Adults with congenital heart defects--a growing patient group
Thilén, U.
Lakartidningen 98(7): 656-660
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0023-7205 PMID: 11475253 Document Number: 535907
The number of grown ups with congenital heart disease (GUCH) increases due to the success story of pediatric cardiology and heart surgery. However, late complications such as arrhythmia, endocarditis and heart failure are common, as are patients requiring reoperation/catheter intervention. In some categories of congenital heart disease, pregnancy may pose a substantial threat. Early information about this is essential. The care of these patients, including heart surgery, should be centralized. A registry of GUCH-patients has been created in Sweden, promoting experience and knowledge concerning a "new" and expanding group of patients in cardiology.