Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Children with Complex Congenital Heart Disease

Purpose of Review: The purpose of this article is to better understand the challenges that children with congenital heart disease (CHD) face and the elements that put them at higher risk, and also to review existing interventions and discuss how they impact long-term neurodevelopment. Recent Findings: Approximately 1–2% of all children are born each year with CHD, and survival into adulthood now surpasses 80%. It has thus become increasingly more important to recognize and manage the common complications seen in this population. There are a number of factors that contribute to increased risk for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, including underlying genetic abnormalities, altered cerebral blood flow, pre- and post-operative factors, sub-optimal nutrition, parental stress, and socioeconomic considerations. These are important to recognize and address where possible. It is now also apparent that there is a unique pattern of neurodevelopmental delays seen in this population and they encompass motor, language, cognitive, executive function, adaptive, behavioral, and autism spectrum disorder parameters. Summary: CHD affects many individuals and the neurodevelopmental impact is not insignificant. Early identification and management through cardiac neurodevelopmental programs and support through programs such as early intervention are critical to optimizing the neurodevelopmental outcomes and quality of life of individuals with CHD. Future directions should include further research into what impacts neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with CHD and how to intervene.