Psychological Adjustment and Quality of Life in Children After Heart Surgery
Author Information
Author(s): Latal Beatrice, Helfricht Susanne, Fischer Joachim E, Bauersfeld Urs, Landolt Markus A
Primary Institution: University Children's Hospital Zurich
Hypothesis
What is the long-term psychological adjustment and quality of life in children and adolescents following open-heart surgery for congenital heart disease?
Conclusion
Many children who survive open-heart surgery for congenital heart disease are at risk for psychological issues and impaired quality of life.
Supporting Evidence
- 23 studies assessed psychological parameters and 12 studies assessed quality of life.
- Parental reports indicated a significant proportion of children experienced psychological maladjustment.
- Self-reported psychological adjustment showed better outcomes compared to parental reports.
- Quality of life was found to be impaired in some children, especially those with more severe heart conditions.
Takeaway
Kids who have heart surgery might feel sad or have trouble adjusting, and some might not feel as happy as other kids.
Methodology
Systematic review of randomized controlled trials, case control, or cohort studies evaluating psychological adjustment and quality of life in children aged 2-17 after heart surgery.
Potential Biases
Parental reports may be influenced by their own psychological state, leading to potential bias in assessing children's adjustment.
Limitations
Most studies had moderate quality, and many used retrospective designs, which do not capture the dynamic nature of psychological adjustment.
Participant Demographics
Children and adolescents aged 2-17 years who underwent open-heart surgery for congenital heart disease.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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