ProfessorDavid Celermajer

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the most common birth defects, with an incidence of 75/1000 live births internationally. Advances in surgical and medical care of CHD in children have led to growth in the number of adults living with CHD, especially those with complex heart disease. The changing epidemiology of the CHD population has created a need for improved specialty care for these patients. Professor Celermajer’s team conducts research in both clinical science and public health to help inform clinical treatment and policy concerning adults with CHD.

 

David led the development of the Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) Database at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, an essential tool in the clinical care and research of NSW’s largest ACHD population. Specifically, this has enabled research into the characterisation and management of late-stage complications in ACHD, such as pulmonary hypertension, arrhythmias, endocarditis and heart failure. Professor Celermajer’s research also investigates CHD’s impact on other systems in the body, for example, retinal vessel changes in the adults with Coarctation of the Aorta. Appropriate exercise has also been a key focus on improving the outcomes in ACHD patients, particularly in individuals living with a Fontan circulation.

 

From a public health perspective, his research group is interested in developing ‘whole-of-life’ care for patients with CHD. Previous research from his group shows that patients require continuing follow up with specialty CHD clinicians to minimise risk of late-stage complications associated with ACHD. Based on these findings, David’s group has begun to collaborate with various NSW Health districts to demonstrate a model that will provide system-wide ‘whole-of-life’ care for patients with CHD.