@Article{CHD.2020.012599,
AUTHOR = {Francisco Javier Ruperti-Repilado, Magalie Ladouceur, Pastora Gallego, Laura Dos, Joaquin Rueda Soriano, Berto Bouma, Harald Gabriel, Markus Schwerzmann, Judith Bouchardy, Daniel Tobler, Matthias Greutmann},
TITLE = {Comprehensive Long-Term Follow up of Adults with Arterial Switch Operation– European Collaboration for Prospective Outcome Research in Congenital Heart Disease (EPOCH-ASO)–Study Design and Protocols},
JOURNAL = {Structural and Congenital Heart Disease},
VOLUME = {15},
YEAR = {2020},
NUMBER = {5},
PAGES = {309--338},
URL = {http://www.techscience.com/schd/v15n5/40253},
ISSN = {3071-1738},
ABSTRACT = {<b>Background:</b> Long-term outcomes in adults with prior arterial switch
operation (ASO) have not yet been well defined. The aim of this study is to elucidate incidence and predictors of adverse cardiac outcomes in a prospectively
followed cohort of adults after their ASO. <b>Methods:</b> The comprehensive longterm follow up of adults with ASO is a project within the European collaboration
for prospective outcome research in congenital heart disease (EPOCH). It is
designed as a prospective, international multicenter cohort study. Consecutive
patients (age ≥ 16 years) with prior ASO will be included at 11 European tertiary
care centers. Participants will be followed according to a standardized protocol
following international recommendations, including standardized protocols for
imaging and for exercise testing. <b>Results:</b> Main outcome measures are all-cause
and cardiac-related mortality, rate of cardiac re-intervention, neo-aortic dissection,
myocardial infarction, stroke, infective endocarditis, sustained atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, new-onset or worsening pulmonary hypertension or heart failure.
Secondary endpoints are frequency and progression of right ventricular outflow
stenosis, neo-aortic root dilatation, neo-aortic valve regurgitation and ventricular dysfunction. The impact of demographic, anatomic (e.g., coronary artery anatomy) and functional variables on the above-mentioned outcomes, as well as quality
of life and incidence of pregnancy related complications will also be assessed.
<b>Conclusion:</b> The prospective, international, multicenter EPOCH-ASO study will
provide a better understanding of adverse outcomes and their predictors in adults
after ASO. The results of the EPOCH-ASO study may help to optimize future
care of this novel patient cohort in adult cardiology.},
DOI = {10.32604/CHD.2020.012599}
}