Congenital heart disease: continuity of care from childhood to adulthood

Congenital heart disease refers to malformations of the heart that are present from birth. Each year, around 1 in 100 children in Belgium is born with a congenital heart defect – more than 1,000 new cases annually. Thanks to medical progress, the majority of these children now reach adulthood. But this success brings a new challenge: ensuring a smooth and safe transition from paediatric to adult care.

“The transition from paediatric to adult cardiology is a key moment in the lives of patients with congenital heart disease. Without appropriate follow-up, the risk of complications or late diagnosis of cardiovascular problems increases significantly in adulthood,” stresses Dr Hugues Dessy, Head of Paediatric Cardiology at the Queen Fabiola University Children’s Hospital (HUDERF).

To address this, the H.U.B. offers a coordinated care pathway bringing together paediatric and adult cardiologists, surgeons, geneticists, psychologists, physiotherapists and specialised nurse coordinators. This integrated approach ensures not only state-of-the-art medical follow-up, but also psychological and social support for patients and their families.

“The Cardiology Department has extensive expertise, enabling us to support patients and their families from the prenatal period right through to adulthood, thanks to a multidisciplinary approach,” adds Professor Antoine Bondue, Head of Cardiology at the H.U.B. and Chair of the Scientific Committee of the Belgian Cardiological League.

Beyond the medical dimension, a successful transition to adult care is essential for enabling young patients to continue their studies, pursue their careers and achieve their personal goals with confidence.

To find out more about congenital heart disease and the care offered at the Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (paediatric and adult), click here.
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