Social life in adult patients after Fontan procedure release_bothmcrd25eoxe6dlaazmg4daq

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:sec> <jats:title>Background</jats:title> Little is known about the social life in adult patients after Fontan palliation. The study aimed to assess the long-term social life of patients after Fontan surgery, including school achievement, employment, and marital status. </jats:sec><jats:sec> <jats:title>Results</jats:title> We conducted a cross-sectional study on patients aged 18 years or above who had a Fontan operation for a single ventricle pathology. Our outcomes were the academic performance and marital and employment status of adult Fontan patients. Patients or their families were interviewed directly or by phone, and a set of questions were asked to address their educational level, employment, and marital status. Ninety-nine patients were included in the study. Their median age was 21 years (min–max: 18–41), and 60% were females (<jats:italic>n</jats:italic>= 59). The most common diagnoses were double inlet left ventricle (<jats:italic>n</jats:italic>= 24, 24%), tricuspid atresia (<jats:italic>n</jats:italic>= 21, 21%), and the unbalanced atrioventricular canal (<jats:italic>n</jats:italic>= 21, 21%). Fourteen patients (14%) were married, and 6 of them had children (two were females). Eleven percent were college graduates (either diploma or bachelor's degree), and 47% were high school graduates. </jats:sec><jats:sec> <jats:title>Conclusions</jats:title> Fontan operation could negatively affect the social life of the patients. It may affect employment patterns, educational levels, and marital status. </jats:sec>
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