Neuropsychological outcome and quality of life in adults after neonatal surgery for congenital heart disease

Abstract

Congenital heart disease (CHD) and open-heart surgery may lead to an increased risk of cognitive and behavioral disorders in children. Our goal is to determine the long-term neuropsychological outcome of this population, now adult, operated for CHD during neonatal period, as it has never been studied before. Sixty-five adults with CHD (ACHDs) and forty-one healthy subjects matched in age, gender and socio-cultural level had participated. The assessment, based on validated tools (tests, scales and structured clinical interview), concerns cognitive functions, mood and quality of life (QoL). Compared to healthy adults, ACHDs present more visuospatial and executive function difficulties. Moreover, they have a higher lifetime prevalence of depression and social phobia. ACHDs have a good QoL as no difference had been observed between the groups. However, in ACHDs the presence of executive function deficits, of depression or social phobia during life is associated with a poorer QoL. ACHD population appears to present an increased risk of cognitive and psychological impairments which could reduce their QoL. A better understanding of their outcome could contribute to the development of adapted remediation and psychotherapy.