Evaluating the Prevalence of Optimal Neurodevelopmental Outcome at 2 Years in Children Previously on Ventricular Assist Device Support.

Background: Literature reporting neurodevelopmental outcomes for patients who undergo ventricular assist device (VAD) therapy is limited to posttransplant cohorts. This study aims to determine the prevalence of optimal neurodevelopmental outcome and factors associated with nonoptimal outcome in patients implanted with a VAD at ≤15 months of age.

Methods: Patients followed by the Complex Pediatric Therapies Follow-Up Program were included in a prospective-inception cohort study if born between January 2006 and December 2022 and implanted with a VAD at ≤15 months of age. A modified optimal neurodevelopmental outcome was defined as scores of ≥80 on the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development and on the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, and in the absence of cerebral palsy, permanent hearing loss, visual impairment, or seizure disorder. Firth multiple regression analysis was used to determine independent factors associated with nonoptimal outcome.

Results: A total of 56 patients underwent VAD implant at ≤15 months with neurodevelopmental assessments available for 39/40 patients who survived to 2 years. The mean age of VAD implant was 5.45 (SD 3.99) months, 69.2% were male, and 38.5% had congenital heart disease. Optimal neurodevelopmental outcome was seen in 25.6% of patients. Neurological insult (OR, 12.34 [95% CI, 1.29-1660.36], P=0.026) was the only independent factor identified associated with nonoptimal outcome.

Conclusions: Optimal outcome was demonstrated in one quarter of patients who had a VAD at ≤15 months of age and underwent neurodevelopmental testing at 2 years of age. A potentially modifiable factor of neurological insult was demonstrated as being independently associated with nonoptimal outcome.