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1.
N. Verbiest-van Gurp P. J. M. van Bladel H. A. M. van Kesteren P. M. Erkens H. E. J. H. Stoffers 《Netherlands heart journal》2017,25(10):567-573
Introduction
Detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) is important given the risk of complications, such as stroke and heart failure, and the need for preventive measures. Detection is complicated because AF can be silent or paroxysmal. Describing current practice may give clues to improve AF detection. The aim of this study was to describe how cardiologists currently detect AF.Methods
Between December 2014 and May 2015, we sent Dutch cardiologists an online questionnaire. Firstly, we asked which tools for detection of AF their department has. Secondly, we presented six case vignettes related to AF, in which they could choose a diagnostic tool. Thirdly, we compared the results with current guidelines.Results
We approached 90 cardiology departments and 48 (53%) completed the questionnaire. In asymptomatic patients with risk factors according to CHA2DS2-VASc, 40% of the cardiologists would screen for AF. In patients with signs or symptoms of AF, all but one cardiologist would start a diagnostic process. In both vignettes describing patients with non-frequent symptoms, 46% and 54% of the responders would use short-term (i.?e. 24- or 48-hour) electrocardiographic monitoring, 48% and 27% would use long-term (i.?e. 7 day, 14 day or one month) monitoring. In both cases describing patients with frequent symptoms, 85% of the responders would use short-term and 15% and 4% long-term monitoring.Conclusion
Dutch cardiologists have access to a wide variety of ambulatory arrhythmia monitoring tools. Nearly half of the cardiologists would perform opportunistic screening. In cases with non-frequent symptoms, monitoring duration was shorter than recommended by NICE.2.
S. A. M. Compiet R. T. A. Willemsen K. T. S. Konings H. E. J. H. Stoffers 《Netherlands heart journal》2018,26(7-8):377-384
Background
Performing electrocardiography is common in general practice, but the quality of indication setting and diagnostic accuracy have been disputed.Objectives
To assess the competence of general practitioners (GPs) in their decision-making process with regard to recording and interpreting an electrocardiogram (ECG) and evaluating the relevance of the result for management.Methods
An online case vignette survey was performed among GPs and cardiologists (in 2015). Nine cases describing situations for which Dutch clinical guidelines recommend or advise against recording an ECG were presented. In each case, the participant had to make choices on recording an ECG, interpreting it, and using the result in a management decision. The reference standard for each ECG diagnosis was set by the expert author team.Results
Fifty GPs who interpret ECGs themselves, eight GPs who do not and 12 cardiologists completed the survey. Adherence to guidelines recommending an ECG was high for suspected atrial fibrillation, suspected arrhythmia present during consultation, including bradycardia, but much lower for progressive heart failure and stable angina. Diagnostic accuracy of GPs was best in atrial fibrillation (96%), sick sinus syndrome (85%) and old myocardial infarction (82%), but poor in left anterior fascicular block (16%) and incomplete right bundle branch block (10%). GPs often acknowledged the low relevance of the results of a non-indicated ECG.Conclusion
GPs do not fully adhere to Dutch cardiovascular guidelines on indications for recording ECGs. Diagnostic accuracy was high for atrial fibrillation, sick sinus syndrome and old myocardial infarction and poor for left anterior fascicular block and incomplete right bundle branch block.3.
L. W. Boyce P. H. Goossens G. Volker H. J. van Exel T. P. M. Vliet Vlieland L. van Bodegom-Vos 《Netherlands heart journal》2018,26(10):493-499
Aim
Recent literature and Dutch guidelines for patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) recommend screening for cognitive impairments and referral to cognitive rehabilitation when needed. The aim of this study is to assess the uptake of these recommendations for OHCA patients.Method
An internet-based questionnaire was sent to 74 cardiologists and 143 rehabilitation specialists involved in rehabilitation of OHCA patients in the Netherlands. The questionnaire covered: background characteristics, availability and content of cognitive screening and rehabilitation, organisation of care, experienced need for an integrated care pathway including physical and cognitive rehabilitation, barriers and facilitators for an integrated care pathway.Results
Forty-five questionnaires were returned (16 cardiologists and 29 rehabilitation doctors). Thirty-nine percent (n?=?17) prescribed cognitive screening. Eighty-nine percent underscores an added value of an integrated care pathway. Barriers for an integrated care pathway included lack of knowledge, logistic obstacles, and poor cooperation between medical specialties.Conclusions
In the Netherlands, only a minority of cardiologists and rehabilitation specialists routinely prescribe some form of cognitive screening in OHCA patients, although the majority underscores the value of cognitive screening in OHCA patients in an integrated care pathway. The uptake of such a care pathway seems hindered by lack of knowledge and organisational barriers.4.
Marije Huls Maaike A. Pouw Nienke Nieuwenhuizen Barbara C. van Munster Sophia E. de Rooij 《Tijdschrift voor gerontologie en geriatrie》2018,49(5):167-173
Introduction
Hospitalisation may cause negative effects on elderly patients. Therefore, it is important that referral and admission of older nursing home patients is well-considered. The aim of this study is to investigate the factors that affect the decision making process.Method
Questionnaire survey among elderly care physicians and physicians following the elderly care physician training program.Results
Of the 1,540 surveys, 200 were returned (response rate of 13%). Over 60% of the respondents had referred a nursing home patient to the hospital in the previous month. A stay at a geriatric rehabilitation ward, suspicion of a fracture, a good quality of life, a patient’s or family’s wish for referral, no treatment restrictions, and follow-up appointments in the hospital were factors which made referral to the hospital more likely according to the respondents. Medical specialist consultation and the in hospital presence of a physician specialised in geriatric care were considered to be important. Referral was less likely if a patient was diagnosed with dementia, had a low quality of life or had treatment restrictions.Conclusion
Both patient-related and non-patient-related factors influence hospital referral of nursing home patients. Further research is needed to determine whether these different factors contribute to the different outcomes of a hospital admission, to facilitate proper decision-making for elderly care physicians.5.
6.
P. J. P. M. Cuijpers G. Bookelman W. Kicken W. de Vries A. P. M. Gorgels 《Netherlands heart journal》2016,24(7-8):456-461
Background
Integrating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training in secondary schools will increase the number of potential CPR providers. However, currently too few certified instructors are available for this purpose. Training medical students and physical education student teachers to become CPR instructors could decrease this shortage.Aim
Examine whether medical students and physical education student teachers can provide CPR training for secondary school pupils as well as (i.?e., non-inferior to) registered nurses.Methods
A total of 144 secondary school pupils were randomly assigned to CPR training by a registered nurse (n = 12), a medical student (n = 17) or a physical education student teacher (n = 15). CPR performance was assessed after training and after eight weeks in a simulated cardiac arrest scenario on a resuscitation manikin, using manikin software and video recordings.Results
No significant differences were found between the groups on the overall Cardiff Test scores and the correctness of the CPR techniques during the post-training and retention test. All pupils showed sufficient CPR competence, even after eight weeks.Conclusion
Training by medical students or physical education student teachers is non-inferior to training by a registered nurse, suggesting that school teachers, student teachers and medical students can be recruited for CPR training in secondary schools.7.
H. Lameijer M. C. Lont H. Buter A. J. van Boven P. W. Boonstra P. G. Pieper 《Netherlands heart journal》2017,25(6):365-369
Introduction
The risk of acute myocardial infarction in young women is low, but increases during pregnancy due to the physiological changes in pregnancy, including hypercoagulability. Ischaemic heart disease during pregnancy is not only associated with increased maternal morbidity and mortality, but also with high neonatal complications. Advancing maternal age and other risk factors for cardiovascular diseases may further increase the risk of ischaemic heart disease in young women.Methods
We searched the coronary angiography database of a Dutch teaching hospital to identify women with acute myocardial infarction who presented during pregnancy or postpartum between 2011 and 2013.Results
We found two cases. Both women were in their early thirties and both suffered from myocardial infarction in the postpartum period. Acute myocardial infarction was due to coronary stenotic occlusion in one patient and due to coronary artery dissection in the other patient. Coronary artery dissection is a relatively frequent cause of myocardial infarction during pregnancy. Both women were treated by percutaneous coronary intervention and survived.Conclusion
Physicians should be aware of the increased risk of myocardial infarction when encountering pregnant or postpartum women presenting with chest pain.8.
A. F. B. E. Quast V. F. van Dijk A. A. M. Wilde R. E. Knops L. V. A. Boersma 《Netherlands heart journal》2017,25(5):312-317
Introduction
The latest European Society of Cardiology Guidelines recommend consideration of a wearable cardioverter-defibrillator (WCD) for patients with a poor left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) who are at risk of sudden arrhythmic death but are not eligible for an implantable defibrillator. For these patients a WCD can be an alternative to long-term hospitalisation.Purpose
To evaluate the use of WCD therapy in these patient groups in two Dutch centres.Methods
All consecutive patients treated with the WCD between 2009 and 2016 were included from two centres in the Netherlands. Data on events and compliance were collected retrospectively through home monitoring systems and adjudicated by the investigators.Results
A total of 79 patients were treated with a WCD. Common indications were newly diagnosed cardiomyopathy without optimal medical treatment in 46 patients (58.2%) and bridge to implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implant in 33 patients (41.8%). Bridge to implant indications consisted of contraindications for immediate implantation such as infections (e.?g. previous device-related infections) and radiotherapy. Compliance was over 97% per day (median 23.3?h, 22.6–23.7), during a median of 79 days (50.0–109.8.0). Two patients (2.6%) received an appropriate shock (annual rate 13.6%), there was 1 (1.3%) inappropriate shock (annual rate 6.7%). In 24 patients (52.2%) without optimal medical treatment, the LVEF was sufficiently improved and ICD implant was avoided. Eight (10.1%) patients did not receive an ICD. In 45 patients an ICD was implanted (57.0%).Conclusion
WCD therapy provides a safe and effective treatment in outpatient setting for patients at high risk for sudden cardiac death and reduces the number of ICDs implanted.9.
M. Shurrab A. Kaoutskaia A. Baranchuk C. Lau T. Singarajah I. Lashevsky D. Newman J. S. Healey E. Crystal 《Netherlands heart journal》2018,26(5):233-239
Background
The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-conditional permanent pacemakers has increased significantly. In this meta-analysis, we examine the safety of MRI-conditional pacing systems in comparison with conventional systems.Methods
An electronic search was performed using major databases, including studies that compared the outcomes of interest between patients receiving MRI-conditional pacemakers (MRI group) versus conventional pacemakers (control group).Results
Six studies (5 retrospective and 1 prospective non-randomised) involving 2,118 adult patients were identified. The MRI-conditional pacemakers, deployed in 969 patients, were all from a single manufacturer (Medtronic Pacing System with 5086 leads). The rate of pacemaker lead dislodgement (atrial and ventricular) was significantly higher in the MRI group (3% vs. 1%, OR 2.47 (95% CI 1.26; 4.83), p?=?0.008). The MRI group had a significantly higher rate of pericardial complications (2% vs. 1%, OR 4.23 (95% CI 1.18; 15.10), p?=?0.03) and a numerically higher overall complication rate in comparison with the conventional group (6% vs. 3%, OR 2.02 (95% CI 0.88; 4.66), p?=?0.10) but this was not statistically significant.Conclusions
In this meta-analysis, the rates of pacemaker lead dislodgement and pericardial complications were significantly higher with the Medtronic MRI-conditional pacing system.10.
11.
R. Pisters M. Ilhan L. F. Veenstra B. C. G. Gho M. Stein J. C. A. Hoorntje S. Rasoul 《Netherlands heart journal》2018,26(7-8):385-392
Objectives
To compare fractional flow reserve (FFR) and instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) measurements in an all-comer patient population with moderate coronary artery stenoses.Background
Visual assessment of the severity of coronary artery stenoses is often discordant in moderate lesions. FFR allows reliable functional severity assessment in these cases but requires adenosine-induced hyperaemia with associated additional time, costs and side effects. The iFR is a hyperaemia-independent index.Methods and results
Between November 2015 and February 2017, 356 consecutive patients were included in whom 515 coronary stenoses were measured using both iFR and FFR. Mean iFR and FFR were 0.90?±?0.09 and 0.86?±?0.08, respectively. iFR correlated well with FFR [r?=?0.75; p?<?0.001]. Receiver operating characteristic analysis identified an area under the curve of 0.92. An iFR-only strategy with a treatment cut-off ≤0.89 revealed a diagnostic classification agreement with the FFR-only strategy in 420 lesions (82%) with a sensitivity of 87%, a specificity of 80%, a positive predictive value of 56% and a negative predictive value of 96%.Conclusions
Real-time iFR measurements have good negative predictive value compared to FFR, but moderate diagnostic accuracy (82%). It exposes fewer patients to adenosine, reduces procedure time and costs. Further prospective trials are needed to evaluate specific clinical settings, cut-off values and endpoints.12.
Stephanie Blindenbach Jisca W. F. A. Vrancken Hans van der Zeijden Herre J. Reesink Folkert Brijker Martin Smalbrugge Elizabeth M. Wattel 《Tijdschrift voor gerontologie en geriatrie》2017,48(3):112-120
Introduction
Frail COPD patients are frequently not accepted for regular pulmonary rehabilitation programs due to low physical condition and functional limitations. Rehabilitation programs in nursing homes for geriatric patients with COPD have been developed. The effects of such programs are largely unknown.Aims
To assess the course of COPD-related hospital admissions and exercise tolerance in a cohort of frail COPD patients participating in geriatric COPD rehabilitation.Methods
Retrospective observational study with a follow up of 12 months after discharge from rehabilitation. COPD related hospital admission days were measured in the year before and after participating rehabilitation. Exercise tolerance was measured by the six minute walk test (6MWT) at admission and at discharge from rehabilitation.Results
Fifty-eight participants accomplished the rehabilitation program. Twelve patients died in the first year after discharge. The median number of hospital admission days in the year before participating rehabilitation was 21 (IQR 10–33). The first year after discharge this was decreased to a median of 6 (IQR 0–12). The 6MWT increased from 194 (SD 85) meters at admission to 274 (SD 95) meters at discharge (mean difference 80 m, SD 72; p < 0.05).Conclusions
Geriatric COPD rehabilitation in a nursing home setting seems to reduce hospital admissions in frail COPD patients and to increase exercise tolerance.13.
G. Galli K. Caliskan A. H. M. M. Balk R. van Domburg O. Birim J. Salerno-Uriarte O. C. Manintveld A. A. Constantinescu 《Netherlands heart journal》2016,24(12):748-757
Background
Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a multifactorial disease and a major cause of graft failure after heart transplantation. However, the impact of CAV may vary according to the definition and the regional differences in transplantation settings.Objectives
We sought to assess CAV prevalence, predictors and prognosis in Dutch heart transplant recipients based on coronary angiography, following the 2010 standard nomenclature of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation.Methods
Patients ≥18 years who underwent heart transplantation at our centre with at least one coronary angiography during follow-up were included in the analysis. Clinical variables were collected prospectively.Results
Among 495 analysed recipients, there were 238 (48?%) with CAV. The prevalence of CAV was 18, 47 and 70?% at 4, 12 and 20 years, respectively. In the multivariable proportional hazards regression analysis, only male donor gender and increasing donor age were significantly associated with the risk of CAV. The long-term prognosis of the patients with CAV at fourth-year angiography was significantly worse as compared with that of CAV-free patients, independently of the severity of CAV (p < 0.001).Conclusion
The prevalence of CAV increased gradually over time, with a similar trend as in other registries. Post-transplant survival is decreased in patients with any degree of early CAV, indicating that management strategies should start with donor selection and preventive measures immediately after transplantation.14.
Greet Leysens Ellen Vlaeyen Deborah Vanaken Elise Janssens Eddy Dejaeger Dirk Cambier Evelien Gielen Stefan Goemaere Olivia Vandeput Koen Milisen 《Tijdschrift voor gerontologie en geriatrie》2017,48(3):121-133
Objectives
Falls in community-dwelling older persons occur frequently. The consequences emphasize the need to screen systematically for an increased fall risk and a targeted multifactorial and multidisciplinary approach. This study describes the extent to which fall prevention strategies are applied by primary healthcare workers in Flanders. Insight in barriers is provided.Method
An online survey was collected by the Centre of Expertise for Falls and fracture Prevention Flanders.Results
1483 respondents are included. 93% are confronted monthly with falls. 96% believe they can make a positive contribution to fall prevention. At least once a year, respondents inquire about falls (62%) and screen for gait/balance problems (84%). A multifactorial assessment is performed in case of a recent fall (95%) or an increased fall risk (76%). Most frequently respondents give advice on safe environment/behaviour (93%), walking aid (91%), personal alarm system (89%) and footwear (85%). Unmotivated older persons (75%) who ignore their fall risk (85%), insufficient time (60%), financial compensation (54%), staff (50%), communication (31%) and knowledge (23%) are important barriers.Conclusions
Although respondents are aware of the importance of fall prevention, these results reveal a necessity of sufficient knowledge, structured multidisciplinary cooperation and a clear policy. Raising awareness of older persons remains crucial.15.
Objectives
Renal sympathetic denervation has been studied as a potential therapeutic option for patients with therapy-resistant hypertension; however, a significant proportion of patients do not show a significant reduction in blood pressure and are classified as non-responders. The objective of the present study was to assess whether a redo renal denervation procedure increases response rates.Methods
We present a case series of three consecutive renal denervation non-responders treated with the multi-electrode radiofrequency St. Jude EnligHTN catheter after an average of 22 months. Patients were followed for 6 months.Results
Mean age was 66 years and two patients were male. Patients were previously treated using either ReCor’s Paradise system, the Vessix V2 system or the Covidien OneShot system. Mean office blood pressure one year after the initial procedure was 187/102?mm?Hg with a mean 24?h ambulatory blood pressure of 166/102?mm?Hg. All patients underwent a successful redo procedure using the EnligHTN system because of persistent therapy-resistant hypertension. At 6 months a significant drop in both office and ambulatory blood pressure of ?27/?6?mm?Hg and ?15/?13?mm?Hg, respectively, was observed. No significant renal artery stenosis was observed at 6 months.Conclusions
In patients with therapy-resistant hypertension who do not respond to an initial renal denervation procedure, a redo procedure using the St. Jude EnligHTN system may help to significantly improve blood pressure control.16.
G. D’Ancona M. Dißmann H. Heinze D. Zohlnhöfer-Momm H. Ince S. Kische 《Netherlands heart journal》2018,26(7-8):401-408
Objectives
To report our experience with the recently introduced 34?mm Evolut transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) prosthesis.Background
A larger TAVR prosthesis has become available for the treatment of aortic stenosis (AVS) in larger native aortic annuli (up to 30?mm). Outcomes with this new device are still unreported.Results
The first 25 transfemoral TAVRs performed by our team with the self-expandable 34?mm Evolut are presented. The majority of patients were male (84%) with a mean age of 81.3?±?5.6 years, a median logistic euro-SCORE of 14.7 (5.4-61.0), and a computed tomography measured mean perimeter-derived aortic annulus diameter of 27.1?±?1.4?mm (min. 25.0–max. 31.2?mm). We implanted one 34?mm Evolut in all patients. Median operative time and radiation time were 68.5 and 12.4?min respectively. To optimise final valve position and haemodynamic performance, at least one complete re-sheathing and re-positioning of the same valve was reported in 33.2%. New permanent pacemaker implantation (PPMI) was necessary in 28.5%. At Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis, a minimal diameter of the left ventricular outflow tract <21.9?mm was a significant predictor for PPMI (specificity 82%; sensitivity 83%; p?=?0.005; Area Under the Curve (AUC)?=?0.9). Length of stay in hospital was 9.2?±?5.8 days and no in-hospital death was reported. At discharge, grade 1?+?para-valvular regurgitation was present in 32%, and no regurgitation in the remaining patients. Device success and early safety were 100% and 92% respectively.Conclusions
TAVR with the 34?mm Evolut prosthesis has shown satisfactory acute outcomes. Although results are consistent with those observed with smaller Evolut prostheses, a trend for a higher PPMI rate has been noticed and could derive from a higher oversizing rate.17.
I. H. M. van der Linde Y. L. Hiemstra R. Bökenkamp A. M. van Mil M. H. Breuning C. Ruivenkamp S. W. ten Broeke R. F. Veldkamp J. I. van Waning M. A. van Slegtenhorst K. Y. van Spaendonck-Zwarts R. H. Lekanne Deprez J. C. Herkert L. Boven P. A. van der Zwaag J. D. H. Jongbloed M. Bootsma D. Q. C. M. Barge-Schaapveld 《Netherlands heart journal》2017,25(12):675-681
Background
Mutations in the myosin heavy chain 7 (MYH7) gene commonly cause cardiomyopathy but are less frequently associated with congenital heart defects.Methods
In this study, we describe a mutation in the MYH7 gene, c. 5754C > G; p. (Asn1918Lys), present in 15 probands and 65 family members.Results
Of the 80 carriers (age range 0–88 years), 46 (57.5%) had cardiomyopathy (mainly dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)) and seven (8.8%) had a congenital heart defect. Childhood onset of cardiomyopathy was present in almost 10% of carriers. However, in only a slight majority (53.7%) was the left ventricular ejection fraction reduced and almost no arrhythmias or conduction disorders were noted. Moreover, only one carrier required heart transplantation and nine (11.3%) an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. In addition, the standardised mortality ratio for MYH7 carriers was not significantly increased. Whole exome sequencing in several cases with paediatric onset of DCM and one with isolated congenital heart defects did not reveal additional known disease-causing variants. Haplotype analysis suggests that the MYH7 variant is a founder mutation, and is therefore the first Dutch founder mutation identified in the MYH7 gene. The mutation appears to have originated in the western region of the province of South Holland between 500 and 900 years ago.Conclusion
Clinically, the p. (Asn1918Lys) mutation is associated with congenital heart defects and/or cardiomyopathy at young age but with a relatively benign course.18.
Background
Adverse events from Melody valve implantation may be catastrophic. To date a role for three dimensional rotational angiography of the aortic root (3DRAA) during Melody valve implantation has not been established.Objectives
To describe the role of 3DRAA in the assessment of Melody valve candidacy and to demonstrate that it may improve outcomes.Methods
All patients who underwent cardiac catheterisation for Melody valve implantation and 3DRAA between August 2013 and February 2015 were reviewed.Results
31 patients had 3DRAA with balloon sizing. Ten were deemed not Melody candidates (5 coronary compression, 2 aortic root distortion with cusp flattening, 2 RVOT was too large, and 1 had complex branch stenosis and a short landing zone). Of the 21 patients who were Melody candidates, 12 had conduits, 6 prosthetic valves and 3 native RVOTs. In patients with conduits, the technique of stenting the conduit prior to dilation was used after measuring the distance between the conduit and the coronary arteries on 3DRAA. In the Melody patients, we had 100% procedural success and no serious adverse events (coronary compression, tears, stent fracture or endocarditis).Conclusion
As a tool for case selection, 3DRAA may facilitate higher procedural success and decreased risk of serious adverse events. Furthermore, 3D rotational angiography allows stenting of the conduit prior to dilation, which may prevent tears and possibly endocarditis.19.
A. M. M. Strijbosch R. Zwart N. A. Blom B. J. Bouma M. Groenink S. M. Boekholdt R. de Winter B. J. M. Mulder A. P. Backx 《Netherlands heart journal》2016,24(11):682-690
Introduction
Adolescents with congenital heart disease transition from a paediatric to an adult setting. This is associated with loss-to-follow-up and suboptimal care. Increasing numbers of patients justify a special program. In this study we evaluated the cooperative program between paediatric and adult cardiology departments in a tertiary referral centre.Methods
In this retrospective study, patients with congenital heart disease with at least one appointment scheduled at the transition program between January 2010 and January 2015 were included. They were seen by a paediatric cardiologist at the age of 15 years in the paediatric department and from age 18 to 25 in the adult department. Demographic and medical data were collected from the electronic patient files.Results
A total of 193 patients (105 males, 88 females) were identified. Sex distribution was almost equal. Most patients were 18–21 years of age. The largest group, 128 patients (67?%), lived within 50 kilometres of our hospital. Paediatric cardiologists referred 157 (81?%) of patients. General practitioners and cardiologists from outside our centre were important referrers for patients lost to follow-up, together accounting for 9?%. A total of 34 (18?%) patients missed an appointment without notification. Repeat offenders, 16 of 34 patients, formed a significant minority within this group. A total of 114 (59?%) patients were attending school, 46 (24?%) were employed, and 33 (17?%) patients were inactive. Activities are in line with capabilities. A nurse practitioner was involved with the 7?% with complex and psychosocial problems. Moderately severe congenital heart defects formed the largest patient category of 102 (53?%) patients. In 3?% of patients the diagnosis had to be revised or was significantly incomplete. In 30 (16?%) patients, cardiac diagnosis was part of a syndrome. Of the 193 patients, 117 (92?%) were in NYHA class I, with 12 (6?%) and 4 (2?%) patients falling into classes II and III, respectively.Conclusions
A viable transition program can be built by collaboration between paediatric and adult cardiology departments with the same treating physician taking care of patients between 15 and 25 years of age. General practitioners are important in returning lost-to-follow-up patients to specialised care. Nurse practitioners are essential in the care for patients with complex congenital heart disease.20.