Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
Pediatric Animal Model of Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation After Prolonged Circulatory Arrest
Published on: May 26, 2023
Neurodevelopmental outcome in preschool survivors of complex congenital heart disease: implications for clinical
Cheryl L Brosig1, Kathleen A Mussatto, Evelyn M Kuhn
1Medical College of Wisconsin, Department of Pediatrics, Milwaukee,Wisconsin, USA.
Insights
Preschoolers with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) and Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA) show average intelligence but require developmental screening. HLHS survivors need more attention for visual-motor, language, and behavioral issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics
- Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Modern surgical advancements have improved survival rates for infants with complex congenital heart defects.
- Neurodevelopmental outcomes in survivors of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) and Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA) require ongoing evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess and compare the neurodevelopmental outcomes of preschool-aged survivors of HLHS and TGA.
- To identify specific areas of developmental concern in these pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study evaluated 26 children (ages 3.5-6 years) with HLHS or TGA.
- Standardized assessments included cognitive abilities, academic achievement, visual-motor integration, language, and behavior checklists.
Main Results:
- Both HLHS and TGA groups had average intelligence quotients, but a clinically significant difference was noted between groups (HLHS=97, TGA=110.5).
- HLHS survivors exhibited more challenges in visual-motor skills, expressive language, attention, and externalizing behaviors compared to TGA survivors.
Conclusions:
- Regular developmental screening is crucial for preschool survivors of HLHS and TGA in the current surgical era.
- Pediatric nurse practitioners are vital in informing parents about potential developmental risks and support needs.
Introduction:
The purpose of this study was to describe the neurodevelopmental outcome of preschool survivors of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) and Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA) in the modern surgical era.
Methods:
A cross-sectional design was used to evaluate 26 children (13 HLHS, 13 TGA), ages 3.5 to 6 years, at a Midwestern children's hospital. Measures included McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities, Woodcock Johnson III Tests of Achievement, Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration, Receptive One-Word Vocabulary Test, Expressive One-Word Vocabulary Test, and Child Behavior Checklist.
Results:
Although intelligence quotient scores fell within the average range for both groups (TGA=110.5 vs. HLHS=97), the difference between groups was clinically meaningful (effect size= .79). The HLHS group showed more problems than did the TGA group with visual-motor skills, expressive language, attention, and externalizing behavior.
Discussion:
Results suggest that even in the modern surgical era, regular developmental screening for these patients is critical. Pediatric nurse practitioners play an important role in educating parents about the potential developmental risks to these children.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
01:27Mitral Stenosis IV: Nursing Management
01:29Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
01:28Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management
01:26Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations
01:29Cardiomyopathy VI: Nursing Management