An introduction to and review of cardiac neurodevelopment: the risks and recommended approaches

To introduce the reader to the current understanding of the neurocognitive profile of congenital heart disease (CHD) survivors, the risk factors that may influence outcomes, and to the recommendations for cardiac neurodevelopmental care.

A growing body of literature has shown that survivors of CHD are at increased risk for neurodevelopmental impairments. Multiple elements influence each patient's risk, which likely begins in utero and extends to perioperative management, surgical considerations, and long-term clinical care. Additionally, sociodemographic factors may compound these risks. Serial developmental follow-up is recommended for children with critical CHD.

Though there are some clinical factors that increase risk, based on the high rate of developmental impairments for children with CHD, serial evaluations are recommended. Multidisciplinary and multicenter collaboration is ongoing and will facilitate moving this field forward to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes for children with CHD.