Long-term outcome of the child with congenital heart disease

The incidence of congenital heart disease is 6–8 per 1000 live births and has remained unchanged for many years. Congenital heart defects occur with similar frequency throughout all ethnic groups and regions of the world. It is estimated that 1600 patients requiring long-term care will enter adulthood every year in the UK – many of whom have complex disease. The majority have survived as a consequence of innovative cardiac surgery. Their management offers an insight into the surgical, medical, social and psychosocial therapies that have been introduced in recent years.