NEURODEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOMES IN CHILDREN SURVIVING D-TRANSPOSITION OF THE GREAT-ARTERIES

We investigated the prevalence of neurological abnormalities and learn ing problems in a population cohort of children with dextro-transposit ion of the great arteries (d-TGA) born between January 1, 1981 and Jul y 1, 1990. Fifty-sever; of the 60 survivors and 35 siblings in the con trol group underwent neurodevelopmental assessments. As compared with population norms, children with d-TGA were more likely to have abnorma l neurological examination findings, learning disabilities, and behavi oral disorders. There was no significant difference in IQ or frequency of abnormal neurological examination results between children undergo ing atrial as compared with arterial switch procedures. Compared with their siblings, the children with d-TGA had more neurological findings and learning disabilities. The siblings of children with d-TGA had mo re learning problems than expected. The findings suggest that ongoing surveillance is indicated for children surviving d-TGA. Furthermore, a familial tendency for learning differences should to be taken into co nsideration when neurodevelopmental outcomes of various perioperative parameters are examined.