Publication Date

8-2024

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Abstract

Background: The mortality of cardiac conditions in infancy is improving with advances in surgical planning and medical management. Neurologic morbidity remains significant, and clinically correlating an infant with their neurologic exam, MRI/EEG, and subsequent developmental testing remains a challenge. Counseling parents regarding neurologic outcomes after cardiac intervention is difficult due to the wide range of findings that can sometimes prove to be clinically irrelevant. Purpose: The goal of this study is to identify factors associated with poor neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants with critical congenital heart defects (CCHD) as assessed by the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development Edition IV (Bayley). Methods: This is a retrospective single site study performed at a freestanding children’s hospital with delivery services. Neonates were either inborn or admitted to the neonatal or cardiac intensive care units following diagnosis of CCHD over a 5-year period who required cardiac surgical procedures during their initial hospital stay. Patients were sampled from databases in the heart center and the Children’s Hospital Neonatal Consortium. Neonates were stratified by single vs biventricular repair and Norman category of heart defect (A, B, or C). Primary outcomes included neurologic exam, MRI, and EEG at discharge as well as 12- and 24-month Bayleys. Results: 383 neonates were included in analysis. 57.2% were male with an average gestational age of 39 weeks and average birthweight of 3.2kg. The average length of stay was 36 days. Of the entire sample, 36.3% had Bayleys performed at 12 months and 25.8% at 24 months. 38% of the entire sample underwent a single ventricle repair. 39% were classified as Norman A, 41% Norman B, and 19% Norman C. Approximately 40% of Bayleys were abnormal, with highest impairment in gross motor skills and expressive language. Of the 145 infants with EEGs, 17% showed seizures or focal slowing. Of these abnormal EEGs, approximately 45% had an abnormal Bayley. Of the 146 infants with MRIs, 58% showed ischemia, infarct, atrophy, stroke, or hemorrhage. The odds in favor of an abnormal Bayley at 12 months was 3.11 times higher among infants with abnormal MRIs (95% CI 1.22-7.94, d= 0.63). 6.5% had an abnormal neurologic exam, most commonly hypotonia. Of these abnormal neurologic exams, 73% had abnormal 12-month Bayleys and 87.5% had abnormal 24-month Bayleys. Conclusion: Abnormal neurologic exams, MRI, and EEG at discharge can be associated with abnormal Bayleys in childhood. This study helps delineate risk factors in infants with congenital heart defects that could aid in predicting long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Disciplines

Pediatrics

Notes

Presented at NeoHeart 2024 Conference; Columbia University, NY; July 30-Aug 2, 2024.

Variables affecting neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants with critical congenital heart disease

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Pediatrics Commons

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