ABSTRACT
UNLABELLED: Theme: Complex health care and chronic disease management. INTRODUCTION: Congenital heart disease (CHD) may have a very important impact on central nervous system function and neurodevelopment. PURPOSE: Critical evaluation of literature concerning the neurodevelopmental outcomes following congenital heart surgery. METHODS: Systematic review of 28 articles published after 2000 in PubMed, Scopus and CINAHL. RESULTS: Neurodevelopment morbidities can have a negative impact on early childhood development, academic performance and later transition to adulthood. The spectrum of neurodevelopment impairment is wide, depending on the complexity of CHD and it is characterized by mild cognitive impairment, impaired social interaction, and impairments in core communication skills, including pragmatic language, as well as inattention, impulsive behavior and impaired executive function. A number of important determinants are presented. CONCLUSIONS: Children with CHD are at increased risk for neurodevelopmental delay. Screening and evaluation of neurodevelopmental delay, along with regular follow up, are essential steps to guide appropriate interventions to optimize their overall development.
