Neurodevelopmental outcomes in congenital heart disease: modifiable and nonmodifiable substrates.

Purpose of review: Neurodevelopmental impairments are the most common comorbidity among children, adolescents, and adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). Despite significant advances in operative and perioperative care resulting in increased survival, neurodevelopmental impairments remain prevalent in this population. Neurodevelopmental impairments, though subtle, can have a major impact on quality of life, attainment of independence and societal contribution. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on neurodevelopmental outcomes in the CHD population, including neuroimaging findings, known risk factors and opportunities to optimize outcomes.

Recent findings: Several risk factors have been identified contributing to neurodevelopmental impairments across the lifespan. These include risk factors originating in the prenatal period and new risk factors that are acquired in adulthood. The risk factors encompass several categories, including genetic abnormalities, aberrant cardiovascular physiology, environmental factors, social determinants of health and mental health. Many risk factors can be considered modifiable, though large multicenter studies identifying the most salient risk factors for neurodevelopmental impairment are lacking.

Summary: In this review, we identify potentially modifiable risk factors for neurodevelopmental impairment in the CHD population that can be studies in future neuroprotective clinical trials.