Kurt R Schumacher, Ari Cedars, Kiona Allen, David Goldberg, Adrianna Batazzi, Garrett Reichle, Frank DiPaola, David Selewski, Melissa Cousino, David N Rosenthal
BACKGROUND: Fontan physiology leads to chronic changes in other organ systems that may affect long-term survival and the success of heart transplantation. Inadequate assessment and treatment of the extra-cardiac effects of Fontan may contribute to poor outcomes. Severity graded/ordinal consensus definitions of Fontan complications are lacking which limits understanding of how Fontan-specific morbidity affects patient outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: A panel of Fontan patient and physiology experts, including pediatric, adult congenital, heart failure, and critical care cardiology, and pediatric nephrology, hepatology and psychology, convened to develop definitions of Fontan complications...
March 5, 2024: Journal of Cardiac Failure