Prevalence, Predictors, and Prognostic Value of Renal Dysfunction in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease

Risk stratification in Eisenmenger syndrome

Pulmonary arterial hypertension complicating congenital heart disease can progress to the life-threatening irreversible form known as Eisenmenger syndrome. When conservative treatments are inadequate, the risk of death as a result of the disease must be weighed against the risk associated with transplantation. Risk stratification has become a fundamental tool for the prediction of outcomes and the guidance of treatment in pulmonary arterial hypertension. However, the current risk scores for pulmonary arterial hypertension are not specific to pulmonary arterial hypertension with congenital heart disease, and the accurate prediction of risk of death in Eisenmenger syndrome is challenging. Here, experts in paediatric and adult congenital heart disease, Eisenmenger syndrome, risk stratification and pulmonary arterial hypertension have performed a comprehensive literature search to review current data on Eisenmenger syndrome risk stratification. Limited evidence was found. The only multivariable death risk-stratification model based on non-invasive predictors (age, shunt location, resting oxygen saturation, sinus rhythm and pericardial effusion) proposed thus far in Eisenmenger syndrome is awaiting external validation. Shunt location markedly influences outcomes and treatment strategies. Several risk factors have been identified as independent predictors in Eisenmenger syndrome, including the 6-minute walk distance, echocardiographic markers and serum brain natriuretic peptide. However, the use of these variables deserves further evaluation to improve risk stratification in patients with Eisenmenger syndrome.

Framework for Kidney Health Follow-Up Among Neonates With Critical Cardiac Disease: A Report From the Neonatal Kidney Health Consensus Workshop

Acute kidney injury is common among neonates with critical cardiac disease. Risk factors and associations with kidney-related outcomes are heterogeneous and distinct from other neonates. As survival of children with critical cardiac disease increases to adulthood, the burden of chronic kidney disease is increasing. Thirty percent to 50% of adults with congenital heart disease have impaired kidney function, even in the absence of prior kidney injury episodes. This may be related to the current standardized acute kidney injury criteria, which may not fully capture clinically meaningful kidney injury and long-term kidney health risks. An improved understanding of which neonates with critical cardiac disease should undergo kidney health follow-up is imperative. During the National Institutes of Health-supported Neonatal Kidney Health Consensus Workshop to Address Kidney Health meeting conducted in February 2024, a panel of 51 neonatal nephrology experts focused on at-risk groups: (1) preterm infants, (2) critically ill infants with acute kidney injury, and (3) infants with critical cardiac disease. The critical cardiac disease subgroup, comprising multidisciplinary experts, used a modified Delphi process to achieve consensus on recommendations for kidney health follow-up. In this report, we review available data on kidney health follow-up in critical cardiac disease and summarize the 2 consensus-based recommendations. We introduce novel diagnostic and risk-stratification tools for acute kidney injury diagnosis in neonates with cardiac disease to guide follow-up recommendations. Finally, we identify important knowledge gaps, representing areas of focus for future research. These should be prioritized to understand and improve long-term kidney health in critical cardiac disease.

Clinical impact of circulating biomarkers in prediction of adverse cardiac events in patients with congenital heart disease. A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Patients with congenital heart disease (ConHD) are at increased risk for adverse cardiac events. Predicting long-term outcomes and guidance of patient management might benefit from a range of (new) biomarkers. This is a rapidly evolving field with potentially large consequences for clinical decision making. With a systematic review of available biomarkers in ConHD we identified the clinical role of these markers, knowledge gaps and future research directions.

METHODS

We systematically reviewed the literature on associations between blood biomarkers and outcome measures (mortality or composite adverse outcomes in patients with ConHD.

RESULTS

The inclusion criteria were met by 102 articles. Biomarkers assessed in more than 3 studies are discussed in the main text, those studied in 3 or less studies are summarized in the supplement. Thus, we discuss 15 biomarkers from 92 studies. These biomarkers were studied in 32,399 / 10,735 patients for the association with mortality and composite adverse outcomes, respectively. Biomarkers that were studied most and had statistically significant associations with mortality or composite adverse outcomes were (NT-pro)BNP, MELD-XI score, Hs-CRP, creatinine, albumin and sodium. Most of these biomarkers are involved in intracardiac processes associated with inflammation or are markers of renal function.

CONCLUSION

For (NT-pro)BNP, clinical value for prediction of mortality and composite adverse outcomes in adult and paediatric ConHD has been shown. For MELD-XI, hs-CRP, albumin, creatinine, sodium, RDW, and GDF-15, correlations with mortality and composite adverse outcomes have been demonstrated in patient groups with mixed types of ConHD, but clinical utility needs additional exploration.

Heart transplantation in adults with congenital heart diseases: A comprehensive meta-analysis on waiting times, operative, and survival outcomes

The rising prevalence of congenital heart disease (CHD) among adults has led to increased heart transplantation (HT) procedures in this population. However, CHD patients face significant challenges including longer waiting times, higher early mortality rates, and increased risks of complications such as renal dysfunction. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined 50 studies to assess waiting times, postoperative outcomes, and survival rates in CHD patients undergoing HT compared to non-CHD patients. Results revealed that CHD patients experience longer HT waiting times (mean difference [MD]: 53.86 days, 95 % CI: [22.00, 85.72], P = 0.0009) and increased ischemic times (MD: 20.01 min, 95 % CI: [10.51, 29.51], P < 0.0001), which may increase waitlist and early postoperative mortality. Regarding complications, renal dysfunction is more prevalent in CHD patients than in non-CHD patients (RR: 2.05, 95 % CI: [1.61, 2.61], P < 0.00001). Despite these challenges, long-term survival rates for CHD patients are comparable to those of non-CHD recipients, with significant improvements noted in recent allocation systems. Our findings emphasize the need for ongoing refinements in HT allocation systems to improve outcomes for CHD patients, particularly in reducing waiting times and managing post-transplant complications.

Outcomes following multivalve reoperation in adults with congenital heart disease: A 30-year, single-center study

OBJECTIVE

As patients with congenital heart disease increasingly live into adulthood, reoperative surgery is frequently required. Although half of these are valve-related procedures, little is known regarding early and late outcomes, and factors associated with adverse outcomes.

METHODS

From 1993 to 2022, a total of 1960 adult patients with congenital heart disease underwent repeat median sternotomy at our institution. Of these, 502 patients (26%) underwent intervention on 2 or more valves and constituted the study cohort.

RESULTS

The median age was 39 (27-51) years, and 275 patients (55%) were female. A second sternotomy was performed in 265 patients (53%), a third sternotomy was performed in 135 patients (27%), a fourth sternotomy was performed in 75 patients (15%), and a fifth or more sternotomy was performed in 27 patients (5%). Interventions were performed on 2 valves in 436 patients (87%), 3 valves in 62 patients (12%), and 4 valves in 4 patients (1%). The most common combinations were pulmonary and tricuspid in 241 patients (48%), followed by mitral and tricuspid in 85 patients (17%), aortic and pulmonary in 42 patients (8%), and aortic and mitral in 41 patients (8%). Early mortality was 4.2% overall and 2.7% for elective operations. Nonelective operations and congenital heart disease of major complexity were independently associated with early mortality. Median follow-up was 14 years. One, 5-, and 10-year survivals were 93.6%, 89.3%, and 79.5%, respectively. Factors independently associated with overall mortality were age, ventricular dysfunction, coronary artery disease, renal failure, double valve replacement, nonelective operations, and bypass time.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple valve interventions are common and confer low early mortality in the elective setting. Referral before ventricular dysfunction and in an elective setting optimizes outcomes.

Risk Factors for Chronic Kidney Disease in Adult Patients with Congenital Heart Disease and Its Relationship with Cardiovascular Mortality

Background: Patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) show risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and it is well known that CKD has a large negative impact on survival. Methods: Observational and prospective cohort study. Adult CHD patients and controls were matched for age and sex. Results: A total of 657 CHD adult patients (cases) and 1954 controls were studied. Median age in CHD patients was 30 (17-62) years and 373 (57%) were male. The prevalence of CKD (Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) was 0.2% and 4.5% in the control and CHD groups, respectively. Binary logistic regression analysis determined as risk factors for CKD in CHD patients: age [1.54 (1.04-1.28), p = 0.009], dyslipidemia [19.8 (1.35-301.1), p = 0.031], low iron concentration [0.96 (0.96-0.93), p = 0.048], cyanosis [25.7 (1.60-411.8), p = 0.022], and Down syndrome [46.8 (8.09-2710), p = 0.003]. During a follow-up time of 6.8 (1.2-10.5) years, cardiovascular mortality occurred in 31 patients with CHD showing, through the Kaplan-Meier test, a worse outcome among patients with CKD (p < 0.05) as was also seen in the univariate Cox regression survival analysis. However, after adjusting for other variables, this significance was lost, with age remaining as the unique independent prognostic factor. Conclusions: The prevalence of CKD was much higher in patients with CHD than in the control group; age, cyanosis, and Down syndrome were the predictors of a higher risk of CKD among CHD patients. Although CKD was associated with worse survival in CHD patients, only age was identified as an independent prognostic factor for cardiovascular mortality.

Update on Eisenmenger syndrome - Review of pathophysiology and recent progress in risk assessment and management

Longstanding left-to-right shunting associated with congenital heart disease (CHD) can ultimately lead to pulmonary vascular remodeling, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and shunt reversal, the hallmark feature of Eisenmenger Syndrome (ES). ES is a multisystem disease, with hematologic, cardiovascular, renal, neurologic, immune, and other manifestations, each of which inform its management. Many of the most distinct and clinically important consequences relate to chronic hypoxemia. The incidence of ES in in countries with access to pediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery services has declined in recent decades, due to earlier diagnosis and intervention for CHD. Moreover, in the era of disease targeting therapies (DTT), ES appears to be associated with better quality of life and less limiting symptoms. In addition, observational studies suggest that these therapies, alone and in combination, may be associated with improved survival. Despite these developments, ES mortality remains high, with heart failure being the most common cause of death. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiology of ES, the evolving understanding of risk stratification, as well as recent progress in pharmacologic and surgical management. Ultimately, despite strides in understanding and management of this complex disease, significant knowledge gaps remain.

Erythrocytosis in congenital heart defects: hints for diagnosis and therapy from a clinical case

Erythrocytosis is one of the most common abnormalities that clinical hematologists, general practitioners, and internal medicine specialists could have to face off in their routine clinical practice. While diagnostic criteria for primary erythrocytosis (i.e., polycythemia vera) are well known and characterized, there are several causes of secondary erythrocytosis that should be kept in mind to avoid misdiagnosis. Congenital heart defects are rarely cause of secondary erythrocytosis as they are normally recognized and treated at an early stage. Eisenmenger syndrome is a complex clinical syndrome that arise as consequence of an untreated congenital heart defect associated with large intracardiac shunt. The clinical picture of this syndrome usually includes a severe erythrocytosis that could tempt clinicians to start an intensive phlebotomy (or venesection) program. However, clinicians should be aware that erythrocytosis in Eisenmenger syndrome is a compensatory mechanism aimed at improving blood oxygen-carrying capacity; accordingly, phlebotomies should be reserved for those cases complaining hyperviscosity symptoms. Here we present a case of an adult female patient with Eisenmenger syndrome that has been evaluated because of severe and persistent erythrocytosis. In this case we present a step-by-step approach by which clinical hematologist could proceed to reach the definitive diagnosis. We will also provide some hints that could help clinicians when choosing the best treatment strategy to avoid unnecessary and potentially harmful procedures.

Engineered human iPS cell models reveal altered podocytogenesis and glomerular capillary wall in CHD-associated SMAD2 mutations

Early developmental programming involves extensive cell lineage diversification through shared molecular signaling networks. Clinical observations of congenital heart disease (CHD) patients carrying SMAD2 genetic variants revealed correlations with multi-organ impairments at the developmental and functional levels. For example, many CHD patients present with glomerulosclerosis, periglomerular fibrosis, and albuminuria. Still, it remains largely unknown whether SMAD2 variants associated with CHD can directly alter kidney cell fate, tissue patterning, and organ-level function. To address this question, we engineered human iPS cells (iPSCs) and organ-on-a-chip systems to uncover the role of pathogenic SMAD2 variants in kidney podocytogenesis. Our results show that abrogation of SMAD2 causes altered patterning of the mesoderm and intermediate mesoderm (IM) cell lineages, which give rise to nearly all kidney cell types. Upon further differentiation of IM cells, the mutant podocytes failed to develop arborizations and interdigitations. A reconstituted glomerulus-on-a-chip platform exhibited significant proteinuria as clinically observed in glomerulopathies. This study implicates CHD-associated SMAD2 mutations in kidney tissue malformation and provides opportunities for therapeutic discovery in the future.

Case report: Challenging kidney transplantation in an adolescent patient with tetralogy of Fallot

Tetralogy of Fallot is the most common cyanotic congenital heart disease. This severe disorder of cardiac physiology can impair renal function and lead to the development of cardiorenal syndrome and eventually to end-stage renal disease. Kidney transplantation may be the best option for renal replacement treatment in patients with tetralogy of Fallot, but only after correcting cardiac abnormalities and optimizing cardiac functions, all of which require a multidisciplinary approach. We report the first case of kidney transplantation in an adolescent patient with tetralogy of Fallot. Our findings confirms that kidney transplantation is a valuable treatment option in selected congenital heart disease cases.

Caring for the Critically Ill Adult Congenital Heart Disease Patient

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review aims to discuss the unique challenges that adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients present in the intensive care unit.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies suggest that ACHD patients make up an increasing number of ICU admissions, and that their care greatly improves in centers with specialized ACHD care. Common reasons for admission include arrhythmia, hemorrhage, heart failure, and pulmonary disease. It is critical that the modern intensivist understand not only the congenital anatomy and subsequent repairs an ACHD patient has undergone, but also how that anatomy can predispose the patient to critical illness. Additionally, intensivists should rely on a multidisciplinary team, which includes an ACHD specialist, in the care of these patients.

Pulmonary Hypertension in Adult Congenital Heart Disease-Related Heart Failure

Already a challenging condition to define, adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) -associated heart failure (HF) often incorporates specific anatomies, including intracardiac and extracardiac shunts, which require rigorous diagnostic characterization and heighten the importance of clinicians proactively considering overall hemodynamic impacts of using specific therapies. The presence of elevated pulmonary vascular resistance dramatically increases the complexity of managing patients with ACHD-HF. Total circulatory management in patients with ACHD-HF requires input from multidisciplinary care teams and thoughtful and careful utilization of medical, interventional, and surgical approaches.

Heart Failure Staging and Indications for Advanced Therapies in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease

Heart failure (HF) is common in adults with congenital heart disease (CHD), and it is the leading cause of death in this population. Adults with CHD presenting with stage D HF have a poor prognosis, and early recognition of signs of advanced HF and referral for advanced therapies for HF offer the best survival as compared with other therapies. The indications for advanced therapies for HF outlined in this article should serve as a guide for clinicians to determine the optimal time for referral. Palliative care should be part of the multidisciplinary care model for HF in patients with CHD.

Exploring kidney biopsy findings in congenital heart diseases: Insights beyond cyanotic nephropathy

BACKGROUND

The association between congenital heart disease and chronic kidney disease is well known. Various mechanisms of kidney damage associated with congenital heart disease have been established. The etiology of kidneydisease has commonly been considered to be secondary to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), however, this has only been demonstrated in case reports and not in observational or clinical trials.

AIM

To identify baseline and clinical characteristics, as well as the findings in kidney biopsies of patients with congenital heart disease in our hospital.

METHODS

This is a retrospective observational study conducted at the Nephrology Department of the National Institute of Cardiology "Ignacio Chávez". All patients over 16 years old who underwent percutaneous kidney biopsy from January 2000 to January 2023 with congenital heart disease were included in the study.

RESULTS

Ten patients with congenital heart disease and kidney biopsy were found. The average age was 29.00 years ± 15.87 years with pre-biopsy proteinuria of 6193 mg/24 h ± 6165 mg/24 h. The most common congenital heart disease was Fallot's tetralogy with 2 cases (20%) and ventricular septal defect with 2 (20%) cases. Among the 10 cases, one case of IgA nephropathy and one case of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis associated with immune complexes were found, receiving specific treatment after histopathological diagnosis, delaying the initiation of kidney replacement therapy. Among remaining 8 cases (80%), one case of FSGS with perihilar variety was found, while the other 7 cases were non-specific FSGS.

CONCLUSION

Determining the cause of chronic kidney disease can help in delaying the need for kidney replacement therapy. In 2 out of 10 patients in our study, interventions were performed, and initiation of kidney replacement therapy was delayed. Prospective studies are needed to determine the usefulness of kidney biopsy in patients with congenital heart disease.

Population Pharmacokinetics of Caffeine in Neonates with Congenital Heart Disease and Associations with Acute Kidney Injury

Cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CS-AKI) occurs in approximately 65% of neonates undergoing cardiac surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass and contributes to morbidity and mortality. Caffeine may reduce CS-AKI by counteracting adenosine receptor upregulation after bypass, but pharmacokinetics (PK) in this population are unknown. The goal of our analysis is to address knowledge gaps in age-, disease-, and bypass-related effects on caffeine disposition and explore preliminary associations between caffeine exposure and CS-AKI using population PK modeling techniques and an opportunistic, electronic health record-integrated trial design. We prospectively enrolled neonates receiving preoperative caffeine per standard of care and collected PK samples. We retrospectively identified neonates without caffeine exposure undergoing surgery on bypass as a control cohort. We followed US Food and Drug Administration guidance for population PK model development using NONMEM. Effects of clinical covariates on PK parameters were evaluated. We simulated perioperative exposures and used multivariable logistic regression to evaluate the association between caffeine exposure and CS-AKI. Twenty-seven neonates were included in model development. A 1-compartment model with bypass time as a covariate on clearance and volume of distribution best fit the data. Twenty-three neonates with caffeine exposure and 109 controls were included in the exposure-response analysis. Over half of neonates developed CS-AKI. On multivariable analysis, there were no significant differences between CS-AKI with and without caffeine exposure. Neonates with single-ventricle heart disease without CS-AKI had consistently higher simulated caffeine exposures. Our results highlight areas for further study to better understand disease- and bypass-specific effects on drug disposition and identify populations where caffeine may be beneficial.

Comorbidity patterns in cardiovascular diseases: the role of life-stage and socioeconomic status

Cardiovascular diseases stand as a prominent global cause of mortality, their intricate origins often entwined with comorbidities and multimorbid conditions. Acknowledging the pivotal roles of age, sex, and social determinants of health in shaping the onset and progression of these diseases, our study delves into the nuanced interplay between life-stage, socioeconomic status, and comorbidity patterns within cardiovascular diseases. Leveraging data from a cross-sectional survey encompassing Mexican adults, we unearth a robust association between these variables and the prevalence of comorbidities linked to cardiovascular conditions. To foster a comprehensive understanding of multimorbidity patterns across diverse life-stages, we scrutinize an extensive dataset comprising 47,377 cases diagnosed with cardiovascular ailments at Mexico's national reference hospital. Extracting sociodemographic details, primary diagnoses prompting hospitalization, and additional conditions identified through ICD-10 codes, we unveil subtle yet significant associations and discuss pertinent specific cases. Our results underscore a noteworthy trend: younger patients of lower socioeconomic status exhibit a heightened likelihood of cardiovascular comorbidities compared to their older counterparts with a higher socioeconomic status. By empowering clinicians to discern non-evident comorbidities, our study aims to refine therapeutic designs. These findings offer profound insights into the intricate interplay among life-stage, socioeconomic status, and comorbidity patterns within cardiovascular diseases. Armed with data-supported approaches that account for these factors, clinical practices stand to be enhanced, and public health policies informed, ultimately advancing the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease in Mexico.

Noninvasive Advanced Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance-Derived Fontan Hemodynamics Are Associated With Reduced Kidney Function But Not Albuminuria

BACKGROUND

Kidney disease is the most important predictor of death in patients with a Fontan circulation, yet its clinical and hemodynamic correlates have not been well established.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 53 ambulatory patients with a Fontan circulation (median age, 16.2 years, 52.8% male patients) underwent advanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance assessment, including 4-dimensional flow imaging and computational fluid dynamics. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <90 mL/min per 1.73 m2 was observed in 20.8% and albumin-to-creatinine ratio >3 mg/mmol in 39.6%. The average eGFR decline rate was -1.83 mL/min per 1.73 m2 per year (95% CI, -2.67 to -0.99; P<0.001). Lower eGFR was associated with older age, larger body surface area at examination, longer time since Fontan procedure, and lower systemic ventricular ejection fraction. Higher albumin-to-creatinine ratio was associated with absence of fenestration at the Fontan operation, and older age and lower systemic ventricular ejection fraction at the assessment. Lower cross-sectional area of the Fontan conduit indexed to flow (r=0.32, P=0.038), higher inferior vena cava-conduit velocity mismatch factor (r=-0.35, P=0.022), higher kinetic energy indexed to flow in the total cavopulmonary connection (r=-0.59, P=0.005), and higher total cavopulmonary connection resistance (r=-0.42, P=0.005 at rest; r=-0.43, P=0.004 during exercise) were all associated with lower eGFR but not with albuminuria.

CONCLUSIONS

Kidney dysfunction and albuminuria are common among clinically well adolescents and young adults with a Fontan circulation. Advanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance-derived metrics indicative of declining Fontan hemodynamics are associated with eGFR and might serve as targets to improve kidney health. Albuminuria might be driven by other factors that need further investigation.

Long-Term Renal Involvement in Association with Fontan Circulation

Multiorgan dysfunction is a concern of Fontan patients. To clarify the pathophysiology of Fontan nephropathy, we characterize renal disease in the long-term observational study. Medical records of 128 consecutive Fontan patients [median age: 22 (range 15-37) years old] treated between 2009 and 2018 were reviewed to investigate the incidence of nephropathy and its association with other clinical variables. Thirty-seven patients (29%) showed proteinuria (n = 34) or < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (n = 7), including 4 overlapping cases. Ninety-six patients (75%) had liver dysfunction (Forns index > 4.21). Patients with proteinuria received the Fontan procedure at an older age [78 (26-194) vs. 56 (8-292) months old, p = 0.02] and had a higher cardiac index [3.11 (1.49-6.35) vs. 2.71 (1.40-4.95) L/min/m2, p = 0.02], central venous pressure [12 (7-19) vs. 9 (5-19) mmHg, p < 0.001], and proportion with > 4.21 of Forns index (88% vs. 70%, p = 0.04) than those without proteinuria. The mean renal perfusion pressure was lower in patients with a reduced eGFR than those without it [55 (44-65) vs. 65 (45-102) mmHg, p = 0.03], but no other variables differed significantly. A multivariable analysis revealed that proteinuria was associated with an increased cardiac index (unit odds ratio 2.02, 95% confidence interval 1.12-3.65, p = 0.02). Seven patients with severe proteinuria had a lower oxygen saturation than those with no or mild proteinuria (p = 0.01, 0.03). Proteinuria or a decreased eGFR differentially occurred in approximately 30% of Fontan patients. Suboptimal Fontan circulation may contribute to the development of proteinuria and reduced eGFR.

Comorbidities in congenital heart disease: different patterns in childhood and adulthood

BACKGROUND

Existing studies were no exploration of the association between congenital heart disease (CHD) in children and comorbidities. This study was to assess the prevalence and number of comorbidities in CHD among children and adults, and to compare the comorbidity patterns by children and adults using association rule analysis.

METHODS

Patients identified by the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) code in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III) 2001-2012 and MIMIC-IV 2008-2018 were included in this cross-sectional study. Association rule analysis was used to explore associations between CHD and comorbidities in children and adults using values of support (%), confidence (%), and lift.

RESULTS

Among 60,400 eligible patients, 1.54% of adults had CHD and 0.83% of adults had CHD with at least one comorbidity, 13.79% had CHD and 12.37% had CHD with at least one comorbidity in children. The most common comorbidities were circulatory system diseases (53.78%), endocrine diseases (35.76%), and respiratory system diseases (23.46%) in adults with CHD, and the most common comorbidities were perinatal diseases (87.50%) in children with CHD. The comorbidity rate was 90.19% and 56.68% in children and adults, respectively. In children, perinatal diseases, circulatory system diseases, and endocrine diseases had the highest prevalence. The incidence of circulatory system diseases, perinatal diseases and endocrine diseases in CHD adults was confidence = 31.56%, 36.11%, and 23.23%, respectively. Perinatal diseases were common comorbidities among all CHD severity groups in children and adults.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of comorbidities in children with CHD was higher than that in adults with CHD. The most common comorbidities were perinatal diseases and endocrine diseases among children and adults with CHD, respectively. Our study provided insights into comorbidity patterns in children and adults with CHD.

Biological Age in Congenital Heart Disease-Exploring the Ticking Clock

Over the past 50 years, there has been a major shift in age distribution of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) thanks to significant advancements in medical and surgical treatment. Patients with CHD are, however, never cured and face unique challenges throughout their lives. In this review, we discuss the growing data suggesting accelerated aging in this population. Adults with CHD are more often and at a younger age confronted with age-related cardiovascular complications such as heart failure, arrhythmia, and coronary artery disease. These can be related to the original birth defect, complications of correction, or any residual defects. In addition, and less deductively, more systemic age-related complications are seen earlier, such as renal dysfunction, lung disease, dementia, stroke, and cancer. The occurrence of these complications at a younger age makes it imperative to further map out the aging process in patients across the spectrum of CHD. We review potential feasible markers to determine biological age and provide an overview of the current data. We provide evidence for an unmet need to further examine the aging paradigm as this stresses the higher need for care and follow-up in this unique, newly aging population. We end by exploring potential approaches to improve lifespan care.

Prognosis of Chronic Kidney Disease and Metabolic Syndrome in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease

BACKGROUND

Few studies have examined the incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and metabolic syndrome (MS) and their combined prognostic effects in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD). Our aims were to identify the incidence and prognostic implications of CKD and MS in ACHD.

METHODS

This is retrospective cohort study. We included 2,462 ACHD ≥ 20 years of age who were treated at a tertiary hospital in Korea from 2006 to 2018. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73m². MS was diagnosed based on the presence of abnormal metabolic parameters: blood sugar level, obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality from 2006 through 2019 using data from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety in Korea.

RESULTS

The incidence of CKD and MS in ACHD was 7.6% and 35.9%, respectively. The coexistence rate of CKD and MS was 4.6%. Although MS was not independently associated with mortality in the multiple analysis (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79-1.46), it was closely related to the presence of CKD (adjusted odds ratio, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.89-3.63). ACHD patients with CKD had a significantly increased risk of mortality compared with those without CKD (aHR, 2.84; 95% CI, 2.00-4.04).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with ACHD, the distribution of MS is higher, and both MS and its components were associated with CKD. Given the CKD was independently associated with mortality, close monitoring and management of renal dysfunction and metabolic parameters in ACHD patients is needed.

Long-Term outcomes in adult patients with congenital heart disease considered for transplantation: A single center study

BACKGROUND

Adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients pose unique challenges in identifying the time for transplantation and factors influencing outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To identify hemodynamic, functional, and laboratory parameters that correlate with 1- and 10-year outcomes in ACHD patients considered for transplantation.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of long-term outcomes in adult patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) evaluated for heart or heart + additional organ transplant between 2004 and 2014 at our center was performed. A machine learning decision tree model was used to evaluate multiple clinical parameters correlating with 1- and 10-year survival.

RESULTS

We identified 58 patients meeting criteria. D-transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA) with atrial switch operation (20.7%), tetralogy of Fallot/pulmonary atresia (15.5%), and tricuspid atresia (13.8%) were the most common diagnosis for transplant. Single ventricle patients were most likely to be listed for transplantation (39.8% of evaluated patients). Among a comprehensive list of clinical factors, invasive hemodynamic parameters (pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), systemic vascular pressure (SVP), and end diastolic pressures (EDP) most correlated with 1- and 10-year outcomes. Transplanted patients with SVP < 14 and non- transplanted patients with PCWP < 15 had 100% survival 1-year post-transplantation.

CONCLUSION

For the first time, our study identifies that hemodynamic parameters most strongly correlate with 1- and 10-year outcomes in ACHD patients considered for transplantation, using a data-driven machine learning model.

Crystalluria in adolescent and adult patients with congenital heart disease

INTRODUCTION

Crystalluria is a frequent finding in normal individuals and in patients suffering from urolithiasis. As nephrolithiasis has been associated with cardiovascular risk factors and most congenital heart disease (CHD) patients reach adulthood, the objective of this study is to determine the presence of crystalluria and if it influences their cardiovascular outcome.

METHODS

Case-control and observational prospective study design of patients with CHD older than 14 years with a stable CHD verified with imaging tests and a control population.

RESULTS

214 patients with CHD [median age 21 (17-35) years and 41 (19%) males] and 345 controls were studied and followed up. None of them had symptoms of renal calculi. Nine (4%) patients with CHD and 24 (7%) patients in the control group showed crystalluria (p = 0.180), all of them composed of calcium oxalate. No significant differences were seen in age, sex, body mass index, CHD complexity, cardiovascular risk factors, NYHA functional class, cyanosis, and medical treatment between CHD patients with and without crystalluria. In relation to survival, 18 patients with CHD had a major acute cardiovascular event (MACE) (3 strokes, 2 myocardial infarction, 9 cardiovascular death and 4 non cardiovascular mortality) during the follow up time [7.3 (4.4-8.5) years] without significant differences in the Kaplan-Meier analysis (p = 0.358) between patients with and without crystalluria.

CONCLUSION

No significant differences were found between CHD and control patients in relation to crystalluria and it had no impact on the occurrence of cardiovascular events in the medium term follow up of patients with CHD.

Advanced heart failure in adult congenital heart disease: the role of renal dysfunction in management and outcomes

AIMS

Previous studies in adult congenital heart disease (CHD) have demonstrated a link between renal dysfunction and mortality. However, the prognostic significance of renal dysfunction in CHD and decompensated heart failure (HF) remains unclear. We sought to assess the association between renal dysfunction and outcomes in adults with CHD presenting to our centre with acute HF between 2010 and 2021.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This retrospective analysis focused on the association between renal dysfunction, pre-existing and on admission, and outcomes during and after the index hospitalization. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Cox regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of death post-discharge. In total, 176 HF admissions were included (mean age 47.7 ± 14.5 years, 43.2% females). One-half of patients had a CHD of great complexity, 22.2% had a systemic right ventricle, and 18.8% had Eisenmenger syndrome. Chronic kidney disease was present in one-quarter of patients. The median length of intravenous diuretic therapy was 7 (4-12) days, with a maximum dose of 120 (80-160) mg furosemide equivalents/day, and 15.3% required inotropic support. The in-hospital mortality rate was 4.5%. The 1- and 5-year survival rates free of transplant or ventricular assist device (VAD) post-discharge were 75.4% [95% confidence interval (CI): 69.2-82.3%] and 43.3% (95% CI: 36-52%), respectively. On multivariable Cox analysis, CKD was the strongest predictor of mortality or transplantation/VAD. Highly complex CHD and inpatient requirement of inotropes also remained predictive of an adverse outcome.

CONCLUSION

Adult patients with CHD admitted with acute HF are a high-risk cohort. CKD is common and triples the risk of death/transplantation/VAD. An expert multidisciplinary approach is essential for optimizing outcomes.

Prevalence and clinical correlates and characteristics of "Super Fontan"

BACKGROUND

Super-Fontan (SF) is an excellent phenotype of patients with Fontan circulation and normal exercise capacity. This study aimed to clarify the prevalence and clinical correlates and characteristics of SF.

METHODS

We reviewed 404 Fontan patients who had undergone cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and the results were compared with clinical profiles.

RESULTS

Seventy-seven (19%) patients had SF, and the postoperative prevalence at 5, 10, 15, 20, and ≥ 25 years was 16 (35%), 30 (39%), 18 (19%), 13 (14%), and 0 (0%), respectively. Compared with non-SF, SF patients were younger (P < .001) and were mostly men (P < .05). SF was characterized by a current high arterial blood pressure and oxygen saturation (SaO2), low systemic ventricle (SV) end-diastolic pressure, favorable body composition, superior pulmonary function, preserved hepatorenal and hemostatic functions, and better glucose tolerance (P < .05-.001). Pre-Fontan better SV function, low pulmonary artery resistance, and high SaO2 were associated with current SF (P < .05-.01). Furthermore, positive trajectory of exercise capacity and high daily activity during childhood were associated with current adult SF (P < .05). During the follow-up, 25 patients died, and 74 patients were unexpectedly hospitalized. There was no death in the SF group, and the rate of hospitalization was 67% lower than that of the non-SF group (P < .01-.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of SF gradually decreased over time. SF was characterized by preserved multi-end-organ function and an excellent prognosis. Pre-Fontan hemodynamics and post-Fontan childhood daily activity were associated with being adult SF.

Long-term outcomes of patients with single ventricle who do not undergo Fontan palliation

Background

Patients with single ventricle (SV) without Fontan palliation are uncommon, and their long-term outcomes remain unclear.

Methods

Retrospective study of 35 adult patients with SV without Fontan from two tertiary centers. Primary outcome was mortality.

Results

Median age at first follow-up was 31 years (IQR: 20-40). Most common defect was double inlet left ventricle (34%), and 69% had left ventricular morphology. Patients were unoperated (46%), had systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt (31%) or bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt (23%) as final palliation. Most common reasons for not progressing to Fontan palliation were pulmonary vascular disease (54%), patient refusal (17%), Fontan takedown (14%), and hypoplastic pulmonary arteries (11%). Baseline mean hemoglobin was 195 ± 29 g/L, mean O2 saturation 83 ± 6.9%, and 4 patients in NYHA Class III‒IV. After a mean follow-up of 10 ± 8.3 years, there were 9 deaths with heart failure being the leading cause (n = 6). Age-adjusted survival of these adult SV survivors was 73% and 53% at 40 and 50 years of age, respectively. Deceased patients more frequently had renal impairment (50% vs 0%) and QRS prolongation (75% vs 16%) at baseline (all p < 0.05). During follow-up, 40% had a new arrhythmia (atrial: n = 14, ventricular: n = 3), 34% had one or more hospitalizations for heart failure, and 17% had a stroke. A greater proportion of patients with pre-existing or new atrial/ventricular arrhythmia died compared to those without (42% vs 6%, p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Patients with SV without Fontan have high mortality and a substantial burden of cardiovascular complications, particularly arrhythmia. QRS prolongation and renal impairment were associated with mortality.

Utility of urinary liver-type fatty acid-binding protein as a prognostic marker in adult congenital heart patients hospitalized for acute heart failure

Progression to acute kidney injury (AKI) under treatment in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients with heart failure is associated with poor prognosis, early detection and interventions are necessary. We aimed to explore the utility of urinary liver-type fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP) in ACHD patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). We prospectively evaluated hemodynamic, biochemical data, and urinary biomarkers including urinary L-FABP in ACHD patients hospitalized in our institution from June 2019 to March 2022. The primary outcomes were the development of AKI and death. AKI was defined as serum creatinine level increased by 0.3 mg/dl or more within 5 days after hospitalization. A total of 104 ADHF patients aged 31 (36-51) years were enrolled. 26 cases (25% of ADHF patients) developed AKI during hospitalization and 4 died after hospital discharge. Serum creatinine (sCr), serum total bilirubin, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and urinary L-FABP in AKI patients were significantly higher than in non-AKI patients, whereas systemic oxygen saturation of the peripheral artery (SpO₂) and estimated glomerular filtration ratio in AKI patients were lower than non-AKI patients. There was no difference in the intravenous diuretic dose on admission and during hospitalization between the two groups. In the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the maximum area under the curve (AUC) of urinary biomarkers in AKI patients was urinary L-FABP (AUC = 0.769, p < 0.001) with a cutoff value of 4.86 µg/gCr. Urinary L-FABP level on admission was associated with a predictor for AKI development during hospitalization after adjusting for sCr, BNP and SpO₂. Urinary L-FABP was a useful predictor for the development of AKI in ACHD patients hospitalized for ADHF. Monitoring of urinary L-FABP allows us to detect a high-risk patient earlier than the conventional biomarkers.

Factors Associated With Acute Kidney Injury After Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Children

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication after cardiovascular surgery in children, noted in approximately 40% of children undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). We sought to determine the risk factors including inflammatory and vascular endothelial markers associated with AKI in children undergoing cardiac surgery.

Methods

A secondary analysis of a prospective observational cohort study of paediatric patients with a cardiac defect requiring CPB and a weight of >2.5 kg was performed. AKI was defined as a 1.5 times increase from the preoperative value in serum creatinine or an absolute increase by ≥0.3 mg/dL (≥26.5 μmol/L). Plasma inflammatory markers (interleukin [IL]-1a, IL-1b, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, and tumour necrosis factor α) and vascular endothelial markers (vascular endothelial growth factor, von Willebrand factor, regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, platelet-derived growth factor, and microparticles) were assessed at 5 perioperative time points. Associations with AKI were found using generalized linear regression models adjusted for repeated measures.

Results

A total of 207 patients were assessed, of whom 56% (n = 116) were male. Thirty-three percent (n = 68) developed AKI. In univariable analyses, adverse outcomes significantly related to the presence of AKI included increased intensive care unit stay (3.0 vs 5.6 hours, P < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, independent factors that were significantly associated with AKI included longer duration of CPB (111 vs 154 minutes, P < 0.001) and lower preoperative creatinine. Inflammatory and vascular endothelial biomarkers were not associated with AKI.

Conclusions

AKI remains a prevalent problem after cardiac surgery, and renal ischemia related to longer bypass time potentially plays a key role in the etiology. Inflammatory and vascular endothelial biomarkers were not significantly related to AKI.

Special Considerations in Critical Care of the Congenital Heart Disease Patient

Outcomes of congenital heart disease have improved markedly over the past 20 years, with survival to adulthood now close to 90%. The mean age of admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) is 40 years. The incidence of hospital and critical care admissions have increased significantly as a consequence of this improved survival. Intensivists are now confronted with the management not only of complex adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) lesions from a cardiac perspective, but also of extracardiac organ consequences of years of abnormal circulation after surgical or palliative correction. Kidney and liver dysfunction and respiratory and hematologic abnormalities are very common in this population. ACHD patients can present to the ICU for a vast number of reasons, classified in this review as medical noncardiac, medical cardiac, and surgical. Community/hospital-acquired infections, cerebrovascular accidents, and respiratory failure, alongside arrhythmias and heart failure, are responsible for medical admissions. Surgical admissions include postoperative management after correction or palliation, but also medical optimisation and work-up for advanced therapies. ICU management of this large heterogeneous group requires a thorough understanding of the pathophysiology in order to apply conventional adult critical care modalities; left ventricular or right ventricular dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, intracardiac, extracardiac, and palliative surgical shunts can be present and require additional consideration. This review focuses on the pathophysiology, long-term sequelae, and different treatment modalities to supply a framework for the ICU physician caring for these patients. Successful outcome, especially in complex lesions, depends on early involvement of specialised ACHD centres.

Acute Hospital Outcomes for Renal Transplantation in Patients With Moderate or Severe Congenital Heart Disease

Children and adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) are increasingly recognized to be at risk for acute and chronic renal injury. Some of these may progress to the need for renal transplantation. We hypothesized that patients with underlying moderate or severe CHD who undergo renal transplantation will have worse acute hospital outcomes. Using a national administrative database, we queried for admissions aged 0 to 50 years with moderate or severe CHD and renal transplantation and compared these to admissions without CHD. There were 56 admissions for renal transplantation in the CHD group (0.04%) and 26,285 admissions in the group without CHD (0.21%, p<0.001). The CHD group were younger, had a higher proportion of Whites, longer length of stay, higher complication rates, higher in-hospital mortality, and higher costs. In conclusion, although renal transplantation is still relatively uncommon in the CHD population, there is an increasing recognition of severe chronic renal disease in the setting of CHD, making it important to understand the potential implications of these findings.

Long-Term Consequences of Acute Kidney Injury After Pediatric Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the available data on long-term kidney dysfunction, hypertension, and mortality after cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) in the pediatric population.

STUDY DESIGN

PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and reference lists of relevant articles were searched for eligible studies published from inception through March 2022. Long-term outcomes after pediatric cardiac surgery complicated by AKI and those without were investigated.

RESULTS

We identified 14 studies published between 2013 and 2022 that included a total of 6701 patients (AKI: 1376 patients; no AKI: 5325 patients). These studies used different well-established classifications to define AKI. All the studies suggested that AKI after heart surgery is common in the pediatric patient population and reported a potential link between cardiac surgery-associated AKI and important clinical outcomes. However, only 4 out of 11 studies found a strong association between (absence of recovery from) cardiac surgery-associated AKI and risk of developing chronic kidney disease, and 3 out of 5 studies found a significant increase in mortality rates for pediatric patients who developed AKI after cardiac surgery. Only 1 out of 4 studies found an association between AKI and hypertension at 12 months postoperatively, but found no association at later follow-up times.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there is a trend, evidence on the long-term consequences of cardiac surgery-associated AKI in the pediatric population is mixed. Genetic syndromes, preexisting kidney disease, univentricular or cyanotic heart conditions, and/or high-complexity surgery may be more important for the development of kidney dysfunction by adolescence and early adulthood. Regardless, these children may benefit from a long-term kidney follow-up.

Lower Blood Oxygen Saturation is Associated With Microvascular Complications in Individuals With Type 1 Diabetes

CONTEXT

Blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) is lower in type 1 diabetes (T1D) compared with nondiabetic controls. Hypoxia (low tissue oxygenation) is thought to be a risk factor for progression of diabetic complications, but it is unknown whether hypoxemia (low SpO2) is associated with diabetic complications.

OBJECTIVE

To test if hypoxemia is associated with presence of diabetic complications in T1D.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND METHODS

Cross-sectional study in persons with T1D divided by a previously suggested threshold in low (<96%) and high (≥96%) SpO2, measured in the supine position with pulse oximetry. Complications included albuminuria (2 of 3 consecutive measurements ≥30 mg/g), any diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy, and history of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Odds ratios were adjusted for age, diabetes duration, sex, smoking, physical activity, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, and blood hemoglobin.

RESULTS

We included 659 persons, 23 (3.5%) with low and 636 (96.5%) with high SpO2. In total, 151 (23%) had albuminuria, 233 (36%) had retinopathy, 231 (35%) had neuropathy, and 72 (11%) had CVD. The adjusted odds ratio (95% CI, P value) for low vs high SpO2 was 3.4 (1.3-8.7, P = 0.01) for albuminuria, 2.8 (1.0-7.5, P = 0.04) for retinopathy, 5.8 (1.8-18.6, P < 0.01) for neuropathy, and nonsignificant for CVD (0.6 [0.2-2.4, P = 0.51]).

CONCLUSIONS

SpO2 below 96% was associated with increased presence of albuminuria, retinopathy, and neuropathy in T1D, but not with CVD. Whether hypoxemia could be a target of intervention to prevent progression in microvascular disease in type 1 diabetes should be investigated.

Caring for the Aging Patient With Adult Congenital Heart Disease: A Review of Cardiac and Noncardiac Comorbidities

As the demographics of congenital heart disease (CHD) have shifted, there are now more adults living with CHD than children in North America. This presents unprecedented challenges as patients with CHD acquire noncardiac comorbidities and seek care for a variety of reasons, including noncardiac surgery and emergency department (ED) visits. CHD shifts from a one organ problem to a multisystem disease and requires a team of specialists to maintain high-quality longitudinal care. In this review, we summarize the challenges patients with CHD and their providers face as they age. We review the demographics of CHD and health care utilization. We examine the rates of noncardiac comorbidities and the current quality of care received by adult patients with CHD.

Determinants and Prognostic Implications of Hepatorenal Dysfunction in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease

BACKGROUND

There are limited data on the prognostic role of hepatorenal function indices in ambulatory patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and prognostic implications of hepatorenal dysfunction, as measured by Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Excluding International Normalised Ratio (MELD-XI) score, in adults with CHD.

METHODS

In this retrospective study of CHD patients with comprehensive metabolic panels (2003-2019), mild/moderate and severe hepatorenal dysfunction was defined as MELD-XI 11-15 and > 15, respectively.

RESULTS

Of 4977 patients, 1376 (28%) had hepatorenal dysfunction (mild/moderate: n = 935 [19%]; severe: n = 441 [9%]). Hepatorenal dysfunction was most common in Fontan/unrepaired single ventricle (46%) and right heart disease (31%). Baseline MELD-XI was associated with all-cause mortality (HR 1.27, CI 1.21-1.33; P < 0.001) after adjustment for age, sex, and congenital heart lesion. In 3864 patients with serial MELD-XI data, there was a temporal increase in MELD-XI, and this was associated with an increased risk of mortality (HR 1.24, CI 1.15-1.36, per unit increase in MELD-XI; P = 0.004), independently from the baseline MELD-XI score. In the subset of 1856 patients that underwent surgical/transcatheter interventions, there was a postoperative reduction in MELD-XI, and this was associated with a lower risk of mortality (HR 0.94, CI 0.90-0.98, per unit decrease in MELD-XI; P = 0.008), independently from the baseline MELD-XI score.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatorenal dysfunction was common in adults with CHD. Both baseline MELD-XI score and temporal changes in MELD-XI were associated with clinical outcomes, and therefore could be used to monitor therapeutic response to interventions and for deterioration in clinical status.

COVID-19 Infections in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease—A Prospective Single-Center Study in an Outpatient Setting

Background: COVID-19 might pose a risk for adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD). However, data regarding the rate of infection as well as myocardial involvement in ACHD patients are currently lacking. Methods: During the study period from January to June 2021, all consecutive outpatients from our ACHD clinic were eligible to participate. Clinical data were collected. An antibody test for COVID-19 was performed in all patients. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) was offered to those with a positive antibody test. Results: Overall, 420 patients (44.8% female, mean age 36.4 ± 11.6 years) participated. Congenital heart defect (CHD) complexity was simple in 96 (22.9%), moderate in 186 (44.3%), complex in 117 (27.9%), and miscellaneous in 21 (5.0%) patients. Altogether, 28 (6.7%) patients had a positive antibody test. Out of these, 14 had an asymptomatic course. The others had mainly mild symptoms and were managed as outpatients. Furthermore, 11 patients (39.3%) had even not been aware of their infection. Fourteen patients underwent a CMR without signs of myocardial involvement in any of them. Conclusions: We observed a number of undetected cases of COVID-19 infections in our ACHD population. Reassuringly, in all cases, the infection had a mild clinical course.

Incidence and Outcomes of Advanced Heart Failure in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease

BACKGROUND

There are limited data about the stage D heart failure (advanced HF) in adults with congenital heart disease. Our study objectives were (1) to determine the incidence of new-onset advanced HF in patients and the relationship between advanced HF and all-cause mortality and (2) to determine the relationship between therapies for advanced HF and all-cause mortality.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of adults with congenital heart disease at Mayo Clinic (2003-2019). We defined advanced HF using the European Society of Cardiology diagnostic criteria for advanced HF. Therapies received by the patients with advanced HF were classified into 3 mutually exclusive groups (treatment pathways): (1) conventional cardiac intervention, (2) transplant listing, and (3) palliative care.

RESULTS

Of 5309 patients without advanced HF at baseline assessment, 432 (8%) developed advanced HF during follow-up (1.1%/y), and the incidence of advanced HF was higher in patients with severe or complex congenital heart disease. Onset of advanced HF was associated with 6-fold increase in the risk of mortality. Conventional cardiac intervention was associated with significantly higher risk of mortality as compared to transplant listing. The longer the interval from the initial onset of advanced HF to transplant evaluation, the lower the odds of being listed for transplant.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on these data, we postulate that early identification of patients with advanced HF, and a timely referral for transplant evaluation (instead of conventional cardiac intervention) may offer the best chance of survival for these critically ill patients. Further studies are required to validate this postulation.

Kidney disease and congenital heart disease: Partnership for life

The literature on the relationship between kidney and cardiovascular diseases is continuously expanding. Scientists have elucidated many of the neurohormonal and hemodynamic pathways involved in cardiorenal disease. However, little is known about kidney disease in patients with congenital heart disease. Given advances in the medical and surgical care of this highly complex patient population, survival rates have dramatically improved leading to a higher percentage of adults living with congenital heart disease. Accordingly, a noticeable increase in the prevalence of kidney disease is appreciated in these patients. Some of the main risk factors for developing chronic kidney disease in the adult congenital heart disease population include chronic hypoxia, neurohormonal derangements, intraglomerular hemodynamic changes, prior cardiac surgeries from minimally invasive to open heart surgeries with ischemia, and nephrotoxins. Unfortunately, data regarding the prevalence, pathophysiology, and prognosis of chronic kidney disease in the adult congenital heart disease population remain scarce. This has led to a lack of clear recommendations for evaluating and managing kidney disease in these patients. In this review, we discuss contemporary data on kidney disease in adults with congenital heart disease in addition to some of the gaps in knowledge we face. The article highlights the delicate interaction between disease of the heart and kidneys in these patients, and offers the practitioner tools to more effectively manage this vulnerable population.

Pediatric Patients Undergoing a Fontan Operation or with a High RACHS-1 Score Require Monitoring for Chronic Kidney Disease in Early Childhood

Although the number of pediatric patients with long-term survival following cardiac surgery is increasing, concerns regarding chronic kidney disease (CKD) after surgery are growing. We examined the frequency of and risk factors for pediatric CKD development in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) at least 2 years after cardiac surgery. This was a cross-sectional study of 147 patients who underwent open-heart surgery for CHD at Kagoshima University Hospital from April 2010 to March 2017. Data on demographics, acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery, cyanotic heart disease, Fontan circulation, medications in the perioperative period, and Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery-1 (RACHS-1) category were recorded. CKD was defined using the current classification system described in the National Kidney Foundation's Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative and assessed during early childhood within 2-3 years of cardiac surgery. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Statistics for Windows version 25.0. We consecutively enrolled 147 patients, of whom 22 (15.0%) had CKD, all with stage-2 severity. Among patients with CKD, a higher proportion underwent Fontan surgery (P < 0.001), a higher proportion had cyanotic heart disease (P = 0.009), and the RACHS-1 category was high (P = 0.003). Patients with CKD appeared more frequently than patients without CKD in RACHS-1 categories 3, 5, and 6. It is essential to evaluate renal function longitudinally and monitor for CKD, given that patients who underwent Fontan surgery or complicated surgery in infancy have a high rate of developing postoperative CKD in early childhood.

Hepatic and Renal Consequences of Single Ventricle Physiology Palliated with the Fontan Operation

Over time the long-term survival has dramatically increased for patients with complex congenital heart disease who undergo the Fontan operation. With this increased survival, it has become apparent that such a circulation has important consequences for other organ systems, particularly the liver and kidney. The adverse milieu created by chronic venous hypertension, low cardiac output and an inflammatory state contribute to the pathologic changes observed in the liver and kidneys over the long-term in Fontan patients. The clinical importance of these hepatic and renal comorbidities have only recently begun to be recognized in the context of increasing life expectancy in this population. The objectives of this review are: i) to provide an overview of the pathophysiology of the Fontan circulation and how liver and kidney disease evolve in this setting; ii) to summarize the current evidence base as it relates to the diagnostic approach to liver and kidney disease in Fontan patients; and, iii) to discuss the therapeutic approaches to Fontan associated liver and kidney disease. Given that this is a very active area of research in congenital heart disease, we have identified knowledge gaps and priority research areas to improve the care of Fontan patients. These include: i) establishing the optimal diagnostic tests to detect and track liver and kidney disease change over time,; ii) determining what treatable risk factors contribute to the development of liver and kidney disease; and, iii) evaluating therapies to prevent or slow progression of liver and kidney disease.

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in patients after Fontan operation: is this a Fontan-associated renal disease?

Despite acceptable survival for Fontan operation, there are concerns about late complications affecting the major organs. We herein present two cases of adults after Fontan operation who developed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. These cases suggest that focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is owing to haemodynamic incompetence associated with Fontan operation, including congestion, hypoxia, and hyperviscosity, which may be called Fontan-associated renal disease.

Eisenmenger Syndrome: JACC State-of-the-Art Review

Although major breakthroughs in the field of pediatric cardiology, cardiac surgery, intervention, and overall care improved the outlook of congenital heart disease, Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) is still encountered and remains a complex clinical entity with multisystem involvement, including secondary erythrocytosis, increased thrombotic and bleeding diathesis, high arrhythmogenic risk, progressive heart failure, and premature death. Clearly, care for ES is best delivered in multidisciplinary expert centers. In this review, we discuss the considerable recent progress in understanding the complex pathophysiology of ES, means of prognostication, and improvement in clinical outcomes achieved with pulmonary arterial hypertension-targeted therapies. Additionally, we delineate areas of uncertainty in various aspects of care, discuss gaps in current evidence, and review current status in less privileged countries and propose initiatives to reduce disease burden. Finally, we propose the application of emerging technologies to enhance the delivery and quality of health care related to ES and beyond.

Born to Age: When Adult Congenital Heart Disease Converges With Geroscience

Advances in imaging, catheter-based interventions, congenital heart disease surgery, and clinical management of congenital heart disease (CHD) have yielded a dramatic change in age distribution of the CHD population. This implores clinicians and researchers to gain a better understanding of aging, as this will be the cornerstone to how we plan and manage this rapidly evolving group of patients. In this article, we first review the demographic changes in the CHD population and then describe the systemic complications of disease observed in young patients with CHD, following which we discuss general concepts in aging that may be transferable to the CHD population. Finally, we review inflammation and its potential impact on aging. We provide a new lens on aging in CHD and its functional consequences in CHD, with the goal of stimulating an exchange of knowledge between geroscientists and CHD.

Anesthetic Management in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) are a complex and growing population that presents numerous challenges for anesthetic management. This review summarizes special considerations for anesthetic management in ACHD.

RECENT FINDINGS

The adult patient with congenital heart disease may require anesthetic care for multiple surgeries and interventions throughout their lifetime. The cardiac and extracardiac manifestations of ACHD have important perioperative implications that affect anesthetic management. Recent American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology and European Society of Cardiology guidelines endorse a multidisciplinary, team-based approach to care. The cardiac anesthesiologist, endorsed as part of this multidisciplinary team, must have a thorough understanding of congenital heart disease pathophysiology and common extra-cardiac manifestations of ACHD. Safe anesthetic management in adult congenital heart disease should incorporate a multi-disciplinary approach to patient care. Anesthesiologists and centers with special expertise in ACHD care should be utilized or consulted whenever possible.

Long-term management of Fontan patients: The importance of a multidisciplinary approach

The Fontan operation is a palliative procedure that leads to increased survival of patients with a functional single ventricle (SV). Starting from 1967 when the first operation was performed by Francis Fontan, more and more patients have reached adulthood. Furthermore, it is expected that in the next 20 years, the population with Fontan circulation will reach 150,000 subjects. The absence of right ventricular propulsion and the inability to improve cardiac output because of the low cardiac reserve are the main issues with the Fontan circulation; however, potential complications may also involve multiple organ systems, such as the liver, lungs, brain, bones, and the lymphatic system. As these patients were initially managed mainly by pediatric cardiologists, it was important to assure the appropriate transition to adult care with the involvement of a multidisciplinary team, including adult congenital cardiologists and multiple subspecialists, many of whom are neither yet familiar with the pathophysiology nor the end-organ consequences of the Fontan circulation. Therefore, the aim of our work was to collect all the best available evidence on Fontan's complications management to provide "simple and immediate" information sources for practitioners looking for state of the art evidence to guide their decision-making and work practices. Moreover, we suggest a model of follow-up of patients with Fontan based on a patient-centered multidisciplinary approach.