Advances in surgery and therapeutic catheterization in recent decades increased steadily life expectancy and prevalence of adult patients with congenital heart disease (ACHD). We assessed medical and psychosocial parameters of ACHD according to the complexity of the disease.

Methods .– We included from a single-center prospective observational cohort study which started in January 2013, 68 ACHD patients (40.7□13.9 years old, max 77) followed in cardiology unit from January to April 2013 who answer a questionnaire assessing daily activity and psychosocial being. Complexity of the disease was classified according to the 32nd Bethesda conference.

Results .– Cardiac malformations were simple (S) in 30 patients (44.1%), moderate (M) in 26 (38.2%) and complex (C) in 12 (17.7%). Pediatric cardiac surgery had been performed in 84.2% of M and C patients. Patients were referred for interventional catheterization ( n = 12, 17.6%), for surgery ( n = 5, 7.4%), for acute heart failure ( n = 3, 4.4%, 100% type C) or for medical follow-up. Complications [stroke ( n = 2/12), heart failure ( n = 10/12), arrhythmia ( n = 7/12), pulmonary hypertension ( n = 5/12), death ( n = 1/12)] were mainly observed in C patients ( P = 0.018). C and M patients had lower education level (respectively 14.3%, 12.5% vs. 55.7% had Baccalaureat, P = 0.019). C patients had less access to driving license ( P = 0.02). Only 1/3 of C patients had an active employment. Physical activity was lower in C patients ( P = 0.02, none activity in 87.5% but 57% had been previously contra-indicated to sport). There was no significant difference between the three groups regarding antidepressant medication (8.2%, P = 0.578), psychological follow-up (19.0%).

Conclusion .– ACHD patients with complex heart disease have reached adulthood as survivors. Their medical past has impacted their social development and professional activity. Specific attention should be paid to the schooling of children with complex congenital heart disease.