From the Research
Measuring Systemic Vascular Resistance in Fontan Circulation
Measuring systemic vascular resistance (SVR) can be helpful in patients with Fontan circulation as it provides valuable information about the hemodynamic profile of these patients.
- SVR is increased in patients with Fontan circulation, which may be due to altered endothelial function and sympathetic activity 1.
- Elevated SVR can contribute to the known increased risk of adverse events, such as death or transplantation, in adult Fontan patients 2.
- Measuring SVR can help identify patients with Fontan circulation who are at risk of developing complications, such as protein-losing enteropathy or plastic bronchitis.
Hemodynamic Changes in Fontan Circulation
Hemodynamic changes in Fontan circulation can be complex and multifactorial.
- Patients with Fontan circulation have altered vascular tone, which may affect the normal cardiovascular response to food ingestion 3.
- The role of pulmonary vascular resistance, collateral flow, and ventricular function in patients with Fontan circulation is not fully understood, but measuring SVR can provide insights into these mechanisms 4.
- Measuring SVR can also help evaluate the effectiveness of treatments, such as endovascular treatment, in reducing SVR and improving outcomes in patients with Fontan circulation 5.
Clinical Implications
Measuring SVR in patients with Fontan circulation has important clinical implications.
- It can help guide management decisions, such as the use of vasodilators or other therapies to reduce SVR and improve outcomes.
- Measuring SVR can also help identify patients who are at risk of developing complications and may benefit from closer monitoring or more aggressive treatment.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the role of SVR in Fontan circulation and to develop effective strategies for reducing SVR and improving outcomes in these patients 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.