Neuromotor performance in infants before and after early open-heart surgery and risk factors for delayed development at 6 months of age.

Background: Early identification of infants with CHD at heightened risk of developmental delays can inform surveillance priorities. This study investigated pre-operative and post-operative neuromotor performance in infants undergoing open-heart surgery, and their developmental status at 6 months of age, to identify risk factors and inform care pathways.

Methods: Infants undergoing open-heart surgery before 4 months of age were recruited into a prospective cohort study.