Transition of Adolescents and Young Adults with Congenital Heart Disease: Challenges, Progress, and Future Improvements

Abstract

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common and perhaps most widely variable birth defect. Decades of improved CHD care has resulted in a steady growth in the number and complexity of adults with CHD, and many of these patients require lifelong, specialized follow-up care. This begins with successful transition from pediatric-based to adult-based care. Despite the remarkable advances in this field, many adults with CHD still experience lapses in care that have significant health consequences. This review outlines some of the challenges, progress, and areas for improvement in CHD transition medicine. [Pediatr Ann. 2017;46(6):e224-e228.].