ES Health related quality of life in children following Fontan surgery: A Malaysian perspective
Executive Summary
Ming Chern Leong, Nurul Fazira Basran, Nor Athirah Azeman
Ming Chern Leong, Mohamed Ajmal Haj Mohamed, Nurul Fazira Basran, Nor Athirah Azeman, Putri Yubbu
Published: Progress in Pediatric Cardiology. Dec 2024;75:10757
Background
Fontan surgery is a procedure for children born with complex heart problems where only one side of the heart works. While it helps them survive, it doesn’t fix everything. These kids still face challenges that affect their everyday life, like lower energy, physical struggles, and health complications.
What Did the Study Look At?
Researchers in Malaysia studied 133 kids who had Fontan surgery at least a year ago. They asked the kids and their parents to fill out surveys about their health, emotions, and social life. The researchers compared these results to healthy kids of the same age.
Key Findings:
Quality of Life is Lower for Fontan Kids:
Kids who had Fontan surgery scored lower in almost every area (physical, emotional, and social) compared to their healthy peers.
Complications Make Things Tougher:
Kids with more health problems after surgery (like low oxygen levels or needing more medications) felt worse overall.
Age Matters:
Younger kids (ages 8-12) felt the biggest impact on their physical and emotional health. Older kids and teens seemed to cope better over time.
Parents Underestimate the Impact:
Parents generally rated their child’s quality of life lower than what the kids themselves reported, especially in areas like social and emotional well-being.