Neurodevelopmental and health‐related quality‐of‐life outcomes in adolescence after surgery for congenital heart disease in infancy

Abstract

Aim: To assess outcomes in adolescence after surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD) in infancy. Domains analysed included cognition and executive function, social and emotional well‐being, adaptive behaviour, academic achievement, and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Method: Twenty‐one participants (10 males, 11 females) ranged in age from 14 to 17 years (mean 15y 4.8mo, SD 8.4mo). Twenty had biventricular repairs. All were classified as New York Heart Association class I. Measures included: Wechsler Intelligence and Achievement scales; Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning, Second Edition; California Verbal Learning Test – Children's Version; Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function; Conners, Third Edition; Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, Second Edition; Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition; Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure; and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. Results: Outcomes were significantly lower (p ≤ 0.01) than population norms for processing speed, mathematical achievement, attention, and visual–spatial ability. Participants reported more frequent learning problems but more positive family relations. HRQoL was significantly lower across most domains by self‐ and parent‐proxy report. Interpretation: Individuals with CHD may experience difficulties across a range of domains. These findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive screening, early intervention, and long‐term follow‐up, as deficits may extend into young adulthood. What this paper adds Identified cognitive, learning, and attentional impairments in adolescents after congenital heart disease surgery in infancy. Combined self‐report, caregiver report, and laboratory tasks in a comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessment protocol. Health‐related quality of life was lower across most domains. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia. Other Publishers: Mac Keith Press. Release Date: 20190429. Correction Date: 20200123. Publication Type: Journal (0100), Peer Reviewed Journal (0110). Format Covered: Electronic. Document Type: Journal Article. Language: EnglishMajor Descriptor: Heart Disorders; Heart Surgery; Health Related Quality of Life. Minor Descriptor: Academic Achievement; Adaptive Behavior; Cognitive Ability; Congenital Disorders; Well Being; Executive Function. Classification: Medical Treatment of Physical Illness (3363). Population: Human (10); Male (30); Female (40). Location: Australia. Age Group: Childhood (birth-12 yrs) (100); Infancy (2-23 mo) (140); Adolescence (13-17 yrs) (200). Tests & Measures: Wechsler Individual Achievement Test III; Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning, Second Edition; Test of Everyday Attention for Children; Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function; Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, Second Edition; Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 Generic Core Scale; California Verbal Learning Test, Children's Version; Behavior Assessment System for Children--Second Edition DOI: 10.1037/t15079-000; Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale--Fourth Edition DOI: 10.1037/t15169-000; Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fourth Edition DOI: 10.1037/t15174-000; Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test. Methodology: Empirical Study; Followup Study; Longitudinal Study; Prospective Study; Quantitative Study. Supplemental Data: Tables and Figures Internet. Page Count: 7. Issue Publication Date: Feb, 2020. Publication History: First Posted Date: Apr 25, 2019; Accepted Date: Mar 13, 2019. Copyright Statement: Mac Keith Press. 2019.Sponsor: HeartKids Australia, Australia. Other Details: Research Grants-in-Aid. Recipients: No recipient indicated <br />Sponsor: Queensland University of Technology, Australia. Other Details: Samantha Archer. Recipients: No recipient indicated <br />Sponsor: Griffith University. Other Details: Robert Ware. Recipients: No recipient indicated <br />Sponsor: Queensland Paediatric Cardiac Service, Australia. Other Details: Janelle Johnson, Jessica Suna. Recipients: No recipient indicated <br />