Dextro-Transposition of Great Arteries and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Background: Arterial switch operation (ASO) is the gold-standard surgical approach for dextro-transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA). It is performed during the neonatal period and has almost diminished the previously high mortality rate (from 90% if left untreated to <0.5%). Despite the impressively high survival rates, the surgical procedure itself—along with the chronic post-operative complications and the perinatal impaired cerebral oxygen delivery—introduces multiple and cumulative risk factors for neurodevelopmental impairment. Method: This study is a review of English articles, using PUBMED and applying the following search terms, “transposition of the great arteries”, “neurodevelopment”, “autism”, “cerebral palsy”, and “attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder”. Data were extracted by two authors. Results: Even though general IQ is mainly found within the normal range, D-TGA children and adolescents display reduced performance in the assignments of executive functions, fine motor functions, attention, working memory, visual–spatial skills, and higher-order language skills. Moreover, D-TGA survivors may eventually struggle with inferior academic achievements and psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Conclusions: The existing literature concerning the neurodevelopment of D-TGA patients suggests impairment occurring during their lifespan. These findings underline the importance of close developmental surveillance so that D-TGA patients can better reach their full potential.