Early Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease

In a multicenter registry study, genetic diagnoses were associated with substantially lower cognitive, language, and motor scores; while birth weight, surgical timing, hospitalization burden, and caregiver education were also associated with outcomes.

By
Andrea Surnit
June 2, 2026
3 min

Conexiant

Overview

This study analyzes neurodevelopmental outcomes in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) and genetic diagnoses, revealing significant deficits in cognitive, language, and motor skills compared to those without genetic diagnoses. Key findings indicate that genetic conditions, along with clinical and social factors, are associated with lower developmental scores.

Background

Neurodevelopmental delays are prevalent in children with congenital heart disease, impacting their long-term cognitive and social functioning. Understanding the factors influencing these outcomes is crucial for early intervention and management strategies. This study highlights the importance of genetic diagnoses and other clinical factors in predicting neurodevelopmental performance in this vulnerable population.

Data Highlights

Group	Cognitive Score	Language Score	Motor Score
Genetic Diagnosis	82.0	80.0	81.0
No Genetic Diagnosis	97.5	94.0	95.0
Dextro-Transposition of the Great Arteries	98.2	94.4	96.8

Key Findings

Patients with a genetic diagnosis scored more than 15 points lower in cognitive, language, and motor domains compared to those without.
Trisomy 21 patients had the lowest scores, followed by those with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.
Lower birth weight, male sex, and older age at first surgery were associated with poorer developmental outcomes.
Social factors, such as caregiver educational attainment, significantly correlated with neurodevelopmental scores.
Despite lower scores, many patients' adjusted mean scores remained within the normal range.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should prioritize neurodevelopmental surveillance for all infants with congenital heart disease, particularly those with genetic diagnoses. Early identification of developmental delays can facilitate timely referrals to appropriate developmental services, improving long-term outcomes.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the complex interplay of genetic, medical, and social factors affecting neurodevelopment in children with congenital heart disease, emphasizing the need for comprehensive follow-up care.