Fetal brain issues in congenital heart disease

19Citations
Citations of this article
51Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

Following the improvements in the clinical management of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) and their increased survival, neurodevelopmental outcome has become an emerging priority in pediatric cardiology. Large-scale efforts have been made to protect the brain during the postnatal, surgical, and postoperative period; however, the presence of brain immaturity and injury at birth suggests in utero and peripartum disturbances. Over the past decade, there has been considerable interest and investigations on fetal brain growth in the setting of CHD. Advancements in fetal brain imaging have identified abnormal brain development in fetuses with CHD from the macrostructural (brain volumes and cortical folding) down to the microstructural (biochemistry and water diffusivity) scale, with more severe forms of CHD showing worse disturbances and brain abnormalities starting as early as the first trimester. Anomalies in common genetic developmental pathways and diminished cerebral substrate delivery secondary to altered cardiovascular physiology are the forefront hypotheses, but other factors such as impaired placental function and maternal psychological stress have surfaced as important contributors to fetal brain immaturity in CHD. The characterization and timing of fetal brain disturbances and their associated mechanisms are important steps for determining preventative prenatal interventions, which may provide a stronger foundation for the developing brain during childhood.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Lee, F. T., Seed, M., Sun, L., & Marini, D. (2021, August 1). Fetal brain issues in congenital heart disease. Translational Pediatrics. AME Publishing Company. https://doi.org/10.21037/tp-20-224

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free