Hypoplastic left heart syndrome: multiprofessional follow-up in the mid-term following palliative procedures

Of the 12 children who represent the complete cohort of Norwegian patients surviving the complete palliative operative programme for hypoplastic left heart syndrome, 10 were studied by a pediatric cardiologist, a pediatric neurologist, a neuropsychologist and a child psychiatrist. We found significant morbidity. Hemodynamic function was relatively uncompromised in eight of the patients, but one had significant cyanosis due to use of an operative technique subsequently abandoned and one had obstruction of the flow of blood from the left to the right atrium. Five children had disturbances of rhythm, with one requiring insertion of a pacemaker. One child had epilepsy. Delayed motor development, most often to mild degree, was found in seven children, while six had attention problems. Mental retardation was found in two children and autistic traits in one. Despite these various problems, the parents were seemingly satisfied with their own lives, and the quality of life of their children.