Neurodevelopmental Outcomes After Open Heart Operations Before 3 Months of Age

Background The purpose of this study was to monitor developmental progress and identify predictors of developmental outcomes at 2 years after operation in infants who underwent a surgical procedure with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) at less than 3 months of age. Methods Patients (N = 131 enrolled; N = 106 assessed) less than 3 months of age at the time of cardiac operation were prospectively enrolled (years 1999–2003) and assessed at 8, 12, and 24 months after operation. Patients with preexisting conditions independently associated with poor neurodevelopmental outcomes were excluded. Fine and gross motor development was formally assessed at all 3 visits, and parent ratings of development across several domains were obtained. Neurodevelopment was formally assessed at 24 months of age using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, 2nd edition (BSID-II) Mental Development Index score (MDI). Results Significant gross motor difficulties were identified at 8 months of age ( p < 0.001) and, although improved by the 24-month assessment, remained lower than average. Fine motor skills showed a significant decrease from 8 to 24 months of age ( p = 0.001). Factors associated with poorer neurodevelopmental outcome (BSID-II MDI) at 24 months after operation included a diagnosis of univentricular anatomy or complex coarctation of the aorta, higher complexity of the surgical procedure, longer duration of hospital stay, and presence of complications in the postoperative period. Conclusions Children undergoing repair of congenital heart disease (CHD) still have impaired development 2 years after the operation. Observed patterns of development were specific to the skill being assessed and related to both anatomic complexity and increased complexity of care received.