Neurodevelopment in children with congenital heart disease: strategies for early diagnosis, intervention, and follow-up
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55892/jrg.v8i19.2599Keywords:
neurodevelopmental disorders, congenital heart defects, early diagnosis, continuity of patient care, patient care teamAbstract
Congenital heart defects (CHD) represent the most prevalent cardiac malformation in the neonatal period and constitute a major cause of infant morbidity, mortality, and neurodevelopmental impairment. This study aimed to analyze scientific evidence regarding the relationship between congenital heart disease, hemodynamic instability, and neuropsychological outcomes, considering associated genetic, metabolic, and gestational factors. This is an integrative literature review, systematized through the following stages: (a) identification of the guiding question, (b) digital literature search, (c) evaluation of findings, (d) interpretative analysis of results, and (e) discussion and synthesis of knowledge. Data collection was performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE and SciELO databases, complemented by an institutional source from the Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria (SBP). A total of 3,704 records were identified, resulting in 21 studies included after applying eligibility criteria.
The results were organized into seven thematic axes: maternal risk factors, neonatal diagnosis and screening, epidemiological profile, genetic and fetal aspects, neurodevelopmental outcomes, multidisciplinary follow-up, and psychosocial impact. Chronic hypoperfusion and cerebral hypoxia were found to be the main link between cardiac alterations and neurodevelopmental cognitive and motor deficits, while the combination of pulse oximetry, cardiac auscultation, and echocardiography proved to be the most sensitive method for early screening and diagnosis. It is concluded that the integration of standardized neonatal screening, genetic assessment, and multidisciplinary follow-up is essential to reduce neurological sequelae and improve the overall prognosis of children with congenital heart disease, reinforcing the importance of public policies for early detection and interdisciplinary rehabilitation.
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