Long term somatic growth after repair of tetralogy of Fallot: Evidence for restoration of genetic growth potential

Abstract

Objective: To compare actual with predicted long term growth after early repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Design: Serial preoperative and postoperative anthropometric data were converted with z scores. The presence of restrictive physiology was assessed by echocardiography. Patients: 45 otherwise healthy patients who underwent repair at median age 1.6 years (range 0.2-4.9) were studied. Predicted height was determined from mid-parental height corrected for sex. Results: Mean (SD) weight and height z scores at the time of surgery were significantly depressed (-1.04 (0.82) and -0.93 (0.95), respectively; p < 0.0001 for both). At latest follow up at a median age of 14.2 years (range 11-20.5..