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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Neurocognitive development and behavioral outcome of 2-year-old children with univentricular heart
Riina Puosi1, Marit Korkman, Anne Sarajuuri
1Division of Child Neurology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. riina.puosi@hus.fi
Insights
Children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) show developmental delays and behavioral issues. Early screening and intervention are crucial for these children with univentricular heart (UVH) conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics
- Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Improved survival rates for severe congenital heart defects like hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and other forms of univentricular heart (UVH) have been observed.
- Children with these conditions face increased risks of neurodevelopmental deficits.
- Understanding these risks is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess cognitive development, expressive language, and behavior in 30-month-old children with univentricular heart.
- To compare neurodevelopmental outcomes between children with HLHS, other UVH conditions, and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Bayley Scales of Infant Development II, MacArthur Communicative Development Inventories, and Child Behavior Checklist.
- Assessed 22 children with HLHS, 14 with UVH, and 41 healthy controls at 30 months of age.
Main Results:
- Children with HLHS demonstrated significantly lower mental development index, delayed expressive language, and more behavioral problems compared to controls.
- Children with UVH also showed a lower mean mental development index than controls.
- 9% of children with HLHS exhibited significantly delayed cognitive performance (mental development index < 50).
Conclusions:
- Neurodevelopmental deficits are particularly prevalent in children with HLHS at 30 months of age.
- Children with UVH also experience neurodevelopmental challenges.
- Recommends early developmental screening, intervention, and neuropsychological follow-up, especially for HLHS patients.
Abstract:
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.
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