The impact of congenital heart disease on neurodevelopment

It is estimated that about 1 in 100 live births has a congenital heart disease (CHD). Cognitive deficit, academic difficulties, and behavioral abnormalities, in combination, represent the most common morbidity affecting quality of life in survivors with CHD. Developmental dysfunction results from a complex interaction between patient-specific factors such as genetic susceptibility, cardiac diagnosis, fetal development, and environmental factors such as preoperative events, supportive techniques during surgical repair, postoperative events, socioeconomic status. A comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessment in all children with CHD is critical to identify any need for intervention early and provide the support needed to optimize their long-term development.