Heart transplantation in adult congenital heart disease: Importance of timely referral

In the growing population of adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) heart failure (HF) remains the leading cause of premature death [1]. Pharmacological therapy and assist devices are used with limited success and heart transplantation represents the final option for a select number of patients with end-stage CHD. However, transplant programs in this unique population are challenged due to specific considerations such as previous operations and sternotomies, human leucocyte antigen (HLA) sensitisation, complex cardiac anatomies and skeletal abnormalities, pulmonary vascular disease, reasons to require transplantation in the absence of overt HF often with multiorgan involvement, including renal and liver damage (failing Fontan circulation).
Source: International Journal of Cardiology - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Editorial Source Type: research