Neuropsychological outcome in children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study is to review a single-institutional experience gained over one decade, to assess late neuropsychological outcome in patients as well as to determine Norwood operation risk factors that are related to patient and procedure and influence these results.

BACKGROUND

The reports of first successful staged operation of hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and its numerous modifications have improved the early survival also in patients with complex forms. Specifically, the identification of other specific risk factors related to patient or procedure in the first stage of palliation for HLHS may play a role in cognitive deficit.

METHODS

Single-institutional, cross-sectional study of neurodevelopmental outcome. The mean age at testing was 6.9 +/- 0.3 years. There were 19 patients enrolled with completed psychological testing Standford-Binet test.

RESULTS

The mean neurocognitive results were significantly below the population normative values. The mean full-scale IQ for the entire cohort was 84.1 +/- 8.2. The predictive factors are strongly associated with severe metabolic acidosis, low birth weight, hospital stay over 35 days, prolonged duration of DHA and aortic valve diameter playing an important role in the subsequent psychological outcome, especially in differential subsections of IQ scale (Tab. 2, Ref. 15). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.