Short-Term Neurodevelopmental Outcome in Children Born With High-Risk Congenital Lung Lesions

This study sought to evaluate neurodevelopmental outcome in survivors of high-risk congenital lung lesions (CLLs) who underwent prenatal intervention or postnatal surgery within the first month of life.

Forty-five high-risk CLL survivors underwent assessment using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, 3rd Edition between July 2004 and December 2016. Scores were grouped as average, at-risk, and delayed based on SD intervals. Correlations between outcome and risk factors were analyzed by Fisher's exact test or two-sided t test as appropriate, with significant p values <0.05.

Open prenatal intervention was required in 13 (28.9%) children (fetal surgical resection, n = 4 , ex utero intrapartum treatment, n = 9), whereas 32 (71.1%) children had respiratory distress postnatally and required resection within the first month of life. Mean age at follow-up was 19.3 ± 10.3 months. Mean composite scores were within the expected average range. A total of 62.2% scored within the average range for all domains. At-risk scores were found in 26.7% of children in at least one domain, and 11.1% had delays in at least one domain. Neurodevelopmental outcome was similar between treatment groups. Prolonged ventilator support and neonatal intensive care unit stay, need for supplemental oxygen at day of life 30, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and delayed enteral feeding were associated with neurologic delays (all p < 0.05).

Neurodevelopmental scores for high-risk CLL survivors in infancy and toddlerhood are age appropriate. Neither fetal intervention nor the need for postnatal resection within the first month of life increases the risk of delays. Surrogate markers of a complicated neonatal course are predictive of adverse outcome.