Brain injury during transition in the newborn with CHD: Hazards of the preoperative period

Congenital heart defects (CHD) are the most common birth defect, affecting approximately 30,000 newborns each year. Nearly one third of these children require cardiac surgery during the neonatal period.1 While surgical advancements over the last several decades have improved survival, neurodevelopmental disabilities remain a significant morbidity among survivors. As a result, clinical and investigative focus has shifted from survival beyond the neonatal period toward neurologic sequelae. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies during the neonatal period in this population reveal abnormal development including microcephaly, decreased folding, and white matter immaturity.
Source: Seminars in Pediatric Neurology - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: 4th issue-Fetal Neurology issue Source Type: research