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'Big issues' in neurodevelopment for children and adults with congenital heart disease
Charlotte E Verrall1,2, Gillian M Blue1,2, Alison Loughran-Fowlds2,3
1Heart Centre for Children, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Insights
Neurodevelopmental disability is common in infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) after surgery. Long-term outcomes and research gaps require further investigation for lifelong patient care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics
- Congenital Heart Disease Research
Background:
- Neurodevelopmental disability (NDD) is prevalent in neonates with congenital heart disease (CHD) requiring complex surgical interventions.
- The long-term developmental trajectory of individuals with CHD throughout their lives remains largely uncharacterized.
- Significant knowledge gaps persist regarding lifelong NDD in the CHD population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of neurodevelopmental disability (NDD) in individuals with congenital heart disease (CHD).
- To identify critical knowledge gaps in the lifelong impact of NDD in CHD.
- To propose future research directions for optimizing care and outcomes in all age groups.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on neurodevelopmental outcomes in congenital heart disease.
- Analysis of current research to identify gaps in knowledge regarding long-term disability.
- Synthesis of findings to propose future research priorities.
Main Results:
- Neurodevelopmental disability is a significant concern in neonates with CHD undergoing surgery.
- There is a lack of comprehensive data on the lifelong progression of NDD in individuals with CHD.
- Key areas for future research include long-term surveillance and intervention efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Further research is essential to understand the lifelong neurodevelopmental trajectory in individuals with CHD.
- Addressing these research gaps will inform improved patient care, service delivery, and intervention strategies.
- Optimizing lifelong outcomes for all individuals with CHD necessitates a focus on neurodevelopmental health.
Abstract:
It is established that neurodevelopmental disability (NDD) is common in neonates undergoing complex surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD); however, the trajectory of disability over the lifetime of individuals with CHD is unknown. Several 'big issues' remain undetermined and further research is needed in order to optimise patient care and service delivery, to assess the efficacy of intervention strategies and to promote best outcomes in individuals of all ages with CHD. This review article discusses 'gaps' in our knowledge of NDD in CHD and proposes future directions.