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Review
. 2024 May;26(5):283-291.
doi: 10.1007/s11886-024-02034-5. Epub 2024 Apr 9.

Caring for the Critically Ill Adult Congenital Heart Disease Patient

Thomas Das  1 , Penelope Rampersad  1 , Joanna Ghobrial  2
Affiliations
Review

Caring for the Critically Ill Adult Congenital Heart Disease Patient

Thomas Das et al. Curr Cardiol Rep. 2024 May.

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review aims to discuss the unique challenges that adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients present in the intensive care unit.

Recent findings: Recent studies suggest that ACHD patients make up an increasing number of ICU admissions, and that their care greatly improves in centers with specialized ACHD care. Common reasons for admission include arrhythmia, hemorrhage, heart failure, and pulmonary disease. It is critical that the modern intensivist understand not only the congenital anatomy and subsequent repairs an ACHD patient has undergone, but also how that anatomy can predispose the patient to critical illness. Additionally, intensivists should rely on a multidisciplinary team, which includes an ACHD specialist, in the care of these patients.

Keywords: Adult congenital heart disease; Critical care cardiology; Intensive care; Mechanical circulatory support.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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