What determines the quality of life of adult patients after fontan procedure?

Abstract

Background: Despite the low early mortality of Fontan procedures, Fontan patients are prone to various cardiac and extra-cardiac complications in the long term. This may influence patient perception of their health and outcome. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship of multi-organ complications and physical efficiency with self-reported health-related quality of life (QOL) in adult Fontan patients. Methods: Quality of life was assessed with the Short Form-36 questionnaire. Laboratory tests were done together with echocardiography, plethysmography, and cardiopulmonary exercise test. Results: The QOL was poorer in patients than in control subjects. The physical characteristics of patients correlated with dynamic ventilatory parameters, heart rate at the peak of exercise, alanine aminotransferase and albumin level. Conclusions: Liver impairment and chronotropic incompetence during exercise are associated with poor QOL in patients after Fontan procedure. In these patient, hepatic, pulmonary and cardiac functions should be carefully monitored.