Social life in adult patients after Fontan procedure

Mohammed S. Alhabdan, Eman A. Alzayer, Murtadha H. Alawami, Fareed A. Khouqeer
2022 The Cardiothoracic Surgeon  
Background 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. Results 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
more » ... r 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 (n= 59). The most common diagnoses were double inlet left ventricle (n= 24, 24%), tricuspid atresia (n= 21, 21%), and the unbalanced atrioventricular canal (n= 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. Conclusions Fontan operation could negatively affect the social life of the patients. It may affect employment patterns, educational levels, and marital status.
doi:10.1186/s43057-022-00087-2 fatcat:bothmcrd25eoxe6dlaazmg4daq