Pulmonary arterial hypertension in children after neonatal arterial switch operation.

Objectives: Paediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) after neonatal arterial switch operation (ASO) for transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is a clinically recognised entity with an estimated incidence of 0.6%-1.0%.

Increased carotid intima-media thickness predicts cardiovascular events in aortic coarctation.

Background: Adult post-coarctectomy patients (CoA) demonstrate increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), a marker for atherosclerosis, is increased in CoA. The aim was to evaluate the predictive value of CIMT for cardiovascular events.

Surgical versus percutaneous treatment of aortic coarctation: new standards in an era of transcatheter repair.

Aortic coarctation is a common congenital cardiovascular defect, which can be diagnosed over a wide range of ages and with varying degrees of severity. Surgery has proven to be an effective treatment for the management of native aortic coarctation, and remains the treatment of choice in neonates. Balloon angioplasty with or without stenting has evolved rapidly over the past decade.

Rates and determinants of progressive aortic valve dysfunction in aortic coarctation.

Purpose: Aortic valve dysfunction is common in coarctation patients(CoA). Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) in CoA is associated with aortic valve stenosis (AS), aortic valve regurgitation (AR), and ascending aortic dilatation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the progression of and predictors for aortic valve dysfunction in CoA.

Increased risk for ascending aortic dilatation in patients with complex compared to simple aortic coarctation.

Aims: Aortic coarctation (CoA) occurs as a "simple" isolated disorder, and in a more "complex" form, combined with associated congenital cardiac abnormalities. Long term outcome of all CoA patients may be complicated by dilatation of the thoracic aorta. The aim of this study was to quantify progressive aortic dilatation, and identify determinants for progressive aortic dilatation.

Rationale and design of a trial on the effect of high dose statins on cardiovascular risk in adults after successful coarctation repair.

Background: HMG-coA-reductase-inhibitors (statins) have been proven to reduce atherosclerosis progression as observed by carotid intima-media thickness in patients with known coronary heart disease, independent of lipid lowering. Cardiovascular complications are common in patients after successful coarctation repair. The effect of statins on cardiovascular risk in adults after successful coarctation repair has not yet been established.

Usefulness of exercise-induced hypertension as predictor of chronic hypertension in adults after operative therapy for aortic isthmic coarctation in childhood.

Chronic hypertension is a major concern in adults who have undergone resection of coarctation of the aorta (CoA) in childhood. In otherwise healthy subjects, exercise-induced hypertension is prognostic for chronic hypertension; however, the prognostic value in patients with CoA remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the predictive value of exercise-induced hypertension for chronic hypertension in these patients.

Treatment of congenital heart disease: risk-reducing measures in young adults.

Adults with congenital heart disease form a new and relatively young population, since surgical treatment of heart defects became available three to four decades ago. Owing to improved survival this population is steadily growing in number and age. Little is known regarding long-term survival; however, late complications occur frequently.

Sexuality in adult patients with congenital heart disease and their partners.

Data on relational and sexuality issues in adult patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) are scarce. The present study aimed to evaluate relational and sexual behaviors, satisfaction, and functioning in a representative sample of patients with CHD and their partners. In addition, we aimed to evaluate the relation between sexuality parameters and quality of life.