[Status and after-care of young adults with congenital heart defects]

We studied patients with congenital heart defects born in 1975 and followed by our institution. We were interested in the outcome of these patients at the age of 20 years with regard to professional status, physical activity and psychosocial aspects. Furthermore, we investigated the handover from the paediatric to the adult cardiologist as well as the information level concerning antibiotic prophylaxis against bacterial endocarditis.

From a previous follow-up study to the age of 16 years, we knew 224 patients with congenital heart disease born in 1975, 119 were considered to need further cardiological follow-up. In 112 (94%) we have a complete follow-up to the age of 20 years with a structured interview by phone.

Mortality and medical care during the period between 16 and 20 years of age were at a lower level than in the previous periods. Except in patients suffering from complex or surgically treated cyanotic heart disease, the results, compared to the standard population at the age of 20 years, are better with regard to professional status, and equal for physical activity and psychosocial integration. Only 60% of the patients were followed by an adult cardiologist and only 45% of the patients needing antibiotic prophylaxis against bacterial endocarditis are aware of this.

Except in patients with complex congenital or surgically treated cyanotic heart diseases, the outcome at the age of 20 years with regard to professional status, physical activity and psychosocial integration is very good compared with the standard population at the age of 20 years. The handover to the adult cardiologist is inadequate and knowledge and awareness of antibiotic prophylaxis against bacterial endocarditis is also insufficient-both aspects need improvement.