Does delayed correction interfere with pulmonary functions and exercise tolerance in patients with tetralogy of fallot?
STUDY OBJECTIVES: To assess exercise tolerance and determine the distinct role of cardiac, respiratory, or peripheral factors on it after delayed surgical repair in patients with tetralogy of Fallot. DESIGN: The aerobic exercise capacity of 15 adult patients (mean [+/- SD] age, 21 +/- 6; age range, 9 to 30 years) undergoing successful total correction at a mean age of 12 +/- 5 years (patients) was compared to healthy, matched control subjects by using right ventricle echocardiography, resting spirometry, and cardiopulmonary exercise tests at a mean postoperative time of 7.5 +/- 4.6 years. SETTING: Tertiary care referral centers. PATIENTS: Fifteen adult patients (mean age, 21 +/- 6 years; age range, 9 to 30 years) undergoing successful total correction at a mean age of 12 +/- 5 (patients) and 15 healthy, matched volunteers (control subjects). RESULTS: There was evidence for a slight right ventricular diastolic dysfunction in the patients. Mean FVC (88 +/- 9% vs 109 +/- 12% predicted, re
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