Impact of COVID-19 in adult patients with congenital heart disease

Abstract

Abstract Background COVID-19 is responsible for a worldwide pandemic, causing more than 13 000 deaths to date in Portugal. Data already exists regarding the increased risk of adverse events in patients with cardiovascular diseases, however the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients (P) with congenital heart disease (CHD) is still under investigation. Aims To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 in adult patients with congenital heart disease in our tertiary centre Methods Adult patients seen at the CHD outpatient's clinic at a tertiary centre, who became infected with SARS-CoV-2 infection up to February 2021 were included. Assessment of patients' symptoms, need for hospitalization and admission in an intensive care unit was assessed based on medical records. Results We identified 36 patients (pts) with COVID-19 infection. Symptoms were present in 31 (86%). The median age was 39 (32–49) years, 58% were females. Seven P (19%) had complex cyanotic disease; three (8%) Tetralogy of Fallot; three (8%) transposition of great arteries (one after Senning procedure and 2 after arterial switch); six (14%) right ventricle obstacle; two (8%) atrioventricular canal defect; four (11%) atrial septal defect; five (14%) ventricular septal defect; five (14%) aortic coarctation; two aortopathies (one submitted do David procedure); one subaortic stenosis; two (6%) had Eisenmenger syndrome. The majority (61%) of P had previous surgery and 58% were at New York Heart Association class of I. Mild symptoms were reported by 24 P (67%). Seven adults experienced moderate symptoms (dyspnea and hypoxia) that led to hospitalization for oxygen therapy, although none required mechanical ventilation. One death was reported. There was a significant association between the gravity of CHD and hospitalizations (p=0.012). Conclusion Our pts had mainly mild to moderate symptoms and did not appear to have a disproportionately negative outcome; the need for hospitalization was more frequent in patients with higher CHD gravity. These findings are in line with the emerging data regarding COVID-19 in CHD P, and may be in part explained by the patient's young age and functional status. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.