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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

Psychosocial and cognitive consequences of major neonatal surgery

Akio Kubota1, Keisuke Nose, Etsuyo Yamamoto

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Osaka Medical Center and Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Osaka, Japan. kubota@mch.pref.osaka.jp

Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|December 14, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Neonatal surgery impacts long-term quality of life (QOL). School-aged children who underwent major neonatal surgery showed higher rates of mental retardation and behavioral issues, necessitating comprehensive assessments.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Neonatal Medicine

Background:

  • Neonatal surgery is critical for life-saving interventions.
  • Long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes following neonatal surgery require thorough investigation.
  • Assessing quality of life (QOL) necessitates evaluating cognitive and psychosocial aspects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the long-term quality of life (QOL) in patients post-major neonatal surgery.
  • To assess the psychosocial and cognitive consequences of neonatal surgical stress.
  • To determine the impact of neonatal surgical stress on school-aged children.

Main Methods:

  • Seventy-two patients with anorectal malformation (ARM), esophageal atresia (EA), or congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) were studied.
  • Cognitive function was assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children III (WISC-III) or developmental tests.
  • Psychosocial status was evaluated via the Child Behavior Checklist and clinical interviews.

Main Results:

  • Mental retardation (MR) rates were significantly elevated (18-25%) compared to the general population (2-3%).
  • Behavioral issues (Child Behavior Checklist clinical range) were also significantly higher (35-59%) than general population rates (25%).
  • No significant differences in MR or behavioral issues were observed among the primary neonatal surgical conditions (ARM, EA, CDH).

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric surgeons must consider cognitive, emotional, and psychosocial assessments for optimal QOL post-neonatal surgery.
  • Beyond physical recovery, comprehensive neurodevelopmental evaluations are crucial for children undergoing major neonatal surgery.
  • Ensuring true quality of life requires a holistic approach addressing both physical and psychological well-being.
Abstract

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