Neurodevelopment in children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome

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There are concerns about neurodevelopment in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome as successful surgical treatment becomes more common. In this issue of The Journal, Sarajuuri et al compared neurodevelopment at a median age of 30 months in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, univentricular heart, and healthy controls. The mean developmental index was lower in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome compared with patients with other forms of single ventricle and controls. The mean psychomotor developmental index was lower for both groups with congenital heart disease compared with controls. It is clear that ongoing neurodevelopmental assessment is needed for patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, but psychomotor assessment may be needed more broadly for patients with complex congenital heart disease.

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