PEDIATRIC CARDIOVASCULAR INTENSIVE-CARE - NEUROLOGIC PROBLEMS

Neurologic syndromes are among the more common extracardiac complications of congenital heart disease. Major advances in the surgical management of congenital heart disease have changed the neurologic risk profile of this population. Recent focus has been on presumed intraoperative cerebral injury and its prevention, and on neurologic dysfunction presenting in the early postoperative period. The more common complications in the postoperative patient include seizures and stroke; in addition, movement disorders, such as choreoathetosis, present major challenges both in prevention and management. This article will focus on recent advances in our understanding of these problems, specifically their clinical presentation and management. In addition, areas in need of further investigation will be discussed.