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Congenital heart disease and cardiac surgery in childhood: effects on cognitive function and academic ability

J Wray1, T Sensky

  • 1Paediatric Surgical Unit, Harefield Hospital, Harefield, Middlesex UB9 6JH, UK. j.wray@rbh.nthames.nhs.uk

Heart (British Cardiac Society)
|May 23, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Cardiac surgery in children with congenital heart disease did not improve cognitive function. Cyanotic heart lesions, unlike acyanotic ones, were linked to persistent deficits in cognitive and academic performance post-surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics
  • Congenital Heart Disease

Background:

  • Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects children's development.
  • Cognitive and academic functioning in children with CHD is a concern.
  • The impact of cardiac surgery on neurodevelopment requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess cognitive and academic changes after cardiac surgery in children with CHD.
  • To compare outcomes between children with cyanotic and acyanotic lesions.
  • To evaluate the long-term effects of cardiac surgery on neurodevelopment.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cross-sectional study with assessments before and 12 months after treatment.
  • Included children aged 3.5-17 years with CHD, those awaiting bone marrow transplantation, and a healthy control group.
  • Cognitive and academic functioning measured using Intelligence Quotient and British Ability Scales.

Main Results:

  • Preoperatively, children with cyanotic lesions had cognitive deficits compared to those with acyanotic lesions.
  • Postoperatively, cyanotic CHD patients showed performance deterioration and lower academic scores.
  • Differences between CHD and bone marrow transplantation groups diminished by follow-up.

Conclusions:

  • Cardiac surgery does not appear to improve early postoperative cognitive function in children with CHD.
  • The type of cardiac lesion (cyanotic vs. acyanotic) remains a significant factor influencing cognitive and academic outcomes.
  • Findings contrast with previous studies suggesting potential postoperative benefits.
Abstract

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