Developmental assessment of infants with congenital heart disease

Background: Recently, marked advances in surgical and medical care for infants with congenital heart disease led to a growing population with a high risk of developmental delay. We aimed to identify developmental delay in these infants and its risk factors. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study on 100 infants with congenital heart disease. Developmental assessment was done by using Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale. We searched for risk factors for developmental delay in these infants. Correlations were conducted between the degree of developmental delay and the potential risk factors. To our knowledge, this study has not been conducted in developing countries before. Results: The median age of the study group is 12.5 months, while by using Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale; it is equivalent to 9.5 months. There was a statistically significant developmental affection in infant who had risk factors . Conclusions: Developmental delay is a common complication in infants with congenital heart disease. It has many risk factors; some of them could be modifiable. Thus, early screening for developmental delay and its risk factors are of a great value. This could help in applying preventive measures and early interventional programs. Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale is a reliable tool in determination of developmental delay.