Transition to Adult Congenital Heart Disease Care: A Review.

The population of adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) has grown due to recent advances in surgical procedures. The survival rate to adulthood is now more than 95%. This review identifies current recommendations and status of ACHD management and treatment in the United States by examining comprehensive guidelines for management and transition and comparing them to the current state of the science. Successful transition from pediatric to adult care begins during the adolescent years, and prepares patients for management at an ACHD regional center utilizing multidisciplinary teams of ACHD specialists. Advocacy and research needs for the ACHD population persist.