Hepatic and renal end-organ damage in the Fontan circulation: A report from the Australian and New Zealand Fontan Registry.
International journal of cardiology
Wilson TG, d'Udekem Y, Winlaw DS, Cordina RL, Celermajer DS, Wheaton GR, Bullock A, Gentles TL, Weintraub RG, Justo RN, Grigg LE, Radford DJ, Hardikar W, Cheung M, Cain TM, Rao P, Alexander SI, Ayer J, Verrall C, Du Plessis K, Chapman J, Rice K, Barry J, Zannino D, Iyengar AJ
2018 Int. J. Cardiol. Volume 273 Issue None
PubMed 30060970 DOI 10.1016/j.ijcard.2018.07.118
BACKGROUND
Hepatic and renal dysfunction have been observed in survivors of the Fontan procedure, however their incidence and associated factors remain poorly defined.
METHODS
A total of 152 participants from a Registry of 1528 patients underwent abdominal ultrasound, transient elastography (FibroScan), serum fibrosis score (FibroTest), in vivo Tc-99m DTPA measurement of glomerular filtration rate (mGFR), and urine albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR).
RESULTS
Mean age and time since Fontan were 19.8 ± 9.3 and 14.1 ± 7.6 years, respectively. Features suggestive of hepatic fibrosis were observed on ultrasound in 87/143 (61%) and no patient was diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma. FibroScan median kPa was ≥10 in 117/133 (88%), ≥15 in 75/133 (56%), and ≥20 in 41/133 (31%). Fifty-four patients (54/118, 46%) had a FibroTest score ≥0.49 (equivalent to ≥F2 fibrosis). FibroTest score correlated with FibroScan value (r = 0.24, p = 0.015) and ACR (r = 0.29, p = 0.002), and patients with ultrasound features of hepatic fibrosis had a higher FibroScan median kPa (19.5 vs 15.4, p = 0.002). Renal impairment was mild (mGFR 60-89 ml/min/1.73 m2) in 46/131 (35%) and moderate (mGFR 30-59 ml/min/1.73 m2) in 3/131 (2%). Microalbuminuria was detected in 52/139 participants (37%). By multivariable analysis, time since Fontan was associated with increased FibroScan median kPa (β = 0.89, 95% CI 0.54-1.25, p = 0.002) and decreased mGFR (β = -0.77, 95% CI -1.29-0.24, p = 0.005).
CONCLUSIONS
In the second decade after Fontan hepatic and renal structure and function are abnormal in a significant number of patients: close to 60% have ultrasonographic evidence of structural hepatic abnormalities, 46% have elevated serum hepatic fibrosis scores, and 57% have either reduced glomerular filtration rate or microalbuminuria. Hepatic and renal function should be monitored for potential impacts on outcomes after Fontan completion.
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