"Quality of life" analysis in the long-term follow-up after "Fontan" palliation for CHDs-a single-centre experience.

BACKGROUND

Complex CHDs are life threatening, and surgical treatment is needed for survival. Fontan palliation led to a significant increase in survival rates during the last decades. Consequently, quality of life became more essential. While a reduced quality of life compared to healthy children has been reported, detailed knowledge about individual quality of life and particular areas is lacking. Furthermore, the effect of different risk factors on quality of life is only rarely evaluated.

METHOD AND RESULTS

Database of the department for pediatric cardiology, Heart Center Leipzig, was screened for children after total cavopulmonary connection palliation.

CONCLUSION

The total cavopulmonary connection palliation affects physical and psychological quality of life as well as cardiac health independently from age and gender. More patients and longer observation should be examined to confirm the results.