Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2023 Nov 1;115(18):1708-1722.
doi: 10.1002/bdr2.2246. Epub 2023 Sep 8.

Elevated risk for developmental disabilities in children with congenital heart defects

Christine Delgado  1 , Mary Anne Ullery  1 , Guangyu Zeng  1   2 , Elizabeth A Simpson  1 , J P Tanner  3 , Russell S Kirby  3 , Chris Duclos  4 , Joseph Lowry  4 , Jason L Salemi  3
Affiliations

Elevated risk for developmental disabilities in children with congenital heart defects

Christine Delgado et al. Birth Defects Res. .

Abstract

Background: This study examined risk for developmental disabilities in preschool-aged children with a congenital heart defect (CHD) at the population level.

Methods: Statewide birth, birth defects, and preschool developmental disability records were integrated. The final sample included 1,966,585 children (51.0% male). Children were grouped by type(s) of CHD: critical CHD, noncritical CHD, atrial septal defect, or no major birth defects (groups were mutually exclusive).

Results: Children with a CHD (any type) were at increased risk for developmental disability (any type) (RR 2.08, 95% CI 2.03-2.14, P < .001). Children in the critical CHD, noncritical CHD, and atrial septal defect groups were at increased risk for developmental delay, intellectual disability, language impairment, other health impairment, and any disability. Children in the atrial septal defect group were at increased risk for autism spectrum disorder and speech impairment. For all CHD groups, risk was greatest for other health impairment and intellectual disability.

Conclusions: Increased risk for developmental disabilities was identified for children with less severe CHDs as well as for children with more severe (critical) CHDs. All children with CHDs should be closely monitored so that appropriate interventions can be initiated as early as possible to maximize learning outcomes.

Keywords: atrial septal defect; birth defects; developmental delay; early intervention; intellectual disability; screening.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

REFERENCES

    1. Barger, B., Rice, C., Wolf, R., & Roach, A. (2018). Better together: Developmental screening and monitoring best identify children who need early intervention. Disability Health Journal, 11(3), 420-426.
    1. Barros, A. J., & Hirakata, V. N. (2003). Alternatives for logistic regression in cross-sectional studies: An empirical comparison of models that directly estimate the prevalence ratio. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 3(1), 21.
    1. Batra, A. S., Alexander, M. E., & Silka, M. J. (2012). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, stimulant therapy, and the patient with congenital heart disease: Evidence and reason. Pediatric Cardiology, 33(3), 394-401.
    1. Bolduc, M. E., Rennick, J. E., Gagnon, I., Majnemer, A., & Brossard-Racine, M. (2022). Canadian developmental follow-up practices in children with congenital heart defects: A national environmental scan. CJC Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease, 1, 3-10.
    1. Brandlistuen, R. E., Stene-Larsen, K., Holmstron, H., Landolt, M. A., Eskedal, L. T., & Vollrath, M. E. (2011). Occurrence and predictors of developmental impairments in 3-year-old children with congenital heart defects. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, 32(7), 526-532.

Publication types

MeSH terms