Renal Dysfunction is Common Among Adults After Palliation for Previous Tetralogy of Fallot

Long-term survival after tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair is excellent. However, little is published regarding late noncardiac complications. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for renal dysfunction among adults after TOF repair. For this study, 56 adult patients with complete repair of TOF were identified, and their charts were retrospectively reviewed. An estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) for each patient was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula (MDRD). Using each patient’s eGFR, he or she was classified into stages based on the National Kidney Foundation chronic kidney disease (CKD) staging. Clinical parameters were compared among patients with and those without renal dysfunction to identify risk factors for renal impairment. The median estimated eGFR rate for the cohort was 78 ml/min/1.73 m². Based on the National Kidney Foundation CKD staging system, 54 % of the patients had at least stage 2 chronic renal disease. The risk factors identified were hypertension (p < 0.01), type 2 diabetes mellitus (p < 0.05), longer follow-up evaluation (p < 0.005), older age at complete repair (p < 0.05), and use of daily diuretics (p < 0.05). After repair of TOF, renal dysfunction is common at late follow-up evaluation. The study findings show the importance of routine assessment of renal function and the need to limit or avoid future episodes of acute kidney injury in this at-risk population.