Aman Sohal
Neuropedia Children’s Neuroscience Center, UAE
Title: Survey of neurological outcomes in children with ventricular assist device insertion as a “Bridge†to cardiac transplant
Biography
Biography: Aman Sohal
Abstract
Introduction: Studies of Ventricular Assist Device (VAD), used in children as a “bridge” to transplantation, report favourable survival outcomes. However, neurological and neuropsychological outcomes are unknown.
Participants: A cross-sectional, single centred, pilot survey reviewing neurological and neuropsychological outcomes in surviving children with VAD insertion between July 1999 and February 2011.
Methods: Patients were identified using “Freeman Paediatric Cardiology Database” and neurological and neuropsychological assessments (WPPSI/WISC/WAIS >4 years, Bayley’s assessment <4 years) performed between January 2011 and January 2012.
Results: Thirty-six children identified, 21 participated in survey. Median age (range) 5.75 years (1-16.4). Mean (range) of: VAD insertion 4.6 years (0.2-15.9); VAD support, 46.3 days (4-187); 20/21 underwent cardiac transplant,
Neurological assessment –8/21 (38%) had gross motor abnormalities, 3/21 (14%) fine motor, 6/21 (28%) speech and language issues, 10/21 (47%) feeding issues.
Neuropsychological assessment- 14 assessed, 7 refused. Mean full scale IQ (SD) in Weschler’s group 98 (+/-17). Bayley’s mean composite score (SD): cognitive 106 (+/-24), receptive language 100 (+/-28), expressive language 66 (+/-27), gross motor 32 (+/-32), fine motor 84 (+/-11). Parental concerns- Behaviour (23%), motor skills (9%), speech and language (9%) Provision of appropriate local services: Paediatrician 8/17 (47%), physiotherapist 8/11 (73%), Speech therapist 9/10 (90%) and psychology 7/10 (70%).
Conclusion: This pilot study in a small cohort demonstrated good neuropsychological outcomes, but difficulties in expressive language and gross motor skills were identified. There is a need for improvement in liaison services between specialist and local services. Long term studies of outcomes for these children are needed.