Mechanisms of perioperative brain damage in children with congenital heart disease

Abstract

Congenital heart disease, particularly cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD), may lead to a neurodevelopmental delay through central nervous system injury, more unstable central nervous system development, and increased vulnerability of the nervous system. Neurodevelopmental disease is the most serious disorder of childhood, affecting the quality of life of children and their families. Therefore, the monitoring and optimization of nerve damage treatments are important. The factors contributing to neurodevelopmental disease are primarily related to preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative, genetic, and environmental causes, with intraoperative causes being the most influential. Nevertheless, few studies have examined these factors, particularly the influencing factors during early postoperative care. Children with congenital heart disease may experience brain damage during early heart intensive care due to unstable haemodynamics and total body oxygen transfer, particularly early postoperative inflammatory reactions in the brain, blood glucose levels, and other factors that potentially influence long-term neural development. This study analyses the forms of structural and functional brain damage in the early postoperative period, along with the recent evolution of research on its contributing factors.

Keywords: Brain damage; Cardiopulmonary bypass, cardiac surgery; Congenital heart disease; Cyanosis; Perioperative brain injury.