Clinical Research Directory

Muscle Function in Patients With Single-chamber Heart

Groundbreaking cardiac surgery has significantly improved survival rates for patients with single-chamber hearts. However, despite these life-saving interventions, the long-term prognosis remains concerning, with an increased risk of heart failure, sudden cardiac death, and reduced quality of life. The absence of a chamber that pumps blood to the lungs means individuals must rely on their leg muscles to passively return blood and oxygenate the lungs. Unfortunately, studies indicate reduced muscle mass and function in these patients. The aim is to clarify the complex interplay between single-chamber circulation and muscle function, paving the way for targeted interventions such as muscle strengthening training for this unique patient group. Our hypothesis is that muscle mass and function correlate with circulatory limitations, and that muscle strengthening training could, over time, improve both muscle and circulatory function simultaneously. The first part of the project includes tests for maximal oxygen uptake, heart and circulatory function, muscle strength, muscle mass/body composition, and quality of life in adult patients (aged 16 and over) with single-chamber hearts. The study may ultimately lead to improved interventions and exercise recommendations that promote an active lifestyle and enhance health, circulation, and physical function in patients with single-chamber hearts.

Venous Compression in Fontan

The aim of this study is to investigate whether venous compression garments increase exercise stroke volume in patients with Fontan circulation. To address this aim, we will test the following hypotheses: 1. Acute and chronic external venous compression will increase exercise stroke volume in patients with Fontan circulation. 2. Patients with significant venous varicosities will have a greater response to venous compression. Participants will: * Undergo submaximal exercise testing in MRI to measure venous return and exercise stroke volume with and without the wearing of compression garments * Undergo submaximal exercise testing on a seated upright exercise ergometer with concurrent measurement of stroke volume with and without the wearing of compression garments * A subset of participants will repeat both testing visits after wearing compression garments for 2-weeks during waking hours. Participants will: * Undergo submaximal exercise testing in MRI to measure venous return and exercise stroke volume with and without the wearing of compression garments * Undergo submaximal exercise testing on a seated upright exercise ergometer with concurrent measurement of stroke volume with and without the wearing of compression garments * A subset of participants will repeat both testing visits after wearing compression garments for 2-weeks during waking hours.

IMProving DRug Dosing and Outcomes for Single VEntricle Patients With Fontan Associated Liver Disease

This is a single center, open-label, prospective, investigation to quantify the effects liver congestion and fibrosis has on hepatic drug metabolism and transport in children, adolescents, and young adults with Fontan circulation.

CAMEO-FONTAN -Dapagliflozin in the Failing Fontan Circulation

The purpose of this research is to determine whether treatment with the study drug dapagliflozin for 6 months affects pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) at rest and during exercise in adults with failing Fontan circulation.

Fontan Circulation and Reproductive Health in a National Swedish Cohort

In the Swedish registry for congenital heart defects, SWEDCON, over 230 patients with single-ventricle circulation are registered in the adult section. Congenital heart defects affect career choices, family planning, and leisure activities. Questions regarding heredity and pregnancy are common. The impact of Fontan circulation on reproductive health and fertility needs to be illuminated, and additional studies are required from both medical and psychosocial perspectives.Cognitive impairment is common among patients with congenital heart defects but is likely an overlooked cause of long-term illness. Objective To study a large national population (n=200) of adults with Fontan circulation and their potential partners regarding. * the prevalence and explanatory factors for sexual dysfunction and infertility in women and men with Fontan circulation (Study A). * the outcomes of pregnancy, choice of delivery mode, and complications in patients with Fontan circulation (Study B). * the experiences and perceptions of becoming parents among women (n=20) and men (n=20), as well as elucidate reasoning and family planning among women and men (n=20) who have not become parents (Study C). * Investigate the prevalence and explanatory factors for (Sub-study D): * Fatigue * In-depth cognitive screening to describe specific cognitive functions such as auditory memory, visuospatial memory, attention, cognitive speed, and executive functions. The aim of this research is to gain more knowledge in an area that has been relatively underexplored, thus improving care for women and men with congenital heart defects.

Impact of Therapy Using Colesevelam Treatment Reducing Bile Acids in Patients With Fontan Circulation.

This is the first pilot study proposing a novel therapeutic option treating patients with Fontan circulation (FC), a high-risk condition that has no definite treatment options available, other than heart or heart-liver transplantation. The investigator's identification of elevated BA and their association with adverse clinical - investigational features in Fontan patients are novel.