Journal article

Publication year: 2019

Pages: 162-168

Journal: Cardiology in the Young

Volume number: 29

Issue number: 2

ISSN: 1047-9511

eISSN: 1467-1107

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1047951118001993

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Abstract: 
Background: Little is known about health-related quality of life in young children undergoing staged palliation for single-ventricle CHD. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of CHD on daily life in pre-schoolers with single-ventricle CHD and to identify determinants of health-related quality of life. Method: Prospective two-centre cohort study assessing health-related quality of life using the Preschool Paediatric Cardiac Quality of Life Inventory in 46 children at a mean age of 38 months and 3 weeks. Children with genetic anomalies were excluded. Scores were compared with reference data of children with biventricular CHD. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify determinants of health-related quality of life. Results: Health-related quality of life in pre-schoolers with single-ventricle CHD was comparable to children with biventricular CHD. Preterm birth and perioperative variables were significant predictors of low health-related quality of life. Notably, pre-Fontan brain MRI findings and neurodevelopmental status were not associated with health-related quality of life. Overall, perioperative variables explained 24% of the variability of the total health-related quality of life score. Interpretation: Despite substantial health-related burden, pre-schoolers with single-ventricle CHD showed good health-related quality of life. Less-modifiable treatment-related risk factors and preterm birth had the highest impact on health-related quality of life. Long-term follow-up assessment of self-reported health-related quality of life is needed to identify patients with poorer health-related quality of life and to initiate supportive care.

Harvard Citation style: Heye, K., Knirsch, W., Scheer, I., Beck, I., Wetterling, K., Hahn, A., et al. (2019) Health-related quality of life in pre-school age children with single-ventricle CHD, Cardiology in the Young, 29(2), pp. 162-168. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1047951118001993

APA Citation style: Heye, K., Knirsch, W., Scheer, I., Beck, I., Wetterling, K., Hahn, A., Hofmann, K., Latal, B., Reich, B., & Landolt, M. (2019). Health-related quality of life in pre-school age children with single-ventricle CHD. Cardiology in the Young. 29(2), 162-168. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1047951118001993