Long-term development outcome of children with complex congenital heart disease

Although mortality following congenital heart surgery has decreased signifi cantly in recent decades, there is a growing recognition of adverse neurolo gic sequelae in some survivors. The cause of neurologic and cognitive impai rment in this population seems to be multifactorial, with many abnormalitie s detected in patients before surgery. Follow-up studies have demonstrated normal neurodevelopmental outcome in most survivors of complex heart surger y. Certain patient groups seem to be at increased risk. Recent advances in medical and surgical management are likely to improve outcome for these hig h-risk patients.