Determinants of Weight Increase Throughout Various Phases of the Fontan Procedure

Overview

This study investigates the factors influencing weight changes in pediatric patients with functionally single ventricle heart disease undergoing the Fontan procedure.

Background

Functionally single ventricle hearts represent a significant subgroup of congenital heart disease, necessitating staged surgical interventions. Growth faltering is a common issue in these patients, associated with poor health outcomes and increased risk of complications. Understanding the determinants of weight gain during the Fontan pathway is crucial.

Data Highlights

No numerical data is available in the provided source material.

Key Findings

• Children with functionally single ventricle hearts often experience poor growth in early life.
• Standardized weight and height z-scores decrease sharply from birth to Stage 2 surgery, with weight normalizing around 10–12 years post-Fontan.
• Factors influencing growth include nutritional management, timing of surgical procedures, and resolution of complications.
• Growth faltering is linked to inadequate intake, malabsorption, and increased metabolic demands.
• Aggressive nutritional supplementation can improve growth, but its impact on long-term outcomes is not clearly established.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should monitor growth closely in pediatric patients with functionally single ventricle hearts and consider aggressive nutritional strategies. Understanding the timing of surgical interventions may also help optimize growth outcomes.

Conclusion

The study underscores the need for targeted interventions to support weight gain in children undergoing the Fontan procedure, which may improve their overall health trajectory.

Related Resources & Content

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5. 2025 ACC/AHA/HRS/ISACHD/SCAI Guideline for the Management of Adults With Congenital Heart Disease - Professional Heart Daily | American Heart Association
6. Improving the growth of infants with congenital heart disease using a consensus-based nutritional Pathway-A follow up study
7. Somatic growth in single ventricle patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis - PMC
8. 2025 ACC/AHA/HRS/ISACHD/SCAI Guideline for the Management of Adults With Congenital Heart Disease - Professional Heart Daily | American Heart Association
9. Improving the growth of infants with congenital heart disease using a consensus-based nutritional Pathway-A follow up study
10. Somatic growth in single ventricle patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis - PMC