The Effect of Physiotherapy Intervention on an Infant With Congenital Heart Defect Associated With Developmental

Chaitali S Vikhe1, H V Sharath2, Neha A Brahmane2

  • 1Department of Sports Physiotherapy, Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND.

Cureus
|June 13, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) can cause developmental delays in children. Early physiotherapy interventions significantly improved motor, language, and social skills in an infant with CHD-associated developmental delay.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Developmental Neurology
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are common birth anomalies globally.
  • Children with CHDs frequently experience developmental challenges, including motor, language, and cognitive impairments.
  • Early identification and intervention are crucial for managing developmental trajectories in infants with CHDs.

Observation:

  • This case report details a 1.2-year-old female with CHD and developmental delay (DD) following surgical repair.
  • The patient presented with delayed gross motor, fine motor, language, and personal-social milestones.
  • CT angiograms revealed significant cardiac anomalies contributing to the developmental delays.

Findings:

  • Physiotherapy interventions, including manual techniques, neurodevelopmental treatment, and multimodal stimulation, were implemented.
  • The New Ballard Score and Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination assessed developmental progress.
  • Significant improvements in developmental outcomes were observed post-intervention, indicating treatment efficacy.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the critical role of physiotherapy in addressing developmental delays associated with CHDs.
  • Holistic care approaches are essential for mitigating the impact of CHD on child development.
  • Effective interventions can improve the quality of life for children with CHD and associated developmental challenges.