Neurodevelopmental outcome of infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome

Continuous electroencephalography (cEEG) in infants with congenital heart disease (CHD)

BACKGROUND

Neonates with congenital heart disease (CHD) undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery have increased risk of impaired neurodevelopmental outcomes secondary to brain injury. This study aims to characterize pre- and post-operative continuous EEG (cEEG) patterns to detect abnormal cerebral activity in infants with CHD and investigate whether an association exists between the degree of encephalopathy in pre- and post-operative cEEG.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study conducted between 2010 and 2018 at a tertiary hospital in Cleveland, OH included infants with CHD with cEEG monitoring, who underwent CPB surgery within first 6 months of life.

RESULTS

Study included 77 patients, of which 61% were males who were operated at median age 6 days. Pre-operatively, 69% and 87% had normal cEEG and sleep-wake cycles, respectively. Post-operatively, 80% had abnormal cEEG. Longer circulatory arrest time and CPB were associated with lack of continuity (p 0.011), excessive discontinuity (p 0.007) and prolonged inter-burst interval (IBI) duration (p value < 0.001). A significant association existed between severity of encephalopathy in immediate and 24-h post-operative period (p value < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

More than 80% of neonates with CHD have abnormal post-operative EEG. Longer circulatory arrest time and CPB were associated with lack of continuity, excessive discontinuity, and prolonged IBI duration on post-operative EEG.

IMPACT

This study shows that majority of neonates with congenital heart disease (CHD) have normal pre-operative EEG with a continuous background and normal sleep-wake cycles. Also, 80% of neonates had abnormal post-operative EEG. Longer duration of arrest time and bypass time was associated with lack of continuity, excessive discontinuity, and prolonged IBI duration during post-operative EEG monitoring. These findings will help clinicians when counseling parents in the intensive care unit, risk stratification, and long-term neurodevelopmental monitoring in these high-risk patients.

Evaluation and Management of Noncardiac Comorbidities in Children With Congenital Heart Disease

Outcomes for patients with neonatal heart disease are affected by numerous noncardiac and genetic factors. These can include neonatal concerns, such as prematurity and low birth weight, and congenital anomalies, such as airway, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary anomalies, and genetic syndromes. This section will serve as a summary of these issues and how they may affect the evaluation and management of a neonate with heart disease. These noncardiac factors are heavily influenced by conditions common to neonatologists, making a strong argument for multidisciplinary care with neonatologists, cardiologists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and cardiovascular intensivists. Through this section and this project, we aim to facilitate a comprehensive approach to the care of neonates with congenital heart disease.

Neurodevelopmental and Mental Health Outcomes in Patients With Fontan Circulation: A State-of-the-Art Review

Children, adolescents and adults living with Fontan circulation face numerous neurological and developmental challenges. As the population with complex CHD increases thanks to outstanding improvement in medical and surgical care, the long-term developmental and mental health sequelae have become a public health priority in pediatric and congenital cardiology. Many patients with a Fontan circulation experience difficulty in areas of cognition related to attention and executive functioning, visual spatial reasoning and psychosocial development. They are also at high risk for mental health morbidities, particularly anxiety disorders and depression. Several hemodynamic risk factors, beginning during the fetal period, may influence outcomes and yield to abnormal brain growth and development. Brain injury such as white matter lesions, stroke or hemorrhage can occur before, during, or after surgery. Other sociodemographic and surgical risk factors such as multiple catheterizations and surgeries and prolonged hospital stay play a detrimental role in patients' neurodevelopmental prognosis. Prevention and intervention to optimize long-term outcomes are critical in the care of this vulnerable population with complex CHD.

Validity of The Warner Initial Developmental Evaluation of Adaptive and Functional Skills (WIDEA-FS): a daily activity criterion checklist for infants and toddlers

BACKGROUND

The Warner Initial Developmental Evaluation of Adaptive and Functional Skills (WIDEA-FS) is a 50-item, criterion-specified questionnaire that assesses a child's adaptive skills in everyday context and can be used in high-risk follow-up settings to identify risk for adverse neurodevelopmental outcome. Our aim was to validate the WIDEA-FS by comparing a sample of typically developing children to children with special health needs and to compare results to the Capute Scales, which include domains of including both the Cognitive Adaptive Test (CAT) and the Clinical Linguistic and Auditory Milestone Scale (CLAMS).

METHODS

Six hundred and sixty children (typically developing and having special healthcare needs) aged 0-36 months completed the WIDEA-FS, the CAT, and the CLAMS assessments.

RESULTS

Children with special health needs scored significantly lower on the WIDEA than those with typical development. WIDEA-FS subscales were significantly associated with the CAT (WIDEA-FS self-care 0.87, social cognition 0.89) and the CLAMS (WIDEA-FS communication 0.96, social cognition 0.92) tests.

CONCLUSIONS

The WIDEA-FS has concurrent validity with the CAT and CLAMS and construct validity in that children with special health needs have significantly poorer performance on the WIDEA-FS than children with typical development.

IMPACT

The WIDEA-FS demonstrated both construct validity and concurrent validity with the Capute Scales, including the Cognitive Adaptive Test (CAT) and the Clinical Linguistic and Auditory Milestone Scale (CLAMS). This is the first study to validate the use of the WIDEA-FS in children with typical development and children with special healthcare needs. The WIDEA-FS is a quick and valid checklist that can be used to assess neurodevelopmental functioning during daily activities in typically developing children and those at risk for neurodevelopmental differences.

Developmental outcomes after early surgery for complex congenital heart disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

(1) To systematically review the literature on developmental outcomes from infancy to adolescence of children with complex congenital heart disease (CHD) who underwent early surgery; (2) to run a meta-regression analysis on the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Second Edition Mental Developmental Index and Psychomotor Developmental Index (PDI) of infants up to 24 months and IQs of preschool-aged children to adolescents; (3) to assess associations between perioperative risk factors and outcomes.

METHOD

We searched pertinent literature (January 1990 to January 2019) in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. Selection criteria included infants with complex CHD who had primary surgery within the first 9 weeks of life. Methodological quality, including risk of bias and internal validity, were assessed.

RESULTS

In total, 185 papers met the inclusion criteria; the 100 with high to moderate methodological quality were analysed in detail. Substantial heterogeneity in the group with CHD and in methodology existed. The outcome of infants with single-ventricle CHD was inferior to those with two-ventricle CHD (respectively: average scores for PDI 77 and 88; intelligence scores 92 and 98). Perioperative risk factors were inconsistently associated with developmental outcomes.

INTERPRETATION

The literature on children undergoing surgery in early infancy suggests that infants with a single ventricle are at highest risk of adverse developmental outcomes.

Ventricular and total brain volumes in infants with congenital heart disease: a longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Quantitative MRI techniques help recognize delayed brain development in fetuses with congenital heart disease (CHD). Ventriculomegaly became an early marker of brain dysmaturity.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate longitudinally the cerebral ventricular and total brain volumes (TBV) in infants with CHD compared to normal neonates: testing the fetal brain dysmaturity and following its progression post operatively.

STUDY DESIGN

Fetal and post-operative MRIs were obtained on fetuses/neonates with CHD requiring invasive intervention within the first month after birth. Volumetric measurement was done with ITK-SNAP and analyzed post-hoc.

RESULTS

Ten cases were evaluated with a significant decrease in ventricular volumes from the fetal to the post-operative neonatal timepoint (p = 0.0297). Infants with HLHS had a significant increase postoperatively in their TBV (p = 0.0396).

CONCLUSIONS

TBV increased post operatively inversely mirrored by the decrement of the ventricular volumes. This could be explained by the establishment an increase of brain blood flow after surgery.

Evaluation and Management of the Child and Adult With Fontan Circulation: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

It has been 50 years since Francis Fontan pioneered the operation that today bears his name. Initially designed for patients with tricuspid atresia, this procedure is now offered for a vast array of congenital cardiac lesions when a circulation with 2 ventricles cannot be achieved. As a result of technical advances and improvements in patient selection and perioperative management, survival has steadily increased, and it is estimated that patients operated on today may hope for a 30-year survival of >80%. Up to 70 000 patients may be alive worldwide today with Fontan circulation, and this population is expected to double in the next 20 years. In the absence of a subpulmonary ventricle, Fontan circulation is characterized by chronically elevated systemic venous pressures and decreased cardiac output. The addition of this acquired abnormal circulation to innate abnormalities associated with single-ventricle congenital heart disease exposes these patients to a variety of complications. Circulatory failure, ventricular dysfunction, atrioventricular valve regurgitation, arrhythmia, protein-losing enteropathy, and plastic bronchitis are potential complications of the Fontan circulation. Abnormalities in body composition, bone structure, and growth have been detected. Liver fibrosis and renal dysfunction are common and may progress over time. Cognitive, neuropsychological, and behavioral deficits are highly prevalent. As a testimony to the success of the current strategy of care, the proportion of adults with Fontan circulation is increasing. Healthcare providers are ill-prepared to tackle these challenges, as well as specific needs such as contraception and pregnancy in female patients. The role of therapies such as cardiovascular drugs to prevent and treat complications, heart transplantation, and mechanical circulatory support remains undetermined. There is a clear need for consensus on how best to follow up patients with Fontan circulation and to treat their complications. This American Heart Association statement summarizes the current state of knowledge on the Fontan circulation and its consequences. A proposed surveillance testing toolkit provides recommendations for a range of acceptable approaches to follow-up care for the patient with Fontan circulation. Gaps in knowledge and areas for future focus of investigation are highlighted, with the objective of laying the groundwork for creating a normal quality and duration of life for these unique individuals.

Neuropsychiatric phenotypes and a distinct constellation of ASD features in 3q29 deletion syndrome: results from the 3q29 registry

Background

The 1.6 Mb 3q29 deletion is associated with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric phenotypes, including increased risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and a 20 to 40-fold increased risk for schizophrenia. However, the phenotypic spectrum of the deletion, particularly with respect to ASD, remains poorly described.

Methods

We ascertained individuals with 3q29 deletion syndrome (3q29Del, “cases,” n = 93, 58.1% male) and typically developing controls (n = 64, 51.6% male) through the 3q29 registry (https://3q29deletion.patientcrossroads.org). Self-report of neuropsychiatric illness was evaluated for 93 cases. Subsets of participants were evaluated with the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS, n = 48 cases, 56 controls), Social Communication Questionnaire (n = 33 cases, 46 controls), Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (n = 24 cases, 35 controls), and Achenbach Behavior Checklists (n = 48 cases, 57 controls).

Results

3q29Del cases report a higher prevalence of autism diagnoses versus the general population (29.0% vs. 1.47%, p < 2.2E− 16). Notably, 3q29 deletion confers a greater influence on risk for ASD in females (OR = 41.8, p = 4.78E− 05) than in males (OR = 24.6, p = 6.06E− 09); this is aligned with the reduced male:female bias from 4:1 in the general population to 2:1 in our study sample. Although 71% of cases do not report a diagnosis of ASD, there is evidence of significant social disability (3q29Del SRS T-score = 71.8, control SRS T-score = 45.9, p = 2.16E− 13). Cases also report increased frequency of generalized anxiety disorder compared to controls (28.0% vs. 6.2%, p = 0.001), which is mirrored by elevated mean scores on the Achenbach diagnostic and statistical manual-oriented sub-scales (p < 0.001). Finally, cases show a distinct constellation of ASD features on the SRS as compared to idiopathic ASD, with substantially elevated Restricted Interests and Repetitive Behaviors, but only mild impairment in Social Motivation.

Conclusions

Our sample of 3q29Del is significantly enriched for ASD diagnosis, especially among females, and features of autism may be present even when an ASD diagnosis is not reported. Further, the constellation of ASD features in this population is distinct from idiopathic ASD, with substantially less impaired social motivation. Our study implies that ASD evaluation should be the standard of care for individuals with 3q29Del. From a research perspective, the distinct ASD subtype present in 3q29Del is an ideal entry point for expanding understanding of ASD.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13229-019-0281-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Neuro-developmental outcome in single-ventricle patients: is the Norwood procedure a risk factor?

OBJECTIVES

Complex neonatal surgery is considered a risk factor for neuro-developmental impairment in single-ventricle patients. Neuro-developmental outcome was compared between preschool-aged Fontan patients who underwent a Norwood procedure and single-ventricle patients not requiring neonatal surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.

METHODS

Verbal, performance and full-scale intelligence quotient (IQ) were evaluated with the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence. Cognitive functions were assessed with the German 'Kognitiver Entwicklungstest für das Kindergartenalter' (KET-KID). Risk factors for impaired neuro-development were evaluated.

RESULTS

Neuro-developmental assessment was completed in 95 patients (Norwood: n = 69; non-Norwood: n = 26). Median (interquartile range) IQ and KET-KID scores were in the normal range. Except for verbal KET-KID, scores did not differ between Norwood and non-Norwood patients (verbal IQ: 98 (86-105) vs 93 (85-102), P = 0.312; performance IQ: 91 (86-100) vs 96 (86-100), P = 0.932; full-scale IQ: 93 (86-101) vs 89 (84-98), P = 0.314; KET-KID verbal: 48 (17-72) vs 25 (2-54), P = 0.020; KET-KID non-verbal: 33 (18-62) vs 45 (15-54), P = 0.771; KET-KID global: 42 (14-65) vs 28 (6-63), P = 0.208). Full-scale IQ was below average (<85 points) in 14 (20%) Norwood and 9 (35%) non-Norwood cases (P = 0.181). Global KET-KID was below average (<16th percentile) in 19 (28%) and 10 (38%) patients (P = 0.326). Smaller head circumference z-score and complications before neonatal surgery were independently associated with lower scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Neuro-developmental outcome of preschool-aged Fontan patients was in the normal range. The Norwood procedure was not a risk factor for neuro-developmental impairment. Preoperative condition and patient-related factors were more important determinants than variables related to surgical palliation.

In Utero Evidence of Impaired Somatic Growth in Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

We hypothesized that fetuses with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) have impaired growth compared to expected growth for gestational age. This is a retrospective cohort study including singleton fetuses with isolated HLHS identified from a single, referral center's ultrasound database. To account for variable timing of ultrasounds, z-scores for gestational age were assigned for each biometric parameter. We identified 169 fetuses, of which 96 had more than one ultrasound. The median number of ultrasound evaluations per fetus was 2 (range 1-5). The mean gestational age at time of last ultrasound was 33.7 ± 4.3 weeks with a range of 20.4-39.6 weeks. While fetal growth restriction (11%) and microcephaly (3%) were relatively rare, mean z-scores at the time of last ultrasound for estimated fetal weight (mean difference z-score -0.20, p = 0.04) and head circumference (-0.28, p = 0.02) were lower than at the time of the initial ultrasound. Impaired somatic growth, defined as a decrement in z-score of 0.5 or more over time, was common (32%). There is a deceleration in somatic and head growth in fetuses with hypoplastic left heart syndrome that can be identified by routine ultrasound evaluation.

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome is not Associated with Worse Clinical or Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Than Other Cardiac Pathologies After the Norwood-Sano Operation

There is evidence to suggest that patients undergoing a Norwood for non-HLHS anatomy may have lower mortality than classic HLHS, but differences in neurodevelopmental outcome have not been assessed. Our objective was to compare survival and neurodevelopmental outcome during the same surgical era in a large, well-described cohort. All subjects who underwent a Norwood-Sano operation between 2005 and 2014 were included. Follow-up clinical, neurological, and developmental data were obtained from the Western Canadian Complex Pediatric Therapies Follow-up Program database. Developmental outcomes were assessed at 2 years of age using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (Bayley-III). Survival was assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Baseline characteristics, survival, and neurodevelopmental outcomes were compared between those with HLHS and those with non-HLHS anatomy (non-HLHS). The study comprised 126 infants (75 male), 87 of whom had HLHS. Five-year survival was the same for subjects with HLHS and those with non-HLHS (HLHS 71.8%, non-HLHS 76.9%; p = 0.592). Ninety-three patients underwent neurodevelopmental assessment including Bayley-III scores. The overall mean cognitive composite score was 91.5 (SD 14.6), language score was 86.6 (SD 16.7) and overall mean motor composite score was 85.8 (SD 14.5); being lower than the American normative population mean score of 100 (SD 15) for each (p-value for each comparison, <0.0001). None of the cognitive, language, or motor scores differed between those with HLHS and non-HLHS (all p > 0.05). In the generalized linear models, dominant right ventricle anatomy (present in 117 (93%) of patients) was predictive of lower language and motor scores. Comparative analysis of the HLHS and non-HLHS groups undergoing single ventricle palliation including a Norwood-Sano, during the same era, showed comparable 2-year survival and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Hippocampal damage and memory impairment in congenital cyanotic heart disease

Neonatal hypoxia can lead to hippocampal atrophy, which can lead, in turn, to memory impairment. To test the generalizability of this causal sequence, we examined a cohort of 41 children aged 8‐16, who, having received the arterial switch operation to correct for transposition of the great arteries, had sustained significant neonatal cyanosis but were otherwise neurodevelopmentally normal. As predicted, the cohort had significant bilateral reduction of hippocampal volumes relative to the volumes of 64 normal controls. They also had significant, yet selective, impairment of episodic memory as measured by standard tests of memory, despite relatively normal levels of intelligence, academic attainment, and verbal fluency. Across the cohort, degree of memory impairment was correlated with degree of hippocampal atrophy suggesting that even as early as neonatal life no other structure can fully compensate for hippocampal injury and its special role in serving episodic long term memory. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Physical and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with single-ventricle circulation

OBJECTIVE

To investigate longer-term physical and neurodevelopmental outcomes of patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) compared with other patients with functionally single-ventricle circulation surviving beyond the age of 10 years.

DESIGN

A retrospective, observational study from a UK tertiary centre for paediatric cardiology.

RESULTS

58 patients with HLHS and 44 non-HLHS patients with single-ventricle physiology were included. Subjective reduction in exercise tolerance was reported in 72% (95% CI 61% to 84%) of patients with HLHS and 45% (31% to 60%) non-HLHS patients. Compared with non-HLHS patients, educational concerns were reported more frequently in patients with HLHS, 41% (29% to 54%) vs 23% (10% to 35%), as was a diagnosis of a behaviour disorder (autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) 12% (4% to 21%) vs 0%, and referral to other specialist services 67% (55% to 79%) vs 48% (33% to 63%).

CONCLUSIONS

Within a group of young people with complex congenital heart disease, those with HLHS are likely to have worse physical, psychological and educational outcomes.

Early results of neurodevelopment following hybrid stage I for hypoplastic left heart syndrome

Motor skills and neurodevelopment in infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) who have undergone Hybrid Stage I palliation is unknown. The purpose of this study is to assess early neurodevelopment in infants with HLHS after Hybrid Stage I palliation. Developmental assessment was performed in HLHS infants who underwent Hybrid Stage I palliation at 2 and 4 months of age using the Test of Infant Motor Performance, and at 6 months of age, prior to undergoing the second staged surgery, using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd edition (Bayley-III). Results were compared to healthy control subjects and norm-referenced data. The HLHS group scored between -1 and -2 standard deviations (SD) below the mean at 2 months of age (p = 0.002), and within -1 SD of the mean, at 4 months of age (p = 0.0019), on the TIMP. Compared to the control group, composite motor skills were significantly lower at 6 months of age on the Bayley-III in the HLHS group (p = 0.0489), however, not significant for cognitive (p = 0.29) or language (p = 0.68). Percentile rank motor scores were 17 ± 20 % in the HLHS group compared to 85 ± 12 % for the healthy age-matched control group. Infants with HLHS who undergo Hybrid Stage I palliation score lower on standardized motor skill tests compared to healthy age-matched controls and the norm-referenced population. This suggests that infants with HLHS have poorer motor skill performance than typically developing infants at 6 months of age.

Contribution of congenital heart disease to neuropsychiatric outcome in school-age children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

Children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) present with congenital heart disease (CHD) and high prevalence of psychiatric disorders and neurocognitive deficits. Although CHD has been implicated in neurodevelopment, its role in the neuropsychiatric outcome in 22q11DS is poorly understood. We investigated whether CHD contributes to the high prevalence of psychiatric disorders and neurocognitive impairments in 22q11DS. Fifty-four children ages 8-14 years with 22q11DS and 16 age-matched non-deleted children with CHD participated. They were assessed using semi-structured interviews and a Computerized Neurocognitive Battery. CHD status was assessed using available medical records. Prevalence of psychiatric disorders and cognitive profiles were compared among the groups. There were no significant differences between the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in the 22q11DS with and without CHD. In 22q11DS with CHD, the prevalence rates were 41% anxiety disorders, 37% ADHD and 71% psychosis spectrum. In 22q11DS without CHD, the rates were 33% anxiety disorders, 41% ADHD and 64% psychosis spectrum. In comparison, the non-deleted CHD group had lower rates of psychopathology (25% anxiety disorders, 6% ADHD, and 13% psychosis spectrum). Similarly, the 22q11DS groups, regardless of CHD status, had significantly greater neurocognitive deficits across multiple domains, compared to the CHD-only group. We conclude that CHD in this sample of children with 22q11.2DS does not have a major impact on the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and is not associated with increased neurocognitive deficits. These findings suggest that the 22q11.2 deletion status itself may confer significant neuropsychiatric vulnerability in this population.

Foetal aortic valvuloplasty: experience of five cases

OBJECTIVES

Foetal aortic valvuloplasty has been proposed as a strategy to improve left heart growth and function in foetuses with severe aortic stenosis at risk of progression to hypoplastic left heart syndrome. We report our experience with this intervention.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Between 2005 and 2010, five foetuses with aortic stenosis and at risk of progression to hypoplastic left heart syndrome underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous foetal aortic valvuloplasty. There were no associated maternal complications or foetal demise. In one case, the pregnancy was terminated a couple of weeks after the intervention, one foetus evolved to hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and three did not.

CONCLUSIONS

Foetal aortic valvuloplasty seems to be a safe and feasible procedure. It has been reported that it has the potential to prevent progression to hypoplastic left heart syndrome in selected foetuses with severe aortic stenosis. Further investigation regarding physiological and clinical aspects of this disease both prenatally and postnatally will probably allow to improve therapeutic strategies and clinical outcome.

Should clinicians advise terminating a pregnancy following the diagnosis of a serious fetal cardiac abnormality?

An 18-year-old single mother presented for counseling following the diagnosis of a hypoplastic left heart syndrome in the fetus. Despite being encouraged by her family members to terminate the pregnancy, the clinicians involved endeavored to provide information in a non-directive manner in accordance with widely accepted norms for antenatal counseling. Following the consultation, however, the clinicians wondered whether they should have provided more directive advice. In this report, we review the ethics of counseling following the diagnosis of a severe fetal cardiac abnormality. We assess the general and specific arguments in favor of providing directive advice, at least in some circumstances. There may be legitimate concerns about harms to the fetus, to the mother, or to the wider community from continuing a pregnancy. While these arguments yield rare exceptions to the generally accepted practice that antenatal counseling should not be directive, they may still not apply to the more severe forms of congenital cardiac abnormalities.

Neurodevelopmental burden at age 5 years in patients with univentricular heart

BACKGROUND

Despite increasing survival, patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and other forms of functionally univentricular heart defects (UVHs) remain at increased risk of long-term neurodevelopmental deficits.

METHODS

A nationwide sample of 23 patients with HLHS, 13 with UVH, and 40 controls were followed prospectively until the age of 5 years, when neurologic, neuropsychological, and motor examinations and brain MRI were performed.

RESULTS

The median full-scale IQ was significantly lower in patients with HLHS (97, P < .001) and patients with UVH (112, P = .024) compared with controls (121). Major neurodevelopmental impairment was found in 26% of the patients with HLHS and 23% of those with UVH, and minor neurologic dysfunction was found in 43% and 46%, respectively. MRI revealed abnormalities, mostly ischemic changes of different degrees, in 82% of the patients with HLHS and in 56% of those with UVH. Prominent changes were significantly associated with neurodevelopmental findings and parental reports of adaptive behavior. In linear regression, significant risk factors for a worse outcome were a history of clinical seizures in connection with the primary operation, a lower diameter of the neonatal ascending aorta, and several pre-, peri-, and postoperative factors related to the primary and bidirectional Glenn operations.

CONCLUSIONS

Although median cognitive performance was within the normal range, neurodevelopmental and brain MRI abnormalities were found in the majority of the patients with UVH, and especially in those with HLHS, at preschool age. Both a narrowed ascending aorta and operation-related factors contributed to these findings.

Neurodevelopment and quality of life for children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome: current knowns and unknowns

The aim of this review is to describe the current state of knowledge related to neurodevelopmental outcomes and quality of life for children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and to explore future questions to be answered for this group of children.

Neurocognitive development and behavioral outcome of 2-year-old children with univentricular heart

Recent advances in the treatment of children with severe congenital heart defects, such as hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and other forms of univentricular heart (UVH), have significantly improved their survival rates. However, these children are at risk for various neurodevelopmental deficits. The aim of the present study was to assess cognitive development, expressive language, and behavior in 30-month-old children with univentricular heart. The participants were 22 children with HLHS, 14 with UVH, and 41 healthy control subjects. The Bayley Scales of Infant Development II, MacArthur Communicative Development Inventories, and Child Behavior Checklist were used for assessments. The results revealed that children with HLHS exhibited a significantly lower mean mental development index, more delays in expressive language functions, and more behavioral problems than did the control children. Two children with HLHS (9%) had mental development indexes below 50, indicating significantly delayed performance. The children with UVH differed from the control children with respect to their lower mean mental development index. These findings suggest that at the age of 30 months, neurodevelopmental deficits are especially prevalent in children with HLHS. Thus, early developmental screening, intervention, and neuropsychological follow-up until school age is recommended particularly for the children with HLHS.

Functional outcomes after neonatal open cardiac surgery: comparison of survivors of the Norwood staged procedure and the arterial switch operation

BACKGROUND

Improvements in long-term survival of children undergoing the Norwood staged procedure and the arterial switch operation have resulted in the need to prepare these at-risk children for each stage of their developmental trajectory, including school readiness. This study describes and compares functional outcomes following the Norwood staged procedure and arterial switch operations.

METHODS

This prospective inception cohort study comprised a sample of 73 children (71% boys) who had the Norwood staged procedure (n = 28) or the arterial switch operation (n = 45) at the age of 6 weeks or younger at the Stollery Children’s Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, between 2002 and 2005. We excluded children who had chromosomal abnormalities or cerebral palsy. When children were 18-24 months of age, parents completed the Adaptive Behavioral Assessment System II. Standard scores for the domains are mean 100, standard deviation (15); skill area scaled scores, 10 (3). Student’s t-test with Bonferonni correction was used to compare groups.

RESULTS

This population has greater than four times the number of children delayed on the General Adaptive Composite than the normative group. Functional outcomes were similar in the two groups other than those of home living (Norwood: 8.8 (2.8) compared with arterial switch: 11.2 (3.1), t = 3.389, p = 0.001) and self-care (Norwood: 5.9 (3.5) versus arterial switch: 8.1 (2.6), t = 3.140, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

These survivors are at increased risk for delayed functional abilities. Self-care, necessary for independence and confidence as children reach school age, was particularly low in the Norwood group. Reasons for low self-care abilities require further study.

A systematic review of motor and cognitive outcomes after early surgery for congenital heart disease

CONTEXT

Brain injury is the most common long-term complication of congenital heart disease requiring surgery during infancy. It is clear that the youngest patients undergoing cardiac surgery, primarily neonates and young infants, are at the greatest risk for brain injury. Developmental anomalies sustained early in life have lifelong repercussions.

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a systematic review to examine longitudinal studies of cognitive and/or motor outcome after cardiac surgery during early infancy.

METHODS

Electronic searches were performed in Medline, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (Cinahl), and Embase (1998-2008). The search strategy yielded 327 articles, of which 65 were reviewed. Eight cohorts provided prospective data regarding the cognitive and/or motor outcome of infants who had undergone surgery for congenital heart disease before 6 months of age. Two authors, Ms Snookes and Dr Gunn, independently extracted data and presented results according to 3 subgroups for age of follow-up: early development (1 to <3 years); preschool age (3-5 years); and school age (>5 to 17 years). Weighted analysis was undertaken to pool the results of studies when appropriate.

RESULTS

All of the identified studies reported results of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development for children younger than the age of 3. Outcome data as reported by the Bayley Scales were combined for infants assessed at 1 year of age, revealing a weighted mean Mental Development Index of 90.3 (95% confidence interval: 88.9-91.6) and Psychomotor Development Index of 78.1 (95% confidence interval: 76.4-79.7). Additional analysis was limited by a lack of data at preschool and school age.

CONCLUSIONS

With this review we identified a limited number of prospective studies that systematically addressed outcome in patients at the highest risk. These studies consistently revealed cognitive and motor delay in children after cardiac surgery during early infancy. Additional investigation is required to ascertain the consequences of such impairment during later childhood and into adult life.

Congenital heart disease and brain development

Brain and heart development occur simultaneously in the human fetus. Given the depth and complexity of these shared morphogenetic programs, it is perhaps not surprising that disruption of organogenesis in one organ will impact the development of the other. Newborns with congenital heart disease show a high frequency of acquired focal brain injury on sensitive magnetic resonance imaging studies in the perioperative period. The surprisingly high incidence of white matter injury in these term newborns suggests a unique vulnerability and may be related to a delay in brain development. These abnormalities in brain development identified with MRI in newborns with congenital heart disease might reflect abnormalities in cerebral blood flow while in utero. A complete understanding of the mechanisms of white matter injury in the term newborn with congenital heart disease will require further investigation of the timing, extent, and causes of delayed fetal brain development in the presence of congenital heart disease.

Is "treat your child normally" helpful advice for parents of survivors of treatment of hypoplastic left heart syndrome?

BACKGROUND

Developing technology affords children with complex congenitally malformed hearts a chance for survival. Parents gratefully pursue life-saving options on behalf of their children, despite the risks to the life of their child, and uncertainty about outcomes. Little is known about how mothers and fathers experience parenting a child whose new state as a survivor may include less than optimal developmental sequels.

METHOD

Our study involved multiple interactive interviews with 9 mothers and 7 fathers of infants and preschool children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who had survived the Norwood surgical approach. Qualitative methodology included grounded theory methods of simultaneous collection and analysis of data, and we used open and selective coding of transcribed interviews.

RESULTS

Parents used normalization in the context of uncertainty regarding the ongoing survival of their child. Parents described their underweight children as being on their own growth curve, and viewed their developmental progress, however delayed, as reason for celebration, as they had been prepared for their child to die.

CONCLUSION

There is growing evidence that children with congenitally malformed hearts who require surgical intervention during the first year of life may experience developmental delay. The use of normalization by their parents may be effective in decreasing their worry regarding the uncertain future faced by their child, but may negatively affect the developmental progress of the child if they do not seek resources to assist development. Advice from paediatric specialists for parents to view their children as normal needs to be balanced with assistance for parents to access services to support optimal growth and development of their child.

Preventing brain injury in newborns with congenital heart disease: brain imaging and innovative trial designs

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Newborns with congenital heart disease are at high risk for brain injury and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. MRI enables the objective determination of the severity of brain injury in critically ill newborns with congenital heart disease. We will rationalize the use of MRI as a surrogate for neurodevelopmental outcome and describe novel randomization techniques that can be used in trials in this population.

METHODS

This article describes the evidence for the use of MRI and the link with neurodevelopmental outcome established in newborns. We also discuss the use of adaptive randomization techniques for future clinical trials in newborns with congenital heart disease. These strategies will be highlighted using an example.

RESULTS

Brain injuries occur with high frequency in newborns with congenital heart disease. It is not until school age that the full extent of neurological sequelae becomes apparent and the rapid pace of innovation in neonatal cardiac surgery prevents timely evaluation of changes in care. MRI provides a timely, safe, and reliable outcome measure and has been extensively studied in newborns with other conditions in which the link between brain injury and neurodevelopmental outcome has been established. Clinical trials using MRI as an outcome measure as well as adaptive randomization can improve the efficiency of such trials.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical trials of brain protection are urgently needed in newborns with congenital heart disease given the unacceptable frequency of brain injury in this population; MRI provides an early surrogate marker of long-term neurodevelopmental outcome and adaptive randomization can be used to improve the efficiency of these clinical trials.

Prenatal head growth and white matter injury in hypoplastic left heart syndrome

Children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) have an increased prevalence of central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities. The extent to which this problem is due to CNS maldevelopment, prenatal ischemia, postnatal chronic cyanosis and/or multiple exposures to cardiopulmonary bypass is unknown. To better understand the etiology of CNS abnormalities in HLHS, we evaluated 68 neonates with HLHS; in 28 cases, both fetal ultrasound and echocardiogram data were available to assess head size, head growth and aortic valve anatomy (atresia or stenosis). In addition, we evaluated neuropathology in 11 electively aborted HLHS fetuses. The mean head circumference percentile in HLHS neonates was significantly smaller than HLHS fetuses (22 +/- 2% versus 40 +/- 4%, p < 0.001). A significant decrease in head growth, defined as a 50% reduction in head circumference percentile, was observed in half (14/28) of HLHS fetuses and nearly a quarter (6/28) were already growth restricted (<or=10%) at the time of initial evaluation. Brains from HLHS fetuses demonstrated chronic diffuse white matter injury of varying severity. These patterns of prenatal head growth and brain histopathology identify a spectrum of abnormal CNS development and/or injury in HLHS fetuses.

Two-Year Survival and Mental and Psychomotor Outcomes After the Norwood Procedure

Background— The Norwood procedure for stage 1 palliation of hypoplastic left heart syndrome is performed with either the modified Blalock-Taussig (MBTS) or the right ventricle–to–pulmonary artery (RVPA) shunt. In our institution, surgical practice changed from use of the MBTS to use of the RVPA shunt in 2002. We analyzed survival and mental and psychomotor outcomes of the 2 consecutive surgical eras.

Methods and Results— Between September 1996 and July 2005, 94 neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome underwent the Norwood procedure. Patients were recruited as neonates and followed up prospectively. Health, mental, and psychomotor outcomes (Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II) were assessed at 2 years. The study subjects were from the Norwood-MBTS era (n=62; 1996 to 2002) or the Norwood-RVPA era (n=32; 2002 to 2005). In the MBTS era, early and 2-year mortality rates were 23% (14/62) and 52% (32/62); the mean (SD) mental and psychomotor developmental indices were 79 (18) and 67 (19). In the RVPA era, early and 2-year mortality rates were 6% (2/32) and 19% (6/32); the mean (SD) mental and psychomotor developmental indices were 85 (18) and 78 (18). The 2-year mortality rate ( P =0.002) and the psychomotor developmental index ( P =0.029) were improved in the more recent surgical era. On multivariable Cox regression analysis, postoperative highest serum lactate independently predicted 2-year mortality in the MBTS and RVPA eras.

Conclusions— Analysis of 2 consecutive surgical eras of hypoplastic left heart syndrome patients undergoing the Norwood procedure showed a significant improvement in 2-year survival and psychomotor development in the more recent era. Adverse neurodevelopmental outcome in this patient population remains a concern.

Neurology of congenital heart disease: insight from brain imaging

Understanding of the specific pathophysiology of acquired brain injury in infants with CHD will help optimise treatment and brain protection strategies

Neurodevelopmental and neuroradiologic outcomes in patients with univentricular heart aged 5 to 7 years: Related risk factor analysis

OBJECTIVE

Despite improved survival and neurodevelopmental outcome, children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and other forms of univentricular heart remain at increased risk for cognitive, motor, and other neurologic deficits.

METHODS

We examined 27 children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome or other forms of univentricular heart at a median age of 5.70 years (range 4.99-7.51 years) and performed brain computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging on 20. Possible risk factors were correlated with outcome.

RESULTS

Mean full-scale IQ among patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome was 86.7; that among patients with other forms of univentricular heart was 89.1, with both differing significantly from the expected population mean (P = .015 and P = .029, respectively). Cerebral palsy was diagnosed in 1 of 7 patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and 2 of 20 with other forms of univentricular heart. Brain computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging revealed ischemic changes and infarcts or atrophy in 5 of 8 patients who had undergone the Norwood procedure and in 2 of 12 of those who had not (P = .062). Abnormal computed tomographic findings correlated significantly with lower full-scale IQ (P = .045) and verbal IQ (P = .02). In the multiple linear regression model, diuresis the third day after the primary operation and cardiopulmonary bypass time in the bidirectional Glenn operation correlated significantly with the primary outcome of full-scale IQ.

CONCLUSION

In children with univentricular heart, intellectual and neurologic deficits are common. Perioperative and postoperative risk factors related to the primary phase and bidirectional Glenn operation contribute to these deficits.

Cerebral oxygenation during hypoxia and resuscitation by using near-infrared spectroscopy in newborn piglets

BACKGROUND

Hypoxic events and cardiac arrest may cause brain damage in critical infants. This study investigated cerebral tissue oxygenation and oxygen extraction in a piglet model of hypoxic events, cardiac arrest and effects of resuscitation.

METHODS

For the hypoxia experiment, anesthetized newborn piglets were randomized to a hypoxia group (n = 8) with decreasing ventilatory rate to 0, and a control group (n = 8) with no hypoxic conditions. Regional cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (rScO2, detected by near-infrared spectroscopy) and oxygen saturation were recorded every 5 minutes for 100 minutes. Fractional cerebral tissue oxygen extraction (FTOE) was calculated as (arterial oxygen saturation [SaO2] - rScO2)/SaO2. For the resuscitation experiment, animals were grouped as hypoxia-no CPR (n = 4), control-no CPR (n = 4), and control-CPR (n = 4) after cardiac arrest. Standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was performed on the control-CPR group and observed for 30 minutes.

RESULTS

Immediate and significant changes in rScO2, and gradual changes in FTOE were observed during the hypoxia experiment. In the resuscitation experiment, no significant differences in rScO2 were found between groups. However, the highest FTOE was observed in the control-CPR group.

CONCLUSION

Noninvasive monitoring of rScO2 and evaluating FTOE changes during hypoxia and resuscitation may help clinicians evaluate brain tissue oxygenation and viability.

An extensive long term follow-up of a cohort of patients with hypoplasia of the left heart

We report the results of follow-up of the complete cohort of Norwegian children born in the period from 1987 through 1998 in whom there was the intention to treat surgically hypoplasia of the left heart using the Norwood sequence of operations. Of the 54 children, 21 are alive. Of these, 15 have been extensively studied, while the medical state of all the remaining survivors is known from reports from other hospitals. Of the survivors, the majority have reasonably acceptable cardiac and haemodynamic function, but significant neurological and neuropsychological morbidity is identified within the group as a whole, which requires special attention from qualified personnel of various kinds.

Health-related quality of life: A closer look at related research in patients who have undergone the Fontan operation over the last decade

The advancements in surgical technique and perioperative care have significantly improved the survival of children with single ventricle (SV) congenital heart disease (CHD) over the past decade. The population who have undergone the Fontan operation are growing into adulthood and facing many unique challenges. Past research has focused on functional and neurodevelopmental outcomes with inferences made to health-related quality of life (HRQOL). With the population who have undergone the Fontan operation surviving into adulthood, little research has been directed toward the self-report of HRQOL in adolescents and young adults after surgical palliation. Questions still remain on how these patients will transition into adulthood and whether they will live normal productive lives. This article reviews the literature related to HRQOL in the SV subgroup of CHD. In addition, an overview of newly developed disease-specific HRQOL instruments is presented as well as limitations and future research in HRQOL of the SV Fontan population.

Neurocognitive consequences of surgically corrected congenital heart defects: A review

With advances in surgical procedures, neuropsychological assessment after congenital heart defects and pre, peri- and/or postoperative predictors of adverse outcome has become an important focus in research. We aim to summarize neuropsychological sequelae associated with different types of congenital heart defects, critically review the methodology used in more than 20 empirical studies that were retrieved from biomedical electronic search engines, and identify possible directions for future research. Despite the lack of adequate control groups and long-term studies, there seem to be some cognitive deficits. The largest group of children with isolated congenital heart defects present with normal intellectual capacities. However, they tend to show language deficits and motor dysfunction. Although performances on memory tasks are good, unambiguous conclusions concerning their attentional and executive functioning are still lacking. Serious behavioral problems are not an issue. In addition to a detailed description of the (neuro) psychological consequences of pediatric cardiac surgery, an overview of the predictors of the cognitive defects is provided.

Intellectual development of infants, children and adolescents with congenital heart disease

Cardiac disease is the most common congenital defect in children, affecting between 3 and 10 in every 1000 live births. While significant advances in medical and surgical management have resulted in increasing numbers of survivors, it is also recognized that there is a growing population of children living with neurological impairment and lowered intellectual function. The aetiology of such impairment is multi-factorial and hypoxia is one of the factors involved. This article provides an overview of the effects of hypoxia on the intellectual development of infants, children and adolescents with congenital heart disease.

Relationship of surgical approach to neurodevelopmental outcomes in hypoplastic left heart syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Two strategies for surgical management are used for infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), primary heart transplantation and the Norwood procedure. We sought to determine how these 2 surgical approaches influence neurodevelopmental outcomes at school age.

METHODS

A multicenter, cross-sectional study of neurodevelopmental outcomes among school-aged children (>8 years of age) with HLHS was undertaken between July 2003 and September 2004. Four centers enrolled 48 subjects, of whom 47 completed neuropsychologic testing. Twenty-six subjects (55%) had undergone the Norwood procedure and 21 (45%) had undergone transplantation, with an intention-to-treat analysis. The mean age at testing was 12.4 +/- 2.5 years. Evaluations included the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence, Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals, Wechsler Individual Achievement Test, and Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration.

RESULTS

The mean neurocognitive test results were significantly below population normative values. The mean full-scale IQ for the entire cohort was 86 +/- 14. In a multivariate model, there was no association of surgical strategy with any measure of developmental outcome. A longer hospital stay, however, was associated significantly with lower verbal, performance, and full-scale IQ scores. Aortic valve atresia was associated with lower math achievement test scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Neurodevelopmental deficits are prevalent among school-aged children with HLHS, regardless of surgical approach. Complications that result in prolonged hospitalization at the time of the initial operation are associated with neurodevelopmental status at school age.

Brain magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities after the Norwood procedure using regional cerebral perfusion

OBJECTIVES

Neurologic deficits are common after the Norwood procedure for hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Because of the association of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest with adverse neurologic outcome, regional low-flow cerebral perfusion has been used to limit the period of intraoperative brain ischemia. To evaluate the impact of this technique on brain ischemia, we performed serial brain magnetic resonance imaging in a cohort of infants before and after the Norwood operation using regional cerebral perfusion.

METHODS

Twenty-two term neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome were studied with brain magnetic resonance imaging before and at a median of 9.5 days after the Norwood operation. Results were compared with preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative risk factors to identify predictors of neurologic injury.

RESULTS

Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (n = 22) demonstrated ischemic lesions in 23% of patients. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (n = 15) demonstrated new or worsened ischemic lesions in 73% of patients, with periventricular leukomalacia and focal ischemic lesions occurring most commonly. Prolonged low postoperative cerebral oximetry (<45% for >180 minutes) was associated with the development of new or worsened ischemia on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (P = .029).

CONCLUSIONS

Ischemic lesions occur commonly in neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome before surgery. Despite the adoption of regional cerebral perfusion, postoperative cerebral ischemic lesions are frequent, occurring in the majority of infants after the Norwood operation. Long-term follow-up is necessary to assess the functional impact of these lesions.

Brain magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities after the Norwood procedure using regional cerebral perfusion

OBJECTIVES

Neurologic deficits are common after the Norwood procedure for hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Because of the association of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest with adverse neurologic outcome, regional low-flow cerebral perfusion has been used to limit the period of intraoperative brain ischemia. To evaluate the effect of this technique on brain ischemia, we performed serial brain magnetic resonance imaging in a cohort of infants before and after the Norwood operation using regional cerebral perfusion.

METHODS

Twenty-two term neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome were studied with brain magnetic resonance imaging before and at a median of 9.5 days after the Norwood operation. Results were compared with preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative risk factors to identify predictors of neurologic injury.

RESULTS

Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (n = 22) demonstrated ischemic lesions in 23% of patients. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (n = 15) demonstrated new or worsened ischemic lesions in 73% of patients, with periventricular leukomalacia and focal ischemic lesions occurring most commonly. Prolonged low postoperative cerebral oximetry (<45% for >180 minutes) was associated with the development of new or worsened ischemia on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (P = .029).

CONCLUSIONS

Ischemic lesions occur commonly in neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome before surgical intervention. Despite the adoption of regional cerebral perfusion, postoperative cerebral ischemic lesions are frequent, occurring in the majority of infants after the Norwood operation. Long-term follow-up is necessary to assess the functional effect of these lesions.

Counselling following a diagnosis of congenital heart disease

Counselling the parents following a diagnosis of fetal congenital heart disease (CHD) is as important a task for the fetal cardiologist, as the skill involved in achieving an accurate diagnosis. The counsellor will base prognosis not only on the diagnosis itself but also on the security of diagnosis, the stage in gestation and potential for change, the association with extracardiac malformations and the known results of treatment. Depending on the gestational age and legal situation the counsellor is operating in, termination of pregnancy may be one of the options to consider and one that should always be raised in discussion. Thus, the parents may be in the position of making a crucial decision concerning the management of the pregnancy on the basis of the information received, so it is vital that the counsellor is truly able to communicate with them, whatever be their level of understanding.

The influence of prenatal diagnosis on postnatal outcome in patients with structural congenital heart disease

Examination of the fetal heart has become an established part of mid-trimester anomaly scanning. Along side this has emerged the ability to diagnose congenital heart disease in the fetus with accuracy. Despite this, the development of screening programmes to look for fetal cardiac disease has only been partially successful. Furthermore, when detected, there seems to be little survival advantage associated with prenatal diagnosis. Demonstrating such an advantage is complicated by the nature of fetal cardiac disease, which tends to be severe and is often associated with extra-cardiac abnormalities. More selective studies, mostly involving small numbers of cases, are now beginning to demonstrate both improved survival and reduced morbidity in prenatally diagnosed infants presenting to cardiac intensive care units compared to those with a postnatal diagnosis.

Late outcomes in patients with surgically treated congenital heart disease

Optimizing late outcomes should be the end result of improvements in medical and surgical care for congenital heart disease (CHD). In addition to mortality, significant morbidities after surgery for CHD need to be considered. These include the need for reintervention, cardiovascular complications, exercise limitations, neurocognitive morbidities, effects on pregnancy, difficulty obtaining insurance, need for chronic medications, and impaired functional status and quality of life. Long-term outcome studies are difficult to perform, and their interpretation is complicated by intervening changes in management. Specific discussion of long-term follow-up of tetralogy of Fallot, D-transposition of the great arteries, and hypoplastic left heart syndrome illustrates the myriad management changes over the last three decades, the challenges in predicting outcomes for recent patients, and the need for ongoing initiation of long-term follow-up studies.

Academic performance and behavioral difficulties after neonatal and infant heart surgery

Although advances in medical and surgical arenas have allowed the ability to "mend" children born with congenital heart disease, the increasing number of survivors has created a growing cohort of children with potential academic difficulties. This article reviews the current understanding of the midterm neurologic outcomes of children who underwent neonatal and infant cardiac surgery. Lesions including transposition of great arteries, tetralogy of Fallot, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, total anomalous pulmonary venous connection, and single ventricle lesions requiring Fontan palliation or cardiac transplantation are discussed.

Preoperative brain injury in newborns with transposition of the great arteries

BACKGROUND

The objective was to determine the timing and mechanism of brain injury using preoperative and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and three-dimensional MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) in newborns with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) repaired with full-flow cardiopulmonary bypass.

METHODS

Ten term newborns with TGA undergoing an arterial switch operation were studied with MRI, MRSI, and neurologic examination preoperatively and postoperatively at a median of 5 days (2 to 9 days) and 19 days (14 to 26 days) of age, respectively. Five term historical controls were studied at a median of 4 days (3 to 9 days). Lactate/choline (marker of cerebral oxidative metabolism) and N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/choline (marker of cerebral metabolism and density) were measured bilaterally from the basal ganglia, thalamus, and corticospinal tracts.

RESULTS

Four TGA newborns had brain injury on the preoperative MRI. The only new lesion detected on the postoperative study was a focal white matter lesion in one newborn with a normal preoperative MRI. The MRSI of age-adjusted lactate/choline was quantitatively higher in newborns with TGA compared with those without heart disease (p < 0.0001), even in newborns without MRI evidence of preoperative brain injury. Lactate/choline decreased after surgery but remained elevated compared with controls. In newborns with TGA, those with preoperative brain injury on MRI had lower NAA/choline globally (p = 0.04) than those with normal preoperative MRI. Five newborns had a decline in NAA/choline from the preoperative to postoperative studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormal brain metabolism and injury was observed preoperatively in newborns with TGA. Brain injury is not solely related to the operative course.

Arterial switch with full-flow cardiopulmonary bypass and limited circulatory arrest: neurodevelopmental outcome

OBJECTIVES

Neonatal cardiac surgery has been associated with unfavorable neurodevelopmental events. We investigated a patient cohort operated on predominantly with full-flow cardiopulmonary bypass (150 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1), alpha-stat, alpha-blockade, median arrest = 6 minutes, temperature of 22 degrees C) as the major support strategy for neonatal arterial switch operations (transposition of the great arteries and intact ventricular septum).

METHODS

Seventy-four patients and "best-friend" control subjects were assessed 109 months (range, 48-166 months) postoperatively with general medical and neurologic evaluation, IQ testing, formal movement scores, and detailed parent-teacher behavioral-social reports. Fetal, neonatal, and perioperative data were collated.

RESULTS

The prevalence of perioperative seizures was 6.8% (4/5 cases occurring preoperatively). The incidence of all perioperative neurologic abnormalities was 20%. Patients who had a neurologic event were (as a group) older at the time of operation and had a lower arterial blood pH before the operation. Selected perioperative factors (not related directly to cardiopulmonary bypass variables) predicted early (before discharge) neurologic outcome in a multivariate model. At late assessment, patients were more likely than control subjects to have a mild neurologic abnormality (P = 0.002). Full-scale IQ scores (Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Third Edition) were higher in control subjects (101.9 [SD = 13] vs 108.6 [SD = 12], P =.0007), with both groups having scores greater than the population-based test means. Full-scale IQ scores related most significantly to years of paternal education (beta = 1.51, P =.0078) but were also influenced by perioperative neurologic abnormalities, birth weight, and circulatory arrest time. Patients had higher motor impairment scores (Movement Assessment Battery) than control subjects (P =.0004). Parents (Achenbach Child Development Checklist) assigned higher total social-behavioral competence scores to control subjects (P =.05). Teachers (Achenbach Teacher Report Form) suggested that patients were more likely to be perceived as having various speech and expressive language problems, as well as minor behavioral problems.

CONCLUSION

With the perioperative strategies used, not all survivors can be considered (neurodevelopmentally) normal at late follow-up, although the risk of important impairment is low. Perioperative events might have long-term prognostic value. On the basis of this study and published data regarding other strategies, continued application of full-flow cardiopulmonary bypass is justified, with the proviso that further investigation is required.