Early post-operative neurodevelopment and visual assessment in neonates with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac surgery

Objective Assessment of neurobehavior and visual function of newborns with congenital heart disease during the post-operative period to identify infants at risk of neurodevelopmental and visual impairment. Study design Prospective study that included 45 newborns who underwent cardiac surgery. Newborn Behavioral Observations test (NBO) and “ML Battery of Optotypes” were used for assessment. Results The median NBO global score was 2.4 [2.1–2.6]. Total days of oral morphine [ p = 0.005] and total days of sedation [ p = 0.009] were strongly related to abnormal evaluations. Time of cerebral regional oxygen saturation (CrSO 2 ) under 40% during surgery and increased lactate were related to abnormal motor evaluation. Only 14.5% of patients presented pathological results in visual evaluation. Conclusions We have demonstrated alterations in attention, autonomic, motor, and oral motor function. Duration of sedative medication, time of CrSO 2 under 40% during surgery, and increased lactate are the most important risk factors. No significant visual impairment was detected.