Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 1, 2025

Author Spotlight: Simulating Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Using a Neonatal Piglet Model
04:55

Author Spotlight: Simulating Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Using a Neonatal Piglet Model

Published on: May 26, 2023

1.0K

Long-Term Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Children with Congenital Heart Defects

Neil Derridj1, Romain Guedj2, Johanna Calderon3

  • 1M3C-Pediatric Cardiology, Necker Enfants malades, AP-HP, Université de Paris, Paris, France; Université de Paris, CRESS, INSERM, INRA, F-75004, Paris, France.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|June 22, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Children with symptomatic congenital heart defects (CHDs) at birth face higher risks for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes by age 8. Those with both cyanosis and heart failure showed the most significant challenges in cognitive and learning domains.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics
  • Congenital Heart Disease Research

Background:

  • Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are common birth abnormalities affecting heart structure.
  • Symptomatic CHDs at birth, characterized by cyanosis and/or heart failure, may impact long-term neurodevelopment.
  • Early identification of neurodevelopmental risks in children with CHDs is crucial for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if children with symptomatic CHDs at birth are at increased risk for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes at 8 years of age.
  • To compare neurodevelopmental outcomes across different categories of symptomatic CHDs.
  • To identify specific neurocognitive domains affected by CHDs.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective population-based cohort study (EPICARD) including 473 children with CHDs.
  • Children grouped by symptoms at birth (cyanosis, heart failure) and need for early intervention.
  • Neurodevelopmental assessment at 8 years using IQ tests (Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children) and detailed cognitive assessments (Developmental NEuroPSYchological Assessment Battery).
  • Multivariable regression analysis to compare outcomes, controlling for confounding variables.

Main Results:

  • Children with cyanotic CHD without heart failure had significantly lower IQ scores compared to controls.
  • Children with noncyanotic CHD with heart failure showed deficits in language and memory/learning domains.
  • Infants with both cyanotic CHD and heart failure exhibited the lowest IQ scores and impairments in language and memory/learning.

Conclusions:

  • Symptomatic CHDs at birth are associated with a higher risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes at 8 years of age.
  • The combination of cyanosis and heart failure presents the greatest neurodevelopmental risk.
  • These findings highlight the importance of neurodevelopmental monitoring in infants with symptomatic CHDs.
Abstract

Keywords:
CHDIQNEPSY-IIbraincyanosisexecutive functionheart failure

More Related Videos

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

11.9K
Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease07:27

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease

Published on: July 18, 2014

24.9K

Related Concept Videos

Development of the Heart01:27

Development of the Heart

The development of the human heart, a crucial organ, commences from the mesoderm on the 18th or 19th day after fertilization. This process initiates in the cardiogenic area, a group of mesodermal cells at the embryo's head end, which evolves into elongated strands known as cardiogenic cords. These cords undergo a transformation to form hollow-centered endocardial tubes.
As the embryo undergoes lateral folding, these paired tubes approach each other, merging into a single primitive heart...
1.5K
Longitudinal Studies01:26

Longitudinal Studies

Longitudinal studies are also widely used in other medical and social science fields. For instance, in cardiovascular research, they can monitor patients' health over decades to identify risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol or smoking, and evaluate the long-term effectiveness of preventive measures. Similarly, in mental health studies, researchers might follow individuals from adolescence into adulthood to understand the development and progression of conditions like...
298
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
107
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...
107