The Association among Feeding Mode, Growth, and Developmental Outcomes in Infants with Complex Congenital Heart Disease at 6 and 12 Months of Age

J Pediatr. 2016 Feb:169:154-9.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2015.10.017. Epub 2015 Nov 13.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the association between early anthropometric measurements, device-assisted feeding, and early neurodevelopment in infants with complex congenital heart diseases (CHDs).

Study design: Bayley Scales of Infant Development II were used to assess cognitive and motor skills in 72 infants with CHD at 6 and 12 months of age. Linear regression models were used to assess the association between mode of feeding and anthropometric measurements with neurodevelopment at 6 and 12 months of age.

Results: Of the 72 infants enrolled in the study, 34 (47%) had single-ventricle physiology. The mean Mental Developmental Index (MDI) and Psychomotor Developmental Index (PDI) scores at 6 months of age were 92 ± 10 and 81 ± 14, respectively. At 12 months of age, the mean MDI and PDI scores were 94 ± 12 and 80 ± 16, respectively. Lower length-for-age z score (P < .01) and head circumference-for-age z score (P < .05) were independently associated with lower MDI at 6 months, and both increased hospital length of stay (P < .01) and lower length-for-age z score (P = .04) were associated independently with lower MDI at 12 months. Device-assisted feeding at 3 months (P = .04) and lower length-for-age z score (P < .05) were independently associated with lower PDI at 6 months. Both lower weight-for-age z score (P = .04) and lower length-for-age z score (P = .04) were associated independently with PDI at 12 months.

Conclusion: Neonates with complex CHD who required device-assisted feeding and those with lower weight and length and head circumference z scores at 3 months were at risk for neurodevelopmental delay at 6 and 12 months of age.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Child Development*
  • Feeding Methods* / instrumentation
  • Female
  • Growth*
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / complications
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders / etiology
  • Prospective Studies