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Postoperative responses in 'prepared' child after cardiac surgery
Insights
Realistic preparation for pediatric cardiac surgery minimizes acute psychological distress. Children aged 8-11 years showed the best emotional outcomes, while younger children (2-7) experienced more negative reactions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Cardiovascular Surgery Outcomes
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Background:
- Assessing postoperative psychological reactions in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery is crucial for understanding long-term well-being.
- Realistic preparation aims to mitigate potential adverse psychological effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze acute and long-term postoperative psychological reactions in children and adolescents.
- To evaluate the impact of age on these reactions following cardiac surgery.
Main Methods:
- Prospective analysis of 60 children and adolescents prepared for cardiac surgery.
- Postoperative assessment included in-hospital observation and follow-up questionnaires (6 months to 4 years) for 50 participants.
- Reactions were evaluated based on age groups.
Main Results:
- No in-hospital delirium or psychoses were observed.
- Children aged 2-7 years exhibited the most negative reactions, including the only long-term adverse effects.
- Children aged 8-11 years showed the fewest negative reactions and the most positive gains.
- Adolescents (12-19 years) expressed concerns about body image and surgical scars.
Conclusions:
- Realistic preparation for pediatric cardiac surgery is effective in preventing acute psychological issues.
- Age significantly influences postoperative psychological outcomes, with 8-11 year olds demonstrating the most favorable adjustment.
- Long-term psychological well-being is influenced by age at the time of surgery.
Abstract:
Postoperative reactions of children and adolescents realistically prepared for cardiac surgery were analysed for acute and long-term responses. No cases of delirium or psychoses occurred in the 60 children while they were in hospital. Fifty sets of parents and children answered questionnaires 6 months to 4 years after operation (36 under 1 year, 8 from 1 to 3 years, and 6 over 3 years) and assessment of these showed only long-term reaction. Evaluation of reactions is presented by age and in detail. The children aged 2 to 7 years had the greatest number of negative reactions and the only long-term reaction also came from this group. Children 8 to 11 years of age had the least number of negative reactions and the highest number of positive gains. Adolescents, 12 to 19 years of age, were often concerned with their body image (wanted to be considered 'well', resented the scar, etc). From the standpoint of emotional stability and after effects, the 8 to 11-year-old group seemed to do best.