Serial Evaluation of Lung Function Long-Term after Atrial Repair of Transposition of the Great Arteries
Abstract
Development of pulmonary functions after atrial repair of transposition of the great arteries (AR-TGA) was studied. 77 patients operated on at the age of 2.0 +/-2.4 years were studied serially 9.0 +/-2.4 and later again 16.1 +/-2.2 years after AR-TGA. The same protocol including lung volume, lung elasticity and airway patency measurements was used.
Total lung capacity increased from 93.4 +/- 12.0 to 106.0 +/- 14.0% predicted (P <0.0001). Residual volume increased from 110.7 +/- 34.3 to 123.6 +/- 40.0% predicted (P <0.03).
Non-significant decrease of lung elasticity indices was found. Mild improvement of both peripheral and central airway patency indices was proved.
In conclusion, normal mean values of lung size and airway patency indices persist without deterioration over the years.