Article

The aim of this study was to examine neurodevelopment, psychological
adjustment, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adolescents after
bypass surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD) during early childhood. METHOD:
Fifty-nine adolescents (34 females, 25 males) with CHD were examined at a median
age of 13 years 8 months (range 11 y 5 mo-16 y 11 mo). Outcome was assessed with
the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, (fourth edition); the Beery Test of
Visual-Motor Integration; the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test; the Zurich
Neuromotor Assessment; the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire; and the
KIDSCREEN questionnaires. Results were compared with those of 40 age- and
sex-matched healthy comparison individuals. RESULTS: Outcome with regard to
full-scale IQ, perceptual reasoning, and the working memory scale was poorer in
patients with CHD than in the comparison group (all p </= 0.001). Visual
perception, visuomotor integration (p </= 0.001), and executive functions (Rey
figure copy: p=0.05) were also affected. Patients with CHD also had lower scores
on all motor domains (p < 0.02) except static balance. Psychological adjustment
was affected only in the 'peer relationship' domain (p=0.05). Quality of life was
similar to that of typically developing peers. INTERPRETATION: Adolescents with
CHD may manifest persistent cognitive and motor impairments, while psychological
adjustment and self-reported HRQoL are mostly typical. Thus, long-term
neurodevelopmental evaluations are necessary to provide early educational and
therapeutic support.
CI - (c) 2013 Mac Keith Press.

Langue : ANGLAIS