Prospective Evaluation of Renal Function in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease.

Renal dysfunction is a recognised independent prognosticator in patients with chronic heart failure. Indeed it has been suggested that the clinical impact of renal dysfunction may be greater than that of left ventricular ejection fraction per se.

The role of renal function has also been investigated in small sub-groups of patients with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) for example peri-operatively. It is not however known if renal dysfunction has the same prevalence and significance as when present to patient with acquired heart failure. The hypothesis of the study is that renal dysfunction, both overt and sub-clinical, will be commonly detected in patients with congenital heart disease. The study proposes that renal dysfunction will be associated with hospitalisation for heart failure and fluid overload and will also identify patients at an increased risk of worsening clinical status.

Comparisons: Baseline renal function (creatinine, glomerular filtration rate by equation and clearance testing), quantification of urinalysis, baseline neurohormones. Follow-up data regarding clinical endpoints including new arrhythmia, functional deterioration, and hospitalisation.