Childhood Neurocognitive Outcomes in Patients With Fontan Circulation
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: To assess childhood neurocognitive outcomes in a contemporary Fontan cohort and to identify neurodevelopmental risk factors. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study enrolled patients with a single ventricle born between 2004 and 2019 receiving standardized neurocognitive testing with age-appropriate Wechsler intelligence scales after staged univentricular palliation. Demographic, surgical, and perioperative data were collected to evaluate neurodevelopmental risk factors. RESULTS: -score, higher parental education, and shorter cumulative hospital stay were related with favorable outcome (FSIQ>100). CONCLUSIONS: In this contemporary Fontan cohort, mean FSIQ was in the low normal range but with a higher proportion of patients with intellectual impairment. Hypoplastic left heart syndrome or use of cardiopulmonary bypass for neonatal palliation was not associated with lower FSIQ scores. Preoperative condition and patient-related factors were more important determinants of cognitive function than variables related to surgical palliation.
Authors: Claudia Jessen, Katy Rinne, Inga Voges, Ina Twelkemeyer, Juliane Schulze‐Nagel, Jens Scheewe, Tim Attmann, Anselm Uebing, Jan H. Hansen
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,810
OpenAlex ID: W4416127356