Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 24, 2026
Author Spotlight: Simulating Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Using a Neonatal Piglet Model
Published on: May 26, 2023
Neurological status of children with congenital heart defects
M T Islam1, M Z Hussain, M R Bhuiyan
1Dr Md Tariqul Islam, Assistant Professor, Paediatric Cardiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Shahbagh, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Insights
Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are linked to significant neurodevelopmental issues in young children. Acyanotic CHDs may pose a higher risk for neurological compromise than cyanotic types, highlighting the need for early intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics
- Congenital Abnormalities
Background:
- Congenital heart defect (CHD) is a leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality.
- Children with CHD exhibit higher rates of structural brain abnormalities.
- Neurodevelopmental outcomes in medically managed CHD patients require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the cognitive, motor, and behavioral development in infants and young children with CHD under medical management.
- To identify the prevalence and types of neurobehavioral abnormalities in this cohort.
- To compare neurodevelopmental outcomes between cyanotic and acyanotic CHD subtypes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective descriptive study of 58 children (6-42 months) diagnosed with CHD.
- Neurobehavioral status assessed using the standardized Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Second Edition (BSID-II).
- Diagnosis confirmed by Colour Doppler echocardiography.
Main Results:
- Significant neurobehavioral and neurological abnormalities were observed.
- BSID-II revealed delayed mental development (39.7%), motor impairment (41.4%), and non-optimal behavioral performance (27.6%).
- Acyanotic CHD patients showed a higher likelihood of severe neurological compromise compared to cyanotic CHD patients.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of neurobehavioral abnormalities in infants and young children with CHD is likely underestimated.
- Delayed intervention (surgery/device closure) increases the risk of neurodevelopmental insult.
- Early neurodevelopmental assessment and intervention are crucial for children with CHD.
Abstract:
Congenital heart defect (CHD) is the most common birth defect & a significant cause of childhood morbidity & mortality. Structural brain abnormalities are more common in children with CHD than general population. This study details the cognitive, motor and behavioral development of a child with congenital heart disease who is on medical management. In this retrospective descriptive study, abnormalities in neurobehavioral status of infant & children (6-42 months of age) with CHD, who are on medical management were assessed by a standardized neurobehavioral assessment test, BSID-II. Fifty-eight children were included, who were diagnosed as a case of congenital heart disease & confirmed by Colour Doppler echocardiography in the Paediatric Cardiology Department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Bangladesh. Mean age of the children was 23±13 months (range, 6 to 42 months); M:F = 1:1.9. Among them 22(37.9%) had cyanotic and 36(62.1%) had acyanotic congenital heart disease. Neurobehavioral and neurologic abnormalities were documented in a significant number of children. BSID-II showed 23(39.7%) had delayed metal development, 24(41.4%) had motor impairment and 16(27.6%) had non-optimal behavioral performance. Interestingly, infant and young children with acyanotic congenital heart defects were more likely to demonstrate severe neurologic compromise than were those with cyanotic defects. Findings of this study suggest that the prevalence of neurobehavioral abnormalities in infants and young children with congenital heart defects has been under predicted & indicates that delay in closure (surgery/device) puts the patient at an increased risk of neuro-developmental insult.
