Pulmonary vasodilator therapy for patients after Fontan procedure: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: The Fontan circulation is fragile, which is easily broken down. For now, there is no consensus on the drug treatment for the prevention of failure of the Fontan circulation. METHODS: Studies comparing pulmonary vasodilator and control in Fontan patients were identified by searching the PubMed, EMBASE, Clinical Trials, and the Cochrane Library databases until March 20, 2019. The assessed variables included the change of pulmonary resistance, heart function, exercise capacity, life of quality, mortality, and serials of adverse events before and after drug administration. A random-effect/fixed-effect model was used to summarize the estimates of the mean difference (MD)/risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analysis stratified by drug was performed. RESULTS: This study will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication. CONCLUSION: This study will assess the efficacy and safety of pulmonary vasodilators for patients after Fontan procedure, and provide more evidence-based guidance in clinical practice. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42019132135.