Neurodevelopmental outcomes at 3 years for infants with congenital heart disease and very-low birthweight.

Abstract

Both congenital heart disease (CHD) and very-low birthweight (VLBW) infants are at a very high risk of neurodevelopmental delay. We investigated neurological development at 3years in pediatric patients with CHD after surgical intervention, those of VLBW, and healthy controls. We enrolled pediatric patients with CHD (n=67), VLBW (n=67), and healthy controls (n=81). Infants with CHD were grouped into those with single ventricle and two ventricles, and infants with VLBW were grouped into those with birthweights of <1000 and 1000-1499g. Neurodevelopmental outcomes at 3years were evaluated using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition. Compared with healthy controls, a significant deficit in the language, cognition, and motor skills scores were observed in infants with CHD and VLBW. Infants with a single ventricle exhibited significantly low scores in language and gross motor skills. No statistically significant difference was observed between the birthweight groups of <1000 and 1000-1499g. Neurodevelopmental outcomes for infants with both CHD and VLBW showed impairment. Notably, neurodevelopmental delays in infants with a single ventricle were remarkable. Thus, because infants with both CHD and VLBW are at high risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, periodic developmental screenings and support are warranted for these children.