Genetic factors are important determinants of neurodevelopmental outcomes after neonatal cardiac surgery

The genetic basis of congenital cardiac disease has long been recognized. Significant advances in the understanding of normal cardiac development and the pathogenesis of cardiac anomalies have been made over the last several decades. As survival has dramatically improved, increasing attention has been directed towards improving neurodevelopmental outcomes after infant cardiac surgery. In particular, there is increasing recognition that genetic factors are important determinants of neurodevelopmental outcomes in patients with congenital heart defects. Improved understanding of the genetic contribution to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes will facilitate early detection and intervention for survivors of surgery for congenital heart defects.