Does delayed correction interfere with pulmonary functions and exercise tolerance in patients with tetralogy of fallot?

Study Objectives: To assess exercise tolerance and determine the distinct role of cardiac, respiratory, or peripheral factors on it after delayed surgical repair in patients with tetralogy of Fallot.

Design: The aerobic exercise capacity of 15 adult patients (mean [+/- SD] age, 21 +/- 6; age range, 9 to 30 years) undergoing successful total correction at a mean age of 12 +/- 5 years (patients) was compared to healthy, matched control subjects by using right ventricle echocardiography, resting spirometry, and cardiopulmonary exercise tests at a mean postoperative time of 7.5 +/- 4.