Executive function deficits in congenital heart surgical patients: prevalence and timing of presentation

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Executive Function

Background:

• Congenital heart surgery in the first year of life poses a high risk for neurodevelopmental disorders, primarily impacting executive functioning.
• This study investigates neurodevelopmental risks in patients undergoing surgery after one year of life and the age of executive function deficit manifestation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if congenital heart surgery after one year of life reduces the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders.
• To identify the age at which executive function deficits become apparent in pediatric congenital heart surgery patients.

Main Methods:

• Executive function was assessed in four groups of pediatric congenital heart surgery patients: high- and low-risk, with and without genetic syndromes.
• Standardized assessments including the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) and Minnesota Executive Function Scale were utilized.
• Rates of executive function deficits were compared between risk groups and against age-matched norms, with a focus on the timing of deficit onset.

Main Results:

• Both high- and low-risk groups exhibited higher rates of executive function deficits compared to normative data.
• The low-risk group showed a trend towards fewer deficits than the high-risk group, though statistical significance was not firmly established.
• Executive function deficits were observed to manifest years after surgery, indicating a delayed onset.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric congenital heart surgery patients, regardless of risk stratification, demonstrate significant executive function deficits.
• The delayed manifestation of these deficits underscores the necessity for long-term neurodevelopmental monitoring and evaluation as children mature.