Design of a multi-institutional neurocognitive discovery study in adult congenital heart disease (MINDS-ACHD).

BACKGROUND: Neurocognitive dysfunction (NCD) is a common comorbidity among children with congenital heart disease (CHD). However, it is unclear how underlying CHD and its sequelae combine with genetics and acquired cardiovascular and neurological disease to impact NCD and outcomes across the lifespan in adults with CHD. METHODS: The Multi-Institutional Neurocognitive Discovery Study in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease (MINDS-ACHD) is a partnership between the Pediatric Heart Network (PHN) and the Adult Alliance for Research in Congenital Cardiology (AARCC) that examines objective and subjective neurocognitive function and genetics in young ACHD. This multicenter cross-sectional pilot study is enrolling 500 young adults between 18 and 30 years with moderate or severe complexity CHD at 14 centers in North America. Enrollment includes 4 groups (125 participants each): (1) d-looped Transposition of the Great Arteries (d-TGA); (2) Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF); (3) single ventricle (SV) physiology; and (4) "other moderately or severely complex CHD." Participants complete the standardized tests from the NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery, the NeuroQoL, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the PROMIS Global QoL measure. Clinical and demographic variables are collected by interview and medical record review, and an optional biospecimen is collected for genetic analysis. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, participation may be done remotely. Tests are reviewed by a Neurocognitive Core Laboratory. CONCLUSIONS: MINDS-ACHD is the largest study to date characterizing NCD in young adults with moderate or severely complex CHD in North America. Its results will provide valuable data to inform screening and management strategies for NCD in ACHD and improve lifelong care.

A Multisite Retrospective Review of Direct Oral Anticoagulants Compared to Warfarin in Adult Fontan Patients.

PURPOSE: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are not recommended in adult Fontan patients (Level of Evidence C). We hypothesized that DOACs are comparable to warfarin and do not increase thrombotic and embolic complications (TEs) or clinically significant bleeds. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of adult Fontan patients on DOACs or warfarin at three major medical centers. We identified 130 patients: 48 on DOACs and 107 on warfarin. In total, they were treated for 810 months on DOACs and 5637 months on warfarin. RESULTS: The incidence of TEs in patients on DOACs compared to those on warfarin was not increased in a statistically significant way (hazard ratio [HR] 1.7 and p value 0.431). Similarly, the incidence of nonmajor and major bleeds in patients on DOACs compared to those on warfarin was also not increased in a statistically significant way (HR for nonmajor bleeds in DOAC patients was 2.8 with a p value of 0.167 and the HR for major bleeds was 2.0 with a p value 0.267). In multivariate analysis, congestive heart failure (CHF) was a risk factor for TEs across both groups (odds ratio [OR] = 4.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3-17.6) and bleed history was a risk factor for clinically significant bleeds (OR = 6.8, 95% CI = 2.7-17.2). CONCLUSION: In this small, retrospective multicenter study, the use of DOACs did not increase the risk of TEs or clinically significant bleeds compared to warfarin in a statistically significant way.

Better Late Than Never: Definitive Anatomic Repair of Dextro-Transposition of the Great Arteries.

We present a case of anatomic repair of dextro-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) with ventricular septal defect (VSD) in a 55-year-old man who presented with acute heart failure. This case highlights the importance of multimodal imaging and multidisciplinary involvement in developing a comprehensive surgical and medical plan for adults with congenital heart disease. We think this is the oldest reported patient undergoing anatomic surgical repair of d-TGA with VSD.

Dronedarone for the Treatment of Atrial Arrhythmias in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease.

BACKGROUND: Atrial tachyarrhythmias are common and difficult to treat in adults with congenital heart disease. Dronedarone has proven effective in patients without congenital heart disease, but data are limited about its use in adults with congenital heart disease of moderate to great complexity. METHODS: A single-center, retrospective chart review of 21 adults with congenital heart disease of moderate to great complexity who were treated with dronedarone for atrial tachyarrhythmias was performed. RESULTS: The median (IQR) age at dronedarone initiation was 35 (27.5-39) years. Eleven patients (52%) were male. Ten patients (48%) had New York Heart Association class I disease, 10 (48%) had class II disease, and 1 (5%) had class III disease. Ejection fraction at initiation was greater than 55% in 11 patients (52%), 35% to 55% in 9 patients (43%), and less than 35% in 1 patient (5%). Prior treatments included ß-blockers (71%), sotalol (38%), amiodarone (24%), digoxin (24%), and catheter ablation (38%). Rhythm control was complete in 5 patients (24%), partial in 6 (29%), and inadequate in 10 (48%). Two patients (10%) experienced adverse events, including nausea in 1 (5%) and cardiac arrest in 1 (5%), which occurred 48 months after initiation of treatment. There were no deaths during the follow-up period. The median (IQR) follow-up time for patients with complete or partial rhythm control was 20 (1-54) months. CONCLUSION: Dronedarone can be effective for adult patients with congenital heart disease and atrial arrhythmias for whom more established therapies have failed, and with close monitoring it can be safely tolerated.

The Effect of Udenafil on Heart Rate and Blood Pressure in Adolescents With the Fontan Circulation.

The Fontan Udenafil Exercise Longitudinal (FUEL) trial showed that treatment with udenafil was associated with improved exercise performance at the ventilatory anaerobic threshold in children with Fontan physiology. However, it is not known how the initiation of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor therapy affects heart rate and blood pressure in this population. These data may help inform patient selection and monitoring after the initiation of udenafil therapy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of udenafil on vital signs in the cohort of patients enrolled in the FUEL trial. This international, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of udenafil included adolescents with single ventricle congenital heart disease who had undergone Fontan palliation. Changes in vital signs (heart rate [HR], systolic [SBP] and diastolic blood pressure [DBP]) were compared both to subject baseline and between the treatment and the placebo groups. Additional exploratory analyses were performed to evaluate changes in vital signs for prespecified subpopulations believed to be most sensitive to udenafil initiation. Baseline characteristics were similar between the treatment and placebo cohorts (n = 200 for each). The groups demonstrated a decrease in HR, SBP, and DBP 2 hours after drug/placebo administration, except SBP in the placebo group. There was an increase in SBP from baseline to after 6-min walk test in the treatment and placebo groups, and the treatment group showed an increase in HR (87.4 ± 15.0 to 93.1 ± 19.4 beats/min, p <0.01) after exercise. When comparing changes from baseline to the 26-week study visit, small decreases in both SBP (-1.9 ± 12.3 mm Hg, p = 0.03) and DBP (-3.0 ± 9.6 mm Hg, p <0.01) were seen in the treatment group. There were no clinically significant differences between treatment and placebo group in change in HR or blood pressure in the youngest age quartile, lightest weight quartile, or those on afterload-reducing agents. In conclusion, initiation of treatment with udenafil in patients with Fontan circulation was not associated with clinically significant changes in vital signs, implying that for patients similar to those enrolled in the FUEL trial, udenafil can be started without the requirement for additional monitoring after initial administration.

Design and Harmonization Approach for the Multi-Institutional Neurocognitive Discovery Study (MINDS) of Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) Neuroimaging Ancillary Study: A Technical Note.

Dramatic advances in the management of congenital heart disease (CHD) have improved survival to adulthood from less than 10% in the 1960s to over 90% in the current era, such that adult CHD (ACHD) patients now outnumber their pediatric counterparts. ACHD patients demonstrate domain-specific neurocognitive deficits associated with reduced quality of life that include deficits in educational attainment and social interaction. Our hypothesis is that ACHD patients exhibit vascular brain injury and structural/physiological brain alterations that are predictive of specific neurocognitive deficits modified by behavioral and environmental enrichment proxies of cognitive reserve (e.g., level of education and lifestyle/social habits). This technical note describes an ancillary study to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)-funded Pediatric Heart Network (PHN) "Multi-Institutional Neurocognitive Discovery Study (MINDS) in Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD)". Leveraging clinical, neuropsychological, and biospecimen data from the parent study, our study will provide structural-physiological correlates of neurocognitive outcomes, representing the first multi-center neuroimaging initiative to be performed in ACHD patients. Limitations of the study include recruitment challenges inherent to an ancillary study, implantable cardiac devices, and harmonization of neuroimaging biomarkers. Results from this research will help shape the care of ACHD patients and further our understanding of the interplay between brain injury and cognitive reserve.

Clinical Outcomes of Adult Fontan-Associated Liver Disease and Combined Heart-Liver Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The impact of Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD) on post-transplant mortality and indications for combined heart-liver transplant (CHLT) in adult Fontan patients remains unknown. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of FALD on post-transplant outcomes and compare HT vs CHLT in adult Fontan patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective-cohort study of adult Fontan patients who underwent HT or CHLT across 15 centers. Inclusion criteria were as follows: 1) Fontan; 2) HT/CHLT referral; and 3) age ≥16 years at referral. Pretransplant FALD score was calculated using the following: 1) cirrhosis; 2) varices; 3) splenomegaly; or 4) ≥2 paracenteses. RESULTS: A total of 131 patients (91 HT and 40 CHLT) were included. CHLT recipients were more likely to be older (P = 0.016), have a lower hemoglobin (P = 0.025), require ≥2 diuretic agents pretransplant (P = 0.051), or be transplanted in more recent decades (P = 0.001). Postmatching, CHLT demonstrated a trend toward improved survival at 1 year (93% vs 74%; P = 0.097) and improved survival at 5 years (86% vs 52%; P = 0.041) compared with HT alone. In patients with a FALD score ≥2, CHLT was associated with improved survival (1 year: 85% vs 62%; P = 0.044; 5 years: 77% vs 42%; P = 0.019). In a model with transplant decade and FALD score, CHLT was associated with improved survival (HR: 0.33; P = 0.044) and increasing FALD score was associated with worse survival (FALD score: 2 [HR: 14.6; P = 0.015], 3 [HR: 22.2; P = 0.007], and 4 [HR: 27.8; P = 0.011]). CONCLUSIONS: Higher FALD scores were associated with post-transplant mortality. Although prospective confirmation of our findings is necessary, compared with HT alone, CHLT recipients were older with higher FALD scores, but had similar survival overall and superior survival in patients with a FALD score ≥2.

Morbidity and Mortality in Adult Fontan Patients After Heart or Combined Heart-Liver Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: An increasing number of adult Fontan patients require heart transplantation (HT) or combined heart-liver transplant (CHLT); however, data regarding outcomes and optimal referral time remain limited. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to define survivorship post-HT/CHLT and predictors of post-transplant mortality, including timing of referral, in the adult Fontan population. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of adult Fontan patients who underwent HT or CHLT across 15 centers in the United States and Canada was performed. Inclusion criteria included the following: 1) Fontan; 2) HT/CHLT referral; and 3) age ≥16 years at the time of referral. Date of "failing" Fontan was defined as the earliest of the following: worsening fluid retention, new ascites, refractory arrhythmia, "failing Fontan" diagnosis by treating cardiologist, or admission for heart failure. RESULTS: A total of 131 patients underwent transplant, including 40 CHLT, from 1995 to 2021 with a median post-transplant follow-up time of 1.6 years (Q1 0.35 years, Q3 4.3 years). Survival was 79% at 1 year and 66% at 5 years. Survival differed by decade of transplantation and was 87% at 1 year and 76% at 5 years after 2010. Time from Fontan failure to evaluation (HR/year: 1.23 [95% CI: 1.11-1.36]; P < 0.001) and markers of failure, including NYHA functional class IV (HR: 2.29 [95% CI: 1.10-5.28]; P = 0.050), lower extremity varicosities (HR: 3.92 [95% CI: 1.68-9.14]; P = 0.002), and venovenous collaterals (HR: 2.70 [95% CI: 1.17-6.20]; P = 0.019), were associated with decreased post-transplant survival at 1 year in a bivariate model that included transplant decade. CONCLUSIONS: In our multicenter cohort, post-transplant survival improved over time. Late referral after Fontan failure and markers of failing Fontan physiology, including worse functional status, lower extremity varicosities, and venovenous collaterals, were associated with post-transplant mortality.

Describing characteristics of adults with and without congenital heart defects hospitalized with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: We sought to describe patient characteristics in adults with and without congenital heart defects (CHDs) during hospitalization for COVID-19. METHODS: We analyzed data collected by Optum®, a nationally representative database of electronic medical records, for 369 adults with CHDs and 41,578 without CHDs hospitalized for COVID-19 between January 1, 2020, and December 10, 2020. We used Poisson regression to describe and compare epidemiologic characteristics, heart-related conditions, and severe outcomes between these two groups. RESULTS: The distributions of many epidemiologic characteristics were similar between the two groups, but patients with CHDs were significantly more likely to be current or former smokers compared to patients without CHDs (risk ratio [RR]: 1.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2, 1.8). Patients with CHDs were also significantly more likely to have heart failure, stroke, acute arrhythmia, myocardial injury, acute pulmonary hypertension, venous thromboembolism, and obesity documented at the time of the COVID-19 hospitalization (RR range: 1.5-4.7) but not respiratory failure. Patients with CHDs (7 days) had a significantly longer median length of stay than those without CHDs (5 days; p < .001) and were significantly more likely to have an intensive care unit (ICU) admission (RR: 1.6, 95 CI: 1.2-1.9). CONCLUSIONS: Our description of patients among a large population improves our understanding of the clinical course of COVID-19 among adults with CHDs. Adults with CHD appear to be at greater risk for more severe CHD, including greater risk of ICU admission and longer length of hospital stays.

Risk Factors for Perioperative Morbidity in Adults Undergoing Cardiac Surgery at Children's Hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Increasing numbers of adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) undergo cardiac surgical procedures in children's hospitals, yet surgical outcomes data are limited. We sought to better understand the impact of preoperative risk factors on postoperative complications and cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) length of stay (LOS). METHODS: Surgical CICU admissions for patients aged 18 years and older in the Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium registry from August 2014 to January 2019 in 34 hospitals were included. Primary outcomes included prolonged LOS (defined as LOS ≥90th percentile) and major complications (cardiac arrest, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, arrhythmia requiring intervention, stroke, renal replacement therapy, infection, and reoperation/reintervention). RESULTS: We analyzed 1764 surgical CICU admissions. Prolonged LOS was 7 days or longer. Eighteen patients (1.0%) died, of whom 9 (0.5%) died before the LOS cutoff and were excluded from analysis. Of 1755 CICU admissions, 8.8% (n = 156) had prolonged LOS, and 23.3% (n = 413) had 1 or more major complications. Several variables, including The Society of Thoracic Surgeons-European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery 4/5 operation, 3 or more previous sternotomies, and preoperative renal dysfunction/dialysis were independent risk factors for both prolonged LOS and major complications (P < .05). Preoperative ventilation was associated with increased odds of prolonged LOS and preoperative arrhythmia with major complications. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis of postoperative ACHD care in pediatric CICUs found high complexity operations, 3 or more previous sternotomies, preoperative arrhythmias, renal dysfunction, and respiratory failure are associated with prolonged LOS and/or major complications. Future quality improvement initiatives focused on preoperative optimization and implementation of adult-specific perioperative protocols may mitigate morbidity in these patients undergoing cardiac surgical procedures at children's hospitals.

Impact of Udenafil on Echocardiographic Indices of Single Ventricle Size and Function in FUEL Study Participants.

BACKGROUND: The FUEL trial (Fontan Udenafil Exercise Longitudinal) demonstrated statistical improvements in exercise capacity following 6 months of treatment with udenafil (87.5 mg po BID). The effect of udenafil on echocardiographic measures of single ventricle function in this cohort has not been studied. METHODS: The 400 enrolled participants were randomized 1:1 to udenafil or placebo. Protocol echocardiograms were obtained at baseline and 26 weeks after initiation of udenafil/placebo. Linear regression compared change from baseline indices of single ventricle systolic, diastolic and global function, atrioventricular valve regurgitation, and mean Fontan fenestration gradient in the udenafil cohort versus placebo, controlling for ventricular morphology (left ventricle versus right ventricle/other) and baseline value. RESULTS: The udenafil participants (n=191) had significantly improved between baseline and 26 weeks visits compared to placebo participants (n=195) in myocardial performance index (P=0.03, adjusted mean difference [SE] of changes between groups -0.03[0.01]), atrioventricular valve inflow peak E (P=0.009, 3.95 [1.50]), and A velocities (P=0.034, 3.46 [1.62]), and annular Doppler tissue imaging-derived peak e' velocity (P=0.008, 0.60[0.23]). There were no significant differences in change in single ventricle size, systolic function, atrioventricular valve regurgitation severity, or mean fenestration gradient. Participants with a dominant left ventricle had significantly more favorable baseline values of indices of single ventricle size and function (lower volumes and areas, E/e' ratio, systolic:diastolic time and atrioventricular valve regurgitation, and higher annular s' and e' velocity). CONCLUSIONS: FUEL participants who received udenafil demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in some global and diastolic echo indices. Although small, the changes in diastolic function suggest improvement in pulmonary venous return and/or augmented ventricular compliance, which may help explain improved exercise performance in that cohort. REGISTRATION: URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov; Unique Identifier: NCT02741115.

Heart Block in Unpalliated Complex Adult Congenital Heart Disease: Massive Collateral Burden Precludes Epicardial Pacemaker.

Complete heart block is a common complication for adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). Epicardial pacing is preferred in patients with septal shunting due to risk of thromboembolism. Anatomic changes in complex CHD may preclude surgical epicardial lead placement. Thromboembolism risk reduction in such patients requiring endocardial pacing remains questionable. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Pulmonary Embolism After Vaginal Delivery in a Fontan Patient.

The Fontan procedure was created to address the mixing of pulmonary and systemic venous return in patients with a single functional ventricle. The patient in this case with a Fontan repair experienced multiple pulmonary emboli 10 days post-partum. We outline management and recommendations when treating these patients. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.).

Resolution of Hypoxia and Ascites With Percutaneous Intervention of Mustard Baffle Obstruction and Leak.

A 45-year-old man with history of Mustard repair for transposition of the great arteries, cirrhosis, and chronic hypoxemic respiratory failure presented for subacute worsening of his chronic symptoms, which were found to be secondary to a previously unrecognized baffle stenosis and leak. Percutaneous intervention resolved his ascites and hypoxia. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Improvement in Protein-Losing Enteropathy in a Patient With Fontan Circulation After Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prescriptive Exercise.

Fontan-associated protein-losing enteropathy is difficult to treat and associated with poor prognosis. Cardiac rehabilitation and exercise are thought to have beneficial effects for patients with Fontan circulation. We report the case of a young adult patient palliated to Fontan circulation, with a decade-long history of symptoms related to protein-losing enteropathy. At age 23 years, he appreciated an improvement in symptoms and laboratory values after cardiac rehabilitation and prescriptive exercise.

A model for geographic and sociodemographic access to care disparities for adults with congenital heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Follow-up at a regional adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) center is recommended for all ACHD patients at least once per the 2018 ACC/AHA guidelines. Other specialties have demonstrated poorer follow-up and outcomes correlating with increased distance from health care providers, but driving time to regional ACHD centers has not been examined in the US population. OBJECTIVE: To identify and characterize potential disparities in access to ACHD care in the US based on drive time to ACHD centers and compounding sociodemographic factors. METHODS: Mid- to high-volume ACHD centers with ≥500 outpatient ACHD visits and ≥20 ACHD surgeries annually were included based on self-reported, public data. Geographic Information System mapping was used to delineate drive times to ACHD centers. Sociodemographic data from the 2012-2016 American Community Survey (US Census) and the Environmental Systems Research Institute were analyzed based on drive time to nearest ACHD center. Previously established CHD prevalence estimates were used to estimate the similarly located US ACHD population. RESULTS: Nearly half of the continental US population (45.1%) lives >1 hour drive to an ACHD center. Overall, 39.7% live 1-4 hours away, 3.4% live 4-6 hours away, and 2.0% live >6 hours away. Hispanics were disproportionately likely to live a >6 hour drive to a center (p < .001). Compared to people with <1 hour drive, those living >6 hours away have higher proportions of uninsured adults (29% vs. 18%; p < .001), households below the federal poverty level (19% vs. 13%; p < .001), and adults with less than college education (18% vs. 12%; p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: We estimate that ~45% of the continental US population lives >1 hour to an ACHD center, with 5.4% living >4 hours away. Compounding barriers exist for Hispanic, uninsured, lower socioeconomic status, and less-educated patients. These results may help drive future policy changes to improve access to ACHD care.

Outcomes in adults with congenital heart disease and heterotaxy syndrome: A single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Heterotaxy syndrome (HS) is a condition in which the thoracoabdominal organs demonstrate an abnormal lateral arrangement and is often associated with congenital heart disease (CHD). Little is known about the adult HS population with CHD. OBJECTIVE: To describe the outcomes and sociodemographics of the adult CHD population with HS. METHODS: Records of patients 18 years of age or older with diagnoses of both CHD and HS at Texas Children's Hospital from 1964 to 2018 were reviewed. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients met inclusion criteria. Median age was 22.7 [IQR 19.6-30.0] years; 26 (42%) were female; and 13 (21%) of patients had a gap in care of >3 years. Median follow-up time in adulthood was 2.9 [IQR 1.3-8.2] years. Forty-three (69%) of patients had single ventricle heart disease, 31 (71%) of whom completed Fontan circulation. A total of 36 interventions occurred in 24 patients which included 16 cardiac catherization interventions, 13 electrophysiology-related procedures, and 18 surgical procedures including 2 orthotopic heart transplants. The median age for death or heart transplant was 45.3 (95%CI 34.3-56.1) years. Heart failure-free survival was 80.8 ± 5.2%, 58.7 ± 11.0%, and 31.1 ± 15.7% at 20, 30, and 40 years old, respectively. Cerebrovascular accident-free survival was 84.3 ± 5.1%, 54.2 ± 11.3%, and 40.6 ± 14.5% at 20, 30, and 40 years old, respectively. Tachyarrhythmia-free survival was 54.0 ± 7.1%, 29.2 ± 8.3%, and 19.5 ± 9.7% at 20, 30, and 40 years old and bradyarrhythmia-free survival was 66.0 ± 6.3%, 41.7 ± 9.4%, and 33.4 ± 10.6% at ages 20, 30, and 40 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: At a tertiary referral center, adult patients with CHD and HS have high rates of comorbidities and early death or heart transplant. Longitudinal surveillance and further exploration into factors associated with improved survival in this population are warranted.

Contemporary Outcomes of the Fontan Operation: A Large Single-Institution Cohort.

BACKGROUND: The Fontan procedure is the accepted standard for single-ventricle palliation. The goal of this study was to determine short- and midterm outcomes of patients undergoing a Fontan operation at a single institution and to identify contemporary risk factors for acute and chronic failure. METHODS: All patients undergoing a Fontan operation between 1995 and 2016 were included. Failure was defined as death, transplantation, Fontan takedown or revision, fenestration creation or enlargement, plastic bronchitis, protein-losing enteropathy, or major perioperative reintervention. Multivariable logistic and Cox regression models were used to identify risk factors for acute (perioperative) and chronic failure (after hospital discharge or 30 days postoperatively, or both). RESULTS: The cohort included 610 patients. Median age at surgery was 4 years. Median follow-up was 6.8 years. Trends showed increasing use of extracardiac conduits, nonfenestrated Fontan, and extubation in the operating room. Perioperative mortality was 0.5% (n = 3). Transplant-free survival at 5, 10, and 15 years was 97%, 94%, and 92%, respectively; freedom from failure was 91%, 89%, and 87%, respectively. Extubation in the operating room was associated with lower risk of acute failure (odds ratio, 0.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.11 to 0.87). Independent risk factors for chronic failure included genetic syndrome (hazard ratio [HR], 2.54; 95% CI, 1.11 to 5.83), ventricular dysfunction (HR, 3.86; 95% CI, 1.81 to 8.24), cardiopulmonary bypass time in 30-minute intervals (HR, 1.242; 95% CI, 1.100 to 1.402), and persistent pleural effusions (HR, 4.26; 95% CI, 2.25 to 8.07). Moderate or severe atrioventricular valve regurgitation (HR, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.13 to 6.02) and cardiopulmonary bypass time (HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.45) were associated with reduced long-term transplant-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: Contemporary midterm outcomes for Fontan patients are reassuring. Lifelong follow-up is mandatory to determine long-term outcomes and need for additional surgery as patients reach adulthood.

Novel oral anticoagulant use in adult Fontan patients: A single center experience.

OBJECTIVE: Adult Fontan patients are at increased risk for thrombosis and thromboembolic complications leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Most are prescribed antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy for thromboprophylaxis; novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are uncommonly used given lack of data on their use in this population and generalized concerns regarding Fontan patients' abnormal coagulation. We report the largest single-center experience with the use of NOACs for treatment and prophylaxis of thrombosis and thromboembolism in adult Fontan patients. RESULTS: A retrospective chart review identified 21 patients (11 female, 10 male), median age 33 years (18-50) at first initiation, who were prescribed a NOAC on 27 different occasions. The main indications for anticoagulation were arrhythmia (N = 12), thrombosis (N = 8), and persistent right to left shunts (N = 2); one patient was initially on anticoagulation for arrhythmia but restarted for thrombosis. The most common indications for initiation of a NOAC over warfarin were patient/provider preference (N = 11), labile international normalized ratio (INR) (N = 5), initiation of therapy elsewhere (N = 3), and history of poor clinical follow-up (N = 2). Over a cumulative 316 months of patient therapy, one new thrombotic event was noted. No major or nonmajor bleeding events occurred, and 10 patients experienced minor bleeding that did not require the cessation of therapy. One patient died from multiorgan system failure following an unwitnessed, out of hospital arrest. At present, 10 patients remain on NOAC therapy in the setting of ongoing arrhythmia (N = 4), history of stroke (N = 2), history of pulmonary embolism (N = 2), history of deep vein thrombosis (N = 1), and history of right ventricle thrombus (N = 1). CONCLUSIONS: While our study is limited by size, our results suggest that NOACs may be a non-inferior alternative to traditional anticoagulation and that further study is warranted.

Renal dysfunction is associated with higher central venous pressures in patients with Fontan circulation.

PURPOSE: Elevated central venous pressure (CVP) has deleterious effects on several organ systems in patients with Fontan circulation. However, the relationship between CVP and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) has not been assessed in patients with Fontan circulation. METHODS: Patients with Fontan circulation whose hemodynamics were assessed by catheterization between 1987 and 2015 and had a serum creatinine measured within 72 hours prior to the procedure were included for analysis. Patients with primary kidney disease were excluded. Renal function was calculated by "bedside Schwartz" equation in children (< 18 years) and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation in adults. Renal dysfunction (RD) was defined by eGFR < 90mL/min/1.73m2 . Fontan patients with and without RD were compared based on demographics, co-morbidities, medication use, echocardiographic findings, hemodynamics assessed at time of catheterization, and laboratory testing values. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients with Fontan circulation met inclusion criteria and 15 patients (22%) had RD; eGFR (mL/min/1.73m2 ) was 60-89in 13 (87%), 45-59in 1 (7%), and 30-45in 1 (7%). Compared to patients with eGFR equal to or greater than 90, patients with RD had higher CVP (18.0 [15.0-21.0] mm Hg vs 13.5 [12.3-16.0] mm Hg (P = 0.001), lower pulmonary blood flow 2.2 [1.9-2.6] L/min/m2 vs 2.8 [2.3-3.7] L/min/m2 , higher ventricular end-diastolic pressure 10.5 [7.0-17.3] mm Hg vs 8.0 [6.0-10.0] mm Hg (P = 0.050), were more likely to have worse atrioventricular valve regurgitation (P = 0.02) and were more likely to be African American (P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: In this study population, renal dysfunction in patients with Fontan circulation is associated with increased CVP and factors that affect CVP. African Americans with Fontan circulation may be at particular risk for renal dysfunction. Continued investigation of the effects of venous congestion on kidneys and other factors associated with renal dysfunction in patients with Fontan circulation is warranted.