RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Generalised muscle weakness in young adults with congenital heart disease JF Heart JO Heart FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Cardiovascular Society SP 1164 OP 1168 DO 10.1136/hrt.2010.213579 VO 97 IS 14 A1 Matthias Greutmann A1 Thao Lan Le A1 Daniel Tobler A1 Patric Biaggi A1 Erwin N Oechslin A1 Candice K Silversides A1 John T Granton YR 2011 UL http://heart.bmj.com/content/97/14/1164.abstract AB Background In patients with heart failure from acquired cardiomyopathy, respiratory and skeletal muscle weakness is common and is an independent predictor for adverse events. Despite a different underlying pathology, many young adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) develop a syndrome comparable to heart failure from acquired cardiomyopathy and may be at risk for a similar skeletal muscle weakness.Objectives To assess respiratory and skeletal muscle strength in adults with complex CHD.Methods Respiratory and skeletal muscle function was assessed in 51 adults; 41 with complex CHD (16 tetralogy of Fallot, 11 univentricular anatomy with Fontan operation and 14 with subaortic right ventricles) and 10 controls. Maximal inspiratory (MIPs) and expiratory (MEPs) pressures, handgrip strength, lung volumes and aerobic capacity (peak VO2) were measured.Results In patients with CHD (age 34±13 years), average% predicted MIPs, MEPs and handgrip strength were lower than in controls (77±27% vs 106±28%, 85±32% vs 116±41% and 72±15% vs 93±14%, respectively, p≤0.01). There was no significant difference in muscle weakness between CHD subgroups. In 39% of patients with CHD, the handgrip strength, and in 22%, respiratory muscle strength was <70% predicted. These patients had a significantly lower peak VO2 (50±12% vs 64±14% predicted, p=0.008).Conclusion Respiratory and skeletal muscle weakness is common in young adults with complex CHD and similar to that found in older adults with advanced heart failure from acquired heart disease.