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Hofer J, Blum M, Wiltsche R, Deluggi N, Holzinger D, Fellinger J, Tulzer G, Blum G, Oberhuber R. Research gaps in the neurodevelopmental assessment of children with complex congenital heart defects: a scoping review. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1340495. [PMID: 38846331 PMCID: PMC11155449 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1340495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Children with congenital heart defects (CHD) are at risk for a range of developmental disabilities that challenge cognition, executive functioning, self-regulation, communication, social-emotional functioning, and motor skills. Ongoing developmental surveillance is therefore key to maximizing neurodevelopmental outcome opportunities. It is crucial that the measures used cover the spectrum of neurodevelopmental domains relevant to capturing possible predictors and malleable factors of child development. Objectives This work aimed to synthesize the literature on neurodevelopmental measures and the corresponding developmental domains assessed in children aged 1-8 years with complex CHD. Methods PubMed was searched for terms relating to psycho-social, cognitive and linguistic-communicative outcomes in children with CHD. 1,380 papers with a focus on complex CHD that reported neurodevelopmental assessments were identified; ultimately, data from 78 articles that used standardized neurodevelopmental assessment tools were extracted. Results Thirty-nine (50%) of these excluded children with syndromes, and 9 (12%) excluded children with disorders of intellectual development. 10% of the studies were longitudinal. The neurodevelopmental domains addressed by the methods used were: 53% cognition, 16% psychosocial functioning, 18% language/communication/speech production, and 13% motor development-associated constructs. Conclusions Data on social communication, expressive and receptive language, speech motor, and motor function are underrepresented. There is a lack of research into everyday use of language and into measures assessing language and communication early in life. Overall, longitudinal studies are required that include communication measures and their interrelations with other developmental domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Hofer
- Research Institute for Developmental Medicine, Johannes Kepler University of Linz, Linz, Austria
- Institute of Neurology of Senses and Language, Hospital of St. John of God, Linz, Austria
| | - Marina Blum
- Research Institute for Developmental Medicine, Johannes Kepler University of Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Regina Wiltsche
- Research Institute for Developmental Medicine, Johannes Kepler University of Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Nikoletta Deluggi
- Research Institute for Developmental Medicine, Johannes Kepler University of Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Daniel Holzinger
- Research Institute for Developmental Medicine, Johannes Kepler University of Linz, Linz, Austria
- Institute of Neurology of Senses and Language, Hospital of St. John of God, Linz, Austria
- Institute of Linguistics, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Johannes Fellinger
- Research Institute for Developmental Medicine, Johannes Kepler University of Linz, Linz, Austria
- Institute of Neurology of Senses and Language, Hospital of St. John of God, Linz, Austria
- Division of Social Psychiatry, University Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerald Tulzer
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Children’s Heart Center Linz, Kepler University Hospital, Linz, Austria
| | - Gina Blum
- Research Institute for Developmental Medicine, Johannes Kepler University of Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Raphael Oberhuber
- Research Institute for Developmental Medicine, Johannes Kepler University of Linz, Linz, Austria
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Children’s Heart Center Linz, Kepler University Hospital, Linz, Austria
- Department of Inclusive Education, University of Education Upper Austria, Linz, Austria
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Hennrick H, Miller E, Lai WW, Nelkin VC, Flores AM, Olson M, Kong D, Tan A. Effects of Implementing a Standardized Surveillance Program on Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program Referral Completion. Pediatr Cardiol 2024; 45:821-828. [PMID: 38416202 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-024-03425-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Differences in surveillance methods have resulted in significant variability in referral volumes and referral completion rates across cardiac neurodevelopmental programs, with frequent barriers to referral completion including high no-show rates, lack of education, and inaccessibility for underrepresented populations. The purpose of this study was to describe implementation of a standardized surveillance program and investigate impact on referral volume and completion over a two-year period. Between fiscal years 2021 and 2022, a surveillance program was implemented which standardized assessment of neurodevelopmental risk via a checklist as well as family education and referral procedures. All patients referred to the cardiac neurodevelopmental program during these two fiscal years were included in the analysis, and patient referrals were categorized as complete or incomplete (due to physician-related or patient-related factors). Referral completion rates between fiscal years were compared using two sample Z test of proportions, while associations between referral completion and demographic/anatomical variables were completed using chi-square tests of independence. Implementation of the formal surveillance program resulted in a 66.7% increase in referral volume. Proportions of both incomplete referrals (z = 2.00, p < 0.05) and incomplete referrals due to physician-related factors (z = 4.34, p < 0.01) were significantly lower after implementation. A significant association was found after implementation between referral completion and race/ethnicity (x2 = 14.08, p < 0.01) due to a significantly high proportion of completed referrals for patients identifying as Hispanic/Latino within the overall distribution of patients. This study describes the successful implementation of a standardized surveillance program, including improvements to referral volume and completion rate. Findings also support implementation of methods that emphasize physician surveillance methods and improve accessibility for historically marginalized groups at greatest risk for disparities in access and quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Hennrick
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology, Children's Hospital of Orange County, 1120 West La Veta Avenue, Suite 470, Orange, CA, 92868, USA
| | - Elizabeth Miller
- Heart Institute, Children's Hospital of Orange County, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Wyman W Lai
- Heart Institute, Children's Hospital of Orange County, Orange, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Viannae Carmona Nelkin
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology, Children's Hospital of Orange County, 1120 West La Veta Avenue, Suite 470, Orange, CA, 92868, USA
| | - Ana-Mercedes Flores
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology, Children's Hospital of Orange County, 1120 West La Veta Avenue, Suite 470, Orange, CA, 92868, USA
| | - Marissa Olson
- Heart Institute, Children's Hospital of Orange County, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Dianne Kong
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology, Children's Hospital of Orange County, 1120 West La Veta Avenue, Suite 470, Orange, CA, 92868, USA
| | - Alexander Tan
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology, Children's Hospital of Orange County, 1120 West La Veta Avenue, Suite 470, Orange, CA, 92868, USA.
- Heart Institute, Children's Hospital of Orange County, Orange, CA, USA.
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Serrano F, Guffey D, Shekerdemian L, Noll L, Voigt RG, Monteiro S. Early identification of autism spectrum disorder in children with CHD attending a Cardiac Developmental Outcomes Program. Cardiol Young 2024; 34:483-488. [PMID: 37466015 DOI: 10.1017/s1047951123001701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence and timing of autism spectrum disorder diagnosis in a cohort of congenital heart disease (CHD) patients receiving neurodevelopmental follow-up and identify associated risk factors. METHOD Retrospective single-centre observational study of 361 children undergoing surgery for CHD during the first 6 months of life. Data abstracted included age at autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, child and maternal demographics, and medical history. RESULTS Autism spectrum disorder was present in 9.1% of children with CHD, with a median age at diagnosis of 34 months and 87.9% male. Prematurity, history of post-operative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and seizures were higher among those with autism (p = 0.013, p = 0.023, p = 0.001, respectively). Infants with autism spectrum disorder were older at the time of surgery (54 days vs 13.5 days, p = 0.002), and infants with surgery at ≥ 30 days of age had an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (OR 2.31; 95% CI =1.12, 4.77, p = 0.023). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, being male (OR 4.85, p = 0.005), surgery ≥ 30 days (OR 2.46, p = 0.025), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (OR 4.91, p = 0.024), and seizures (OR 4.32, p = 0.003) remained associated with increased odds for autism spectrum disorder. Maternal age, race, ethnicity, and surgical complexity were not associated. CONCLUSIONS Children with CHD in our cohort had more than three times the risk of autism spectrum disorder and were diagnosed at a much earlier age compared to the general population. Several factors (male, surgery at ≥ 30 days, post-operative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and seizures) were associated with increased odds of autism. These findings support the importance of offering neurodevelopmental follow-up after cardiac surgery in infancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faridis Serrano
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Critical Care Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Danielle Guffey
- Baylor College of Medicine, Dan L. Duncan Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lara Shekerdemian
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Critical Care Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lisa Noll
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Psychology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robert G Voigt
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sonia Monteiro
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
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Abell BR, Eagleson K, Auld B, Bora S, Justo R, Parsonage W, Sharma P, Kularatna S, McPhail SM. Implementing neurodevelopmental follow-up care for children with congenital heart disease: A scoping review with evidence mapping. Dev Med Child Neurol 2024; 66:161-175. [PMID: 37421232 PMCID: PMC10953404 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
AIM To identify and map evidence describing components of neurodevelopmental follow-up care for children with congenital heart disease (CHD). METHOD This was a scoping review of studies reporting components of neurodevelopmental follow-up programmes/pathways for children with CHD. Eligible publications were identified through database searches, citation tracking, and expert recommendations. Two independent reviewers screened studies and extracted data. An evidence matrix was developed to visualize common characteristics of care pathways. Qualitative content analysis identified implementation barriers and enablers. RESULTS The review included 33 studies. Twenty-one described individual care pathways across the USA (n = 14), Canada (n = 4), Australia (n = 2), and France (n = 1). The remainder reported surveys of clinical practice across multiple geographical regions. While heterogeneity in care existed across studies, common attributes included enrolment of children at high-risk of neurodevelopmental delay; centralized clinics in children's hospitals; referral before discharge; periodic follow-up at fixed ages; standardized developmental assessment; and involvement of multidisciplinary teams. Implementation barriers included service cost/resourcing, patient burden, and lack of knowledge/awareness. Multi-level stakeholder engagement and integration with other services were key drivers of success. INTERPRETATION Defining components of effective neurodevelopmental follow-up programmes and care pathways, along with enhancing and expanding guideline-based care across regions and into new contexts, should continue to be priorities. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS Twenty-two different neurodevelopmental follow-up care pathways/programmes were published, originating from four countries. Twelve additional publications described broad practices for neurodevelopmental follow-up across regions Common attributes across eligibility, service structure, assessment processes, and care providers were noted. Studies reported programme acceptability, uptake, cost, and effectiveness. Implementation barriers included service cost/resourcing, patient burden, and lack of knowledge/awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget R. Abell
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of HealthQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Karen Eagleson
- Queensland Paediatric Cardiac ServiceQueensland Children's HospitalBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Faculty of MedicineThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Benjamin Auld
- Queensland Paediatric Cardiac ServiceQueensland Children's HospitalBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Samudragupta Bora
- Faculty of MedicineThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's HospitalCase Western Reserve University School of MedicineClevelandOHUSA
| | - Robert Justo
- Queensland Paediatric Cardiac ServiceQueensland Children's HospitalBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Faculty of MedicineThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - William Parsonage
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of HealthQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Royal Brisbane and Women's HospitalMetro North HealthBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Pakhi Sharma
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of HealthQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Sanjeewa Kularatna
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of HealthQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Steven M. McPhail
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of HealthQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Digital Health and Informatics Directorate, Metro South HealthBrisbaneQLDAustralia
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Schlosser L, Naef N, Ehrler M, Wehrle F, Greutmann M, Oxenius A, Tuura R, Latal B, Brugger P. Counting on random number generation: Uncovering mild executive dysfunction in congenital heart disease. Brain Cogn 2023; 166:105955. [PMID: 36709638 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2023.105955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is associated with various neurocognitive deficits, particularly targeting executive functions (EFs), of which random number generation (RNG) is one indicator. RNG has, however, never been investigated in CHD. We administered the Mental Dice Task (MDT) to 67 young adults with CHD and 55 healthy controls. This 1-minute-task requires the generation of numbers 1 to 6 in a random sequence. RNG performance was correlated with a global EF score. Participants underwent MRI to examine structural-volumetric correlates of RNG. Compared to controls, CHD patients showed increased backward counting, reflecting deficient inhibition of automatized behavior. They also lacked a small-number bias (higher frequency of small relative to large numbers). RNG performance was associated with global EF scores in both groups. In CHD patients, MRI revealed an inverse association of counting bias with most of the volumetric measurements and the amount of small numbers was positively associated with corpus callosum volume, suggesting callosal involvement in the "pseudoneglect in number space". In conclusion, we found an impaired RNG performance in CHD patients, which is associated with brain volumetric measures. RNG, reportedly resistant to learning effects, may be an ideal task for the longitudinal assessment of EFs in patients with CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ladina Schlosser
- Child Development Centre, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Steinwiesstrasse 75, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland; University Heart Center, Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Nadja Naef
- Child Development Centre, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Steinwiesstrasse 75, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Melanie Ehrler
- Child Development Centre, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Steinwiesstrasse 75, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Flavia Wehrle
- Child Development Centre, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Steinwiesstrasse 75, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Neonatology and Intensive Care, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Greutmann
- University Heart Center, Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Angela Oxenius
- University Heart Center, Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ruth Tuura
- Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beatrice Latal
- Child Development Centre, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Steinwiesstrasse 75, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Peter Brugger
- Psychiatric University Clinic PUK, University Hospital Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, PO Box 1931, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland; Neuropsychology Unit, Valens Rehabilitation Centre, Taminaplatz 1, 7317 Valens, Switzerland
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Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Children with Congenital Heart Disease: Ten Years After the American Heart Association Statement. Clin Perinatol 2023; 50:53-66. [PMID: 36868713 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Even before birth, children with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at risk for neurodevelopmental concerns, with additional insults occurring as part of their treatment course and from subsequent exposures to socioeconomic stressors. With multiple affected neurodevelopmental domains, individuals with CHD face lifelong cognitive, academic, psychological, and quality-of-life difficulties. Early and repeated neurodevelopmental evaluation is key to receiving appropriate services. However, obstacles at the level of the environment, provider, patient, and family can make the completion of these evaluations difficult. Future neurodevelopmental endeavors should aim to evaluate CHD-specific programs, their effectiveness, and barriers to access.
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Abstract
Youth with CHD are at greater risk for neurodevelopmental disorders compared to healthy controls. The aetiology is multi-factorial but includes medical and demographic factors. We sought to characterise the prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders in patients with CHD. Our population included 206 patients with CHD, aged 3-21, who were referred for neuropsychological evaluation. Neurodevelopmental diagnoses were determined by a licensed psychologist. Rates of neurodevelopmental diagnoses were compared to national prevalence rates. Exploratory analyses (chi-square) examined which medical factors (i.e., cardiac diagnosis, genetic condition, prematurity, seizures, and stroke) were associated with neurodevelopmental diagnosis. There was higher prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders in CHD when compared to the general population (44%). Rates of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (27.3%), autism spectrum disorder (9.6%), and intellectual disability (5.9%) were notably higher than those seen in the general population (p < .01). Children with a history of aortic obstruction were more likely to be diagnosed with autism (p < .05), and children with genetic conditions were more likely to be diagnosed with an intellectual disability (p < .05). Neurodevelopmental diagnoses were not significantly associated with any other specific medical variables (e.g., cardiac diagnosis, seizures, stroke, prematurity, and antenatal diagnosis). School-aged children were more likely to be diagnosed with any neurodevelopmental disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (31.7%; p < .01) than preschool-age children. In summary, our results confirm that children and adolescents with CHD are at high risk for neurodevelopmental disorders and require ongoing monitoring, care, and support. Children with genetic disorders and those with aortic obstruction may be more at risk for certain neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Adaptive Functioning in Adolescents with Congenital Heart Disease Referred for Neurodevelopmental Follow-Up. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC NEUROPSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40817-022-00120-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Alam S, Ilardi D, Cadiz E, Kelleman M, Oster ME. Impact of Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Evaluation for Children with Congenital Heart Disease. Dev Neuropsychol 2021; 47:32-41. [PMID: 34894903 DOI: 10.1080/87565641.2021.2009482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at increased risk for neurodevelopmental delays. This study of school-aged children with single ventricle CHD compared access to services for those who did and did not complete an evaluation. Children completing an evaluation had more academic services, including an Individualized Education Plan (66% vs 34%,P = .017), small group academic instruction (54% vs 20%,P = .01), any instructional supports (77% vs 44%,P = .008). A barrier to not completing the evaluation was lack of knowledge about the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program (82%). The neurodevelopmental evaluation is an impactful tool that can increase access to school services in vulnerable CHD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabikha Alam
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Sibley Heart Center Cardiology, Atlanta, United States
| | - Dawn Ilardi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Sibley Heart Center Cardiology, Atlanta, United States.,Department of Neuropsychology, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, United States
| | - Emilia Cadiz
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Sibley Heart Center Cardiology, Atlanta, United States
| | - Michael Kelleman
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Sibley Heart Center Cardiology, Atlanta, United States
| | - Matthew E Oster
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Sibley Heart Center Cardiology, Atlanta, United States
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