Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

Hemodynamic Precision in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography
09:31

Hemodynamic Precision in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography

Published on: January 27, 2023

Neurodevelopmental burden at age 5 years in patients with univentricular heart

Anne Sarajuuri1, Eero Jokinen, Leena Mildh

  • 1Divisions of Child Neurology, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. anne.sarajuuri@hus.fi

Pediatrics
|November 21, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and univentricular heart defects (UVH) show neurodevelopmental deficits and brain abnormalities by age 5. Aortic size and surgical factors impact outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics
  • Pediatric Neurology

Background:

  • Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and univentricular heart defects (UVH) are congenital heart conditions associated with increased neurodevelopmental risks.
  • Despite improved survival rates, long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in these patients require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess neurodevelopmental outcomes and brain MRI findings in children with HLHS and UVH at preschool age.
  • To identify risk factors associated with neurodevelopmental deficits in these patient populations.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective follow-up of 23 HLHS patients, 13 UVH patients, and 40 controls until age 5.
  • Comprehensive assessments included neurologic, neuropsychological, and motor examinations, alongside brain MRI.

Main Results:

  • Patients with HLHS and UVH exhibited significantly lower median full-scale IQ scores compared to controls.
  • Major neurodevelopmental impairment and minor neurologic dysfunction were prevalent in both HLHS and UVH groups.
  • Brain MRI revealed abnormalities, primarily ischemic changes, in a majority of HLHS and UVH patients, correlating with neurodevelopmental findings.

Conclusions:

  • Neurodevelopmental and brain MRI abnormalities are common in children with HLHS and UVH by preschool age.
  • A narrowed ascending aorta and factors related to surgical procedures contribute to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Establishment and Confirmation of a Postnatal Right Ventricular Volume Overload Mouse Model06:04

Establishment and Confirmation of a Postnatal Right Ventricular Volume Overload Mouse Model

Published on: June 9, 2023

Fetal Mouse Cardiovascular Imaging Using a High-frequency Ultrasound (30/45MHZ) System07:34

Fetal Mouse Cardiovascular Imaging Using a High-frequency Ultrasound (30/45MHZ) System

Published on: May 5, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology01:29

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction01:22

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation01:30

Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation

Heart failure can be classified in various ways, with the most common classifications based on physical activity limitations, disease progression, severity, and treatment strategies.The Functional Classification of Heart Failure divides patients into four categories based on physical activity limitation due to symptom burden.Class I: Patients in this class have cardiac disease but no physical activity limitations. Ordinary activities like walking, climbing stairs, or routine tasks do not cause...
Imbalances in Cardiac Output01:26

Imbalances in Cardiac Output

The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining a balance between blood sent out (cardiac output) and blood returning (venous return). If this balance is disrupted, it can result in congestive heart failure (CHF), a severe condition where the heart becomes an inefficient pump, leading to inadequate blood circulation.
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send blood...
Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction01:20

Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction

Mitral regurgitation is characterized by the backward circulation of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium during systole, a phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart contracts and pumps blood out of the chambers. This abnormal flow occurs primarily due to the dysfunction of the mitral valve or its supporting structures, which include the mitral leaflets, chordae tendineae, annulus, and papillary muscles.Etiology and Mechanisms:Primary Mitral Regurgitation: This type arises from...
Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations01:26

Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations

Heart failure (HF) manifests primarily as dyspnea, fatigue, and fluid retention, resulting in peripheral and pulmonary edema. Symptoms may vary depending on which ventricle is more affected, left or right.Left-Sided Heart FailureAlso known as left ventricular failure, this condition results from the left ventricle's inability to fill or eject sufficient blood into the systemic circulation. It leads to pulmonary congestion, which occurs when the left ventricle fails to eject blood effectively...