Open Access

REVIEW

Challenges in the Transition and Transfer of Young Adults with Congenital Heart Disease in Latin America and the Caribbean: The “Timeliness Principle”

John J. Araujo^1,2,*

1 Department of Pediatric and Adult Congenital Heart Disease, Somer Incare Cardiovascular Center & Somer Clinic, Rionegro-Antioquia, 054040, Colombia
2 Adult Congenital Heart Disease, National Autonomous University of Mexico, National Institute of Cardiology “Ignacio Chavez”, CDMX, 14080, Mexico

* Corresponding Author: John J. Araujo. Email:

Congenital Heart Disease 2025, 20(1), 61-75. https://doi.org/10.32604/chd.2025.062927

Received 31 December 2024; Accepted 21 February 2025; Issue published 18 March 2025

Abstract

Today, more than 90% of children who are born with congenital heart disease survive and reach adulthood, especially in developed countries. Consequently, the population of adults with congenital heart disease has increased significantly over the last few decades. In Latin America and the Caribbean countries, this same scenario is occurring at an accelerated pace. Loss to follow-up is a global problem in adults with congenital heart disease, ranging from 30–60%. In Latin America and Caribbean countries, it is estimated that less than 10% of adults with congenital heart disease are being followed. The small number of specialists and adult congenital heart disease specialized centers, as well as virtually nonexistent transition and transfer programs, are some of the reasons for this. This article is a narrative review of the current status of the transition and transfer of young adults with congenital heart disease, with a special focus on Latin America and Caribbean countries. It describes the general concepts of transition and transfer, analyzes barriers and, finally, presents specialized care alternatives that would reduce losses and improve this population’s care.

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Keywords

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