Document Detail


Thromboembolic complications after Fontan procedures: comparison of different therapeutic approaches.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  12173844     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
BACKGROUND: Although patients after Fontan procedure have a high incidence of thromboembolic complications, anticoagulant therapy is not handled uniformly. We analyzed the frequency and clinical relevance of thromboembolism after Fontan procedure and compared different therapeutic approaches. METHODS: From 1986 to 1998, 101 patients (mean age, 7.3 +/- 8.1 years) underwent Fontan type procedure (modified Fontan, n = 40; total cavopulmonary connection, n = 61). In 85 of 87 survivors, transthoracic echocardiography was performed; and in 31 transesophageal echocardiography and/or angiography was performed. Mean follow-up was 5.7 +/- 3.5 years. Three groups with different anticoagulant regimen were compared: group I without medication (n = 45), group II with acetylsalicylic acid therapy (n = 14) and group III with Coumadin (n = 26). RESULTS: Thromboembolic events occurred in 13 of 85 patients (15.3%; 3.3 events/100 patient-years). Type of operation as well as other known risk factors had no influence on the rate of thromboembolism. Within the first postoperative year, seven of 13 events occurred. A second peak developed beyond 10 years of follow-up. Patients benefit significantly from Coumadin compared with those who did not receive any medication, with similar results in the entire population and the subgroup of patients with total cavopulmonary connection (log-rank, p = 0.031 and p = 0.033, respectively). With 4.2 events/100 patient-years, the cumulative event rate was substantially higher in group I than with 1.6 in group II and with 1.1 in group III. No relevant bleeding complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Thromboembolism is frequent after Fontan procedure with a peak during the first postoperative year and another peak beyond 10 years of follow-up. Coumadin is the most effective prophylactic therapy in preventing thromboembolism. Therefore, we suggest initial oral anticoagulation therapy in patients with Fontan type operation.
Authors:
Ralf G Seipelt; Andreas Franke; Jaime F Vazquez-Jimenez; Peter Hanrath; Goetz von Bernuth; Bruno J Messmer; Eberhard G Mühler
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Comparative Study; Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  The Annals of thoracic surgery     Volume:  74     ISSN:  0003-4975     ISO Abbreviation:  Ann. Thorac. Surg.     Publication Date:  2002 Aug 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2002-08-13     Completed Date:  2002-09-27     Revised Date:  2006-11-15    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  15030100R     Medline TA:  Ann Thorac Surg     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  556-62     Citation Subset:  AIM; IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Medical Clinic I, Aachen, Germany. rseipelt@childrensmemorial.org
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
Child
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Fontan Procedure / adverse effects*,  methods
Humans
Male
Risk Factors
Thromboembolism / epidemiology,  etiology*,  prevention & control
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Anticoagulants

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