[Quality of life after surgical correction of the aorta coarctation. Retrospective analysis of a group of patients with long-term follow-up].
OBJECTIVE
To report on the long-term results after operation for coarctation of the aorta.


METHODS
One hundred and four patients were studied, divided in four groups (G1, G2, G3 and G4), according to age at operation. Data analysed: reoperation, persistent hypertension, residual lesions, left ventricular function and ability index.


RESULTS
Reoperation was frequent, mainly in G1 (60%) and G4 (29%). Resting hypertension occurred predominantly in cases operated on after the 10th year of life: 28% (G3) and 29% (G4). Exercise hypertension was found in cases operated on after the 20th year. Residual lesions were frequent: 97%, 98%, 83% and 65% (G1 to G4). Individual functional limitation was uncommon. The ability index was normal in the great majority of the patients (94%).


CONCLUSIONS
Reoperation is frequent, particularly for recoarctation and aortic stenosis. Rest and/or exercise hypertension is common and related to delayed surgery. Aortic residual lesions are frequent. Physical limitation is uncommon. Postoperative follow-up is essential in order to detect late complications, which, usually, do not limit the individual patient.
Amaral
F
F
Hospital do Coração de Ribeirão Preto/Fundação Waldemar B Pessoa, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto/USP e Royal Brompton and National Heart Hospital, Londres.
Granzotti
J A
JA
Nunes
M A
MA
Somerville
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001017:Aortic Coarctation / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies
Qualidade de vida após correção cirúrgica de coarctação da aorta. Análise retrospectiva de um grupo de pacientes seguidos a longo prazo.