Brain injury in congenital heart disease

Abstract

Neurodevelopmental outcomes are quite important in patients with congenital heart disease. Studies with imaging have shown structural abnormalities that may be related to neurologic deficits. In this volume of The Journal, Claessens et al report on results comparing 2 cardiac surgery programs with different practice approaches to transition after birth, intensive care, and cardiac surgery. At both sites, MRI studies were done according to clinical protocol. The results confirm a high prevalence of brain injury at both sites. Balloon atrial septostomy, the prevalence of which was different at the 2 sites, was associated with focal brain lesions. Other risk factors for brain pathology were present and similar in both clinical populations. This report is of interest because of the findings but also because of the study design. Comparison of different practice approaches can be quite useful in determining best practices. However, it is also important to recognize that this was not a randomized clinical trial. Readers must be alert to potential bias and confounding, which could influence the results and conclusions. Article page 75▸ Brain Injury in Infants with Critical Congenital Heart Disease: Insights from Two Clinical Cohorts with Different Practice ApproachesThe Journal of PediatricsVol. 215PreviewTo determine prevalence and risk factors for brain injury in infants with critical congenital heart disease (CHD) from 2 sites with different practice approaches who were scanned clinically. Full-Text PDF