Long-term neurodevelopment in children with resected congenital lung abnormalities

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics
• Congenital Abnormalities

Background:

• Congenital lung abnormalities (CLA) often require surgical resection.
• Long-term outcomes for CLA patients are generally favorable regarding lung function and surgery-related morbidity.
• Neurodevelopmental outcomes in children treated for CLA require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess neurocognitive and motor development in children who underwent resection of symptomatic congenital lung abnormalities (CLA).
• To compare the neurodevelopmental outcomes of these children with the general population.
• To identify potential risks for neurodevelopmental impairments following CLA surgery.

Main Methods:

• A prospective longitudinal study monitored neurocognitive and motor function in children (born 1999-2018) post-CLA resection.
• Assessments were conducted at 30 months, 5, 8, and 12 years of age.
• Statistical comparisons were made against Dutch population norms using one-sample t-tests and binomial proportion tests.

Main Results:

• At 8 years, significant impairments were observed in sustained attention and visuospatial memory in some children.
• While global neurocognitive outcomes were largely unimpaired, 18% of 8-year-olds exhibited definite motor problems, exceeding the expected rate.
• Overall, neurodevelopmental and motor function outcomes were found to be generally normal throughout childhood.

Conclusions:

• Surgical management of CLA is associated with generally normal neurodevelopmental outcomes.
• Specific areas like sustained attention, visuospatial memory, and motor function may show impairments in some individuals.
• Neurodevelopmental assessment is recommended for children post-CLA surgery primarily if associated morbidities exist or if functional concerns are raised by caregivers.