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Neonatal Neurocardiac Care: Strategies to Optimize Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Congenital Heart Disease

Sarah D Schlatterer1, Jacklyn Smith2

  • 1Department of Neurology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20010, USA; Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20010, USA; Prenatal Pediatrics Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Avenue Northwest, Suite M3118, Washington, DC 20010, USA.

Clinics in Perinatology
|May 11, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Infants with critical congenital heart disease face high risks for brain injury. Neurocardiac care guidelines are emerging to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes through monitoring and tailored interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal care
  • Pediatric cardiology
  • Neurodevelopmental science

Background:

  • Critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) poses significant risks for brain injury and neurodevelopmental disabilities in neonates.
  • The field of neurocardiac care is evolving, with limited established guidelines for neuromonitoring and neuroprotection for healthcare providers.
  • Understanding factors affecting early brain development, seizure risk, and long-term outcomes is crucial for managing these high-risk infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current evidence on neurocardiac care for neonates with CCHD.
  • To identify key components of neuromonitoring and neuroprotection strategies.
  • To inform the development of clinical guidelines for front-line providers.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing evidence on neurodevelopmental outcomes in neonates with CCHD.
  • Analysis of factors contributing to brain injury and seizures.
  • Synthesis of recommendations for neuroprotection and developmental care.

Main Results:

  • Prenatal diagnosis is a critical first step in managing CCHD.
  • Minimizing medical risk factors and vigilant monitoring for brain injury and seizures are essential.
  • Individualized developmental care and parental support are vital for improving outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Comprehensive neurocardiac care, including prenatal diagnosis, risk factor minimization, vigilant monitoring, and tailored developmental support, can improve outcomes for neonates with CCHD.
  • Establishing clear guidelines for neuromonitoring and neuroprotection is a priority.
  • Long-term developmental follow-up is crucial for assessing and supporting affected children.

Keywords:
Brain injuryCongenital heart disease (CHD)Critical careNeurodevelopmental outcomes

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