Late results and quality of life after pediatric cardiac surgery in Finland: A population-based study of 6,461 patients with follow-up extending up to 45 years

This population-based study characterizes the history and progress of pediatric cardiac surgery in Finland. For the first time in the literature, all defects and procedures are included in an outcome study, reflecting the true effectiveness of operative treatment. All the patients operated on since the beginning of pediatric cardiac surgery in Finland in 1953 and through the end of 1989 were included in this population-based, long-term outcome study. The survival was defined from the Finnish Population Registry Center. The survival rates were compared with those of an age- and sex-matched general population. During the study period, 6,461 patients underwent surgery; 96% of them were traced. A questionnaire was used to study the quality of life. The 45-year survival of patients was 15% less than that of the general population. The survival and the number of necessary operations varied widely with the defect. The patients coped well with their defects when compared with the general population. The education level was similar, and the employment level was higher than expected. Patients were living in a steady relationship as often as the general population, but parenthood was less frequent than expected. The incidence of congenital heart disease among the children of the patients was 2.4%. The overall survival of children operated on for heart defects is fairly good. The patients, especially those with simpler defects, do not have increased risk of death years after successful operation. The majority of patients are feeling well, and their life situation is similar to the general population.