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Academic outcomes in children with congenital heart disease
Karla J Griffin1, T David Elkin, Clinton J Smith
1Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA.
Insights
Congenital heart disease (CHD) can lead to intellectual and academic challenges. Children with CHD, especially cyanotic types, may experience deficits in visual-spatial skills, visual-motor skills, and processing speed, but early interventions show promise.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Congenital heart disease (CHD) is frequently linked to long-term intellectual, developmental, and academic issues stemming from the condition and its treatments.
- Understanding these neurocognitive sequelae is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on intellectual and academic deficits in children with congenital heart disease.
- To identify specific areas of cognitive impairment associated with CHD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies examining cognitive outcomes in pediatric patients with CHD.
- Analysis of reported intellectual, developmental, and academic late effects.
Main Results:
- Children with CHD, particularly those with cyanotic CHD, are at increased risk for impairments.
- Specific deficits observed include visual-spatial skills, visual-motor skills, and processing speed.
- Evidence suggests potential benefits from early neurocognitive interventions.
Conclusions:
- Congenital heart disease poses significant risks for cognitive and academic development.
- Targeted neurocognitive interventions, especially in early childhood, may help mitigate these deficits.
- Further research into effective interventions for CHD-related neurocognitive impairments is warranted.
Abstract:
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is often associated with intellectual, developmental, and academic late effects related to the diagnosis itself and treatment. This literature review examines what is currently understood about these intellectual and academic deficits. It appears that children with CHD, and particularly those with cyanotic CHD, are at risk for significant impairments in visual spatial skills, visual motor skills, and overall processing speed. Early neurocognitive interventions, especially with younger children, may prove beneficial for remediating some of these deficits.