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- Denayer, Nathalie, et al.
(author)
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Comparison of risk stratification models for pregnancy in congenital heart disease.
- 2021
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In: International journal of cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1874-1754 .- 0167-5273. ; 323, s. 54-60
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Pregnancy in women with congenital heart disease (CHD) is associated with increased risk for maternal cardiac complications. Several risk stratification models are used to predict adverse cardiac outcome in women with CHD who become pregnant. This study was set up as an exploratory study to provide a head-to-head comparison of the 4 most commonly used models: CARPREG, CARPREG II and ZAHARA risk scores and mWHO risk classification.We randomly selected 100 women from the database of paediatric and congenital heart disease of the University Hospitals Leuven. Individual pregnancy risk scores were retrospectively calculated and summarized in a weighted average risk for each risk stratification model. To evaluate accuracy of each model, the weighted average risk was plotted against the actual observed number of "cardiac events" as defined in the respective risk models. Maternal adverse cardiac events occurred in 8% of our study population. Weighted average risks were plotted versus the observed number of events for each model: 10.1% versus 4.0% for CARPREG, 8.6% versus 5.0% for CARPREG II, 11.1% versus 8.0% for ZAHARA and 12.4% versus 8.0% for the mWHO classification.All risk models overestimated maternal cardiac risk. The ZAHARA risk model appeared to be a closer reflection of maternal risk in our cohort of CHD patients. More research on a larger study population is needed.
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2. |
- Stassen, Jan, et al.
(author)
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Covered stent placement for treatment of coarctation of the aorta: immediate and long-term results.
- 2021
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In: Acta cardiologica. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1784-973X .- 0001-5385 .- 0373-7934. ; 76:5, s. 464-472
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study aimed to describe the safety and efficacy of covered stents in patients with coarctation of aorta (CoA) for immediate and long-term follow-up.Covered stents are increasingly being used in (re)CoA, mainly to reduce the risk of aortic wall injuries (AWI). However, limited data are available on intermediate and long-term outcome.In 89 patients (67.4% male) with a mean age of 23.9±15.8 (min max range 5.1-71.6) years were 102 covered stents implanted (January 2003 - December 2017). Short-term pre/post-implant hemodynamics and angiographic data were reported. Changes in blood pressure, the use of antihypertensive drugs and complications were recorded during follow-up.The procedural success rate was 100%. The mean invasive ascending-to-descending aorta systolic gradient under general anaesthesia decreased from 25±16mmHg to 4±7mmHg (p<0.001). After a mean follow-up time of 6.6±3.7years, there was a persistent improvement of the mean systolic blood pressure gradient between right arm and leg (-7±18 vs 38±24mmHg; p<0.001). A larger proportion of patients required antihypertensive medication (33.7% vs 50.0%, p=0.017) and needed ≥ 2 drugs (20.2% vs 27.4%, p=0.066) to control blood pressure. Long-term adverse events were found in 4.5% of patients [covered stent fracture (n=3), aneurysm formation (n=2)].Covered stent implantation for CoA is highly successful, safe and results in a persistent hemodynamic improvement in the immediate and long-term outcome. Lifelong follow-up with additional antihypertensive drug treatment is mandatory to maintain favourable hemodynamic results after stenting.Long-term follow-up data on covered stents in patients with coarctation of the aorta are scarce. A cohort of 89 patients was reviewed. The procedural implantation success rate was 100%. The invasive gradient decreased from 25±16mmHg to 4±7mmHg (p<0.001). After follow-up of 6.6±3.7years, there was a persistent improvement of the clinical systolic blood pressure gradient (-7±18 vs 38±24mmHg; p<0.001). However, a larger proportion of patients required antihypertensive medication (33.7% vs 50.0%, p=0.017). Covered stent implantation results in favourable hemodynamic effects, but lifelong follow-up with additional antihypertensive drug treatment is mandatory to maintain these results.
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3. |
- Troost, Els, et al.
(author)
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Advanced care planning in adult congenital heart disease: Transitioning from repair to palliation and end-of-life care.
- 2019
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In: International journal of cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1874-1754 .- 0167-5273. ; 279, s. 57-61
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- As a result of advances in pediatric care, the majority of patients born with congenital heart disease (CHD) survive into adulthood [1]. Effective transfer and transition programs assure that patients with CHD remain in follow-up and receive continuous holistic care. Unfortunately, adult patients with CHD carry residual lesions and sequelae putting them at risk for premature death related to re-interventions or complications; most commonly heart failure and arrhythmia [2]. The scientific adult CHD (ACHD) community has been working hard to identify variables related to worse outcomes, modifying those where possible in order to improve survival. Indeed, survival in adults with CHD has increased, but consequently, on top of CHD-related complications, patients are increasingly exposed to the standard cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore, a program for lifelong coaching on health behavior and life style management becomes indispensable. More emerging is that a substantial number of patients, in particular those with complex heart defects, will eventually end up in a stage with hardly any medical or interventional options left. Our healthcare provision has to be prepared to organize care for this specific group of patients who will die prematurely and require the timely development and establishment of advanced care planning. Advanced care planning should preferentially be set-up in expert CHD centers. The long-lasting relationship in ACHD care with healthcare providers offers an excellent basis with regards to prognosis, advanced care planning and end-of-life issues.
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