Developmental status of young infants with congenital heart disease

Background: Developmental status of young infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) is associated with physical and psychosocial factors. With the aim of obtaining basic data to perform developmental support, the study was conducted to examine the development and associated factors among these infants. Methods: The Japanese Denver Developmental Screening Test was performed in 75 infants at 3-5 months of age, and a questionnaire was sent to their mothers about recognition of their child's development. Infants with and without developmental delay were compared using the characteristics of diagnosis of heart disease, symptoms and surgery, the state of growth of infants, and recognition of a child's development by its mother. To specify more adequate factors, a multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted. Results: Of 75 infants, 14 (18.7%) had developmental delay. Weight gain of standard weight -2SD, Kaup index, and recognition of a child's development by mothers were associated with delayed development. In particular, infants gaining weight at < 10g/day were significantly more delayed than those gaining weight at > 20g/day. In addition, infants whose mothers recognized developmental delay were significantly delayed compared to those not recognized. Conclusions: Developmental status of young infants with CHD was found to be strongly associated with growth. In particular, weight gain < 10 g/day appeared to be the critical point for delayed development, as well as mothers' recognition of their child's development.