.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need for more research into kidney disease in adults with congenital heart disease.
• Effective management requires understanding the complex interplay between heart and kidney conditions.
• Practitioners need better tools and guidelines to care for this vulnerable ACHD population.