Inside this issueCover storiesThe big questionsNew Kavli center for neuroscience research will untangle mysteries of the human brain Molecular gambleYale physiologist elected to National Academy of Sciences TrailblazerMagazine innovator celebrates 101 years with gifts for his medical school “family” PeopleLifelines: Expert on gene-swapping joined molecular biology at its very beginningsFor new deputy dean, focus is on top-notch care, service to patientsKidney researchers celebrate a banner yearUnconventional physician-filmmaker receives “genius” grantNew HHMI investigator says appointment liberates his scienceAwards & honorsScienceAnalysis of genome reveals clues to macular degenerationVaccinating wildlife suggests a new strategy in continuing battle against Lyme diseaseAdvances: Salmonella “syringe” ready for its close-up | Possible cancer inhibitor found in worm studyHealthA heart is repaired, the patient grows up: Program helps growing number of adult survivors of congenital diseaseMore integrated care for cancer patients, collaboration of scientists and clinicians are goals of proposed new YNHH buildingAdvances: New test easier for patients to swallow. | Study finds payoff in wider HIV testingPartnershipsPfizer and Yale join forces for research and educationA long, fruitful collaboration: Bristol-Myers Squibb and YaleDrive to cure blindness hits $5 millionClass of 1954 makes a lasting impact with scholarship giftGrants and contracts
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A heart is repaired, the patient grows upProgram helps growing number of adult survivors
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James Perry and Nicole Boramanand specialize in a new group of patients. |
The multidisciplinary program provides treatment for common medical problems experienced by survivors of CHD, especially arrhythmias caused by irregularities in the heart’s electrical system and heart failure, which can occur when structural or electrical abnormalities impede the heart’s ability to pump blood.
“Pediatric heart patients were often discharged based on age, but adult cardiologists are not usually trained to manage congenital heart disease. Those patients had nowhere to go,” Perry says. “Our program offers access to pediatric and adult cardiologists and other medical staff with essential expertise.”
The program also offers specialized patient education. “Our focus is on preventive maintenance,” Boramanand says. “What treatments and lifestyle adjustments can increase the length and quality of life? For instance, we emphasize that the old notion that all people with adult CHD should avoid exercise is no longer accepted.”
Those who survive congenital heart disease into adulthood also experience a full range of other health concerns, of course, from catching the flu to developing arthritis to managing pregnancy. Perry notes that the new program will help clinicians learn more about how common health problems affect this population.
Perry and Boramanand predict that vanguard programs like Yale’s will inspire future clinicians to specialize in treating adult survivors of congenital heart disease. “This is a group of patients we are just beginning to learn about,” Perry says. “But to see people with complex congenital heart defects going strong into middle age is remarkable.” 
