Background A relationship between excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and poor treatment adherence has been suspected but not confirmed. We hypothesized that medication adherence would be poorer in adults with heart failure (HF) and EDS and that cognitive status would be the mechanism of effect. Methods A sample of 280 adults with chronic HF was enrolled into a prospective cohort comparison study. We identified a cohort with EDS and a control group without EDS and further divided both groups into those with and without mild cognitive decline. Data on medication adherence was obtained at baseline, 3- and 6-months using the Basel Assessment of Adherence Scale (BAASIS). Regression analysis was used to clarify the contribution of EDS and cognition to medication adherence and to assess relationships over six months after adjusting for age, enrollment site, gender, race, functional class, depression, and premorbid intellect. Results At baseline, 62% of subjects were nonadherent to their medication regime. Nonadherence was significantly more common in those with EDS, regardless of cognitive status (p=0.035). The odds of nonadherence increased by 11% for each unit increase in EDS (AOR=1.11, 95% CI=1.05–1.19, p=0.001). In longitudinal models there was a 10% increase in the odds of nonadherence for each unit increase in EDS (p=0.008). The only cognition measure significantly associated with medication adherence was attention (p=0.047). Conclusion Adults with HF and EDS are more likely to have problems adhering to their medication regimen than those without EDS, regardless of their cognitive status. Identifying and correcting factors that interfere with sleep may improve medication adherence.

The objective of this study was to explore the current practice and attitudes of pediatric cardiologists in the United States and Europe on the transfer and transition of children with congenital heart disease (CHD). A survey among pediatric cardiology programs in the United States and Europe was undertaken. Sixty-nine centers completed and returned the 61-item questionnaire that was specifically devised for this survey. Of 69 participating centers, 74% reported that they transfer their patients to adult-focused care. When a center transfers its patients, 80% transfer them to a formalized Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program. The median age of transfer is 18 years. Comorbidities, pregnancy, and patient/family request to leave pediatric cardiology were identified as initiators for transfer. Complexity of the heart defect was relatively less important when deciding whether to transfer patients. Only one-third of the centers that transfer their patients provide a structured preparation for patients and family. Development of a formal transition program is planned at 59% of the centers that transfer patients. In conclusion, timely transfer and a structured transition process of children with CHD are not implemented in all pediatric cardiology programs. Health-care providers working in pediatric cardiology should make their transfer policies explicit and transition programs ought to be developed.

An increasingly complex group of children is now being followed as outpatients after surgery for congenital heart disease. A variety of complications and physiologic perturbations, both expected and unexpected, may present during follow-up, and should be anticipated by the practitioner and discussed with the patient and family. The purpose of this position article is to provide a framework for outpatient follow-up of complex congenital heart disease, based on a review of current literature and the experience of the authors.