Neurodevelopmental evaluation of children who were operated due to congenital anomaly with the ‘Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ)’ and ‘ASQ: Social–Emotional’

Background The purpose of surgeries performed for congenital anomalies in children is to increase the survival rates and provide a developmental comparison to that of their peers. Aim The objective of this study was to investigate the development of children following surgery for congenital anomalies and the risk factors affecting their development. Methods Our study included 33 children who underwent surgery for gastrointestinal anomalies in our clinic between 2011 and 2016, and did not have any syndrome, chromosomal abnormality, or additional abnormality. Developmental levels were evaluated using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) and the ASQ: Social–Emotional (ASQ: SE) scales adapted for the use on Turkish children. Data on patient history were obtained retrospectively from patient files. Results The study included 33 patients, including 11 with esophageal atresia, 6 with intestinal atresia, 11 with anorectal malformation, and 5 with Hirschsprung's disease. Developmental delay was found in the ASQ of 72.7% of the patients and the ASQ: SE tool was 27% of the patients. The rate of patients with scores below the threshold from each parameter of ASQ was higher than that of the normal population ( p < 0.05). Development delay was detected using the ASQ scale in 100% of those with microcephaly at birth, in 91% of premature infants born between 1500 and 2500 g, and in 83.3% of those with low birth weight to gestational age. Conclusions In children who underwent surgery due to congenital anomalies, an evaluation through developmental tests, a post-surgical follow-up process, and a referral to the relevant disciplines when necessary may increase the success of surgery as well as increase the life quality of the patient.