INTELLECTUAL FUNCTION AND AGE OF REPAIR IN CYANOTIC CONGENITAL HEART-DISEASE

Eighty one children, comprising 51 with tetralogy of Fallot and 30 chi ldren with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) were assessed usi ng the Wechsler intelligence scale for children - revised, and a batte ry of neuropsychological measures. They were compared with a group of 33 children who had surgery for ventricular septal defect. Ah children were aged over 10 years when reviewed and were in good health, attend ing normal schools. No significant negative correlation was found betw een any component or subtest of the IQ scores and operating age. There was no evidence of a detrimental effect of older age at operation in the children who had cyanotic heart disease as assessed by neuropsycho logical measures. Delaying surgery for children with TGA or tetralogy of Fallot does not appear to adversely affect their intellectual devel opment. This finding may provide reassurance in cases where surgery ha s to be delayed for medical, social, or economic reasons.