Volume 11 Issue 1
Long-Term Outcomes of Pediatric Patients with Tetralogy of Fallot After Surgical Repair
1Dr Roshan Bano, 2Umar Ali, 3Mansoor Ali, 4Taimoor Ghori, 5Khurram Ali, 6Marwa Riaz,
1Peads cardiology Nicvd Karachi
2PIMS Islamabad
3UHS Lahore
4PIMS Islamabad
5PIMS Islamabad
6UHS Lahore
ABSTRACT
Background: Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is one of the most common congenital heart defects requiring surgical intervention. Advances in surgical techniques have significantly improved survival rates, but long-term outcomes remain a concern, particularly regarding cardiac function and quality of life. This study evaluated the long-term clinical outcomes of pediatric patients with TOF who underwent surgical repair.
Aim: The study aimed to assess the long-term outcomes, including cardiac function, exercise tolerance, and post-surgical complications, in pediatric patients with TOF following surgical repair.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Mayo Hospital, Lahore, from October 2023 to September 2024. A total of 50 pediatric patients who underwent corrective surgery for TOF were included. Data were collected on postoperative complications, right ventricular function, the need for reintervention, and overall quality of life. Echocardiography, exercise stress tests, and patient-reported outcome measures were analyzed.
Results: At a median follow-up of 10 years, 36% (n=18) of patients had mild-to-moderate right ventricular dysfunction, while 12% (n=6) required reintervention due to pulmonary valve insufficiency. 78% (n=39) of patients maintained good exercise tolerance, while 22% (n=11) reported limitations in daily activities. Arrhythmias were observed in 16% (n=8) of patients, with 4% (n=2) requiring pacemaker implantation. Despite these complications, 84% (n=42) of patients reported an overall satisfactory quality of life.
Conclusion: Long-term outcomes following TOF repair were generally favorable, with most patients maintaining good cardiac function and quality of life. However, right ventricular dysfunction, pulmonary valve insufficiency, and arrhythmias remained concerns, necessitating long-term follow-up and potential reintervention.
Keywords: Tetralogy of Fallot, Congenital Heart Disease, Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Long-Term Outcomes, Right Ventricular Dysfunction, Post-Surgical Complications.