Key result
Pregnancy in Fontan patients is a complex issue requiring careful consideration, given background long-term survival estimates of approximately 70% at 10 years and 60-63% at 15 years.
Pregnancy in patients with a Fontan circulation is a highly complex issue that requires careful consideration, challenging the oversimplified view that it is universally inadvisable.
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Challenges blanket contraindication of pregnancy in Fontan patients; leaves open need for prospective outcome data.
The Fontan operation is performed on those with highly complex congenital heart disease and has improved the survival and quality of life of such patients. Inevitably there are late complications secondary to extensive surgery and long-term survival estimates are about 70% at 10 years and 60-63% at 15 years. Pregnancy therefore requires careful prior consideration. However, the opinion that that pregnancy is not advisable for the Fontan patient is somewhat contentious and maybe an oversimplification of what is a highly emotive and complex issue.
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Fiona Walker (2006) conducted an editorial in Fontan circulation. Pregnancy was evaluated. Pregnancy in Fontan patients is a complex issue requiring careful consideration, given background long-term survival estimates of approximately 70% at 10 years and 60-63% at 15 years.
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