Comparison of motor outcomes between preschool children with univentricular and biventricular critical heart disease not diagnosed with cerebral palsy or acquired brain injury

Abstract This comparison study of two groups within an inception cohort aimed to compare the frequency motor impairment between preschool children with univentricular and biventricular critical congenital heart disease (CHD) not diagnosed cerebral palsy/acquired brain injury, describe their profiles explore predictors in each group. Children intellectual quotient <70 or injury were excluded. Motor skills assessed Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2. Total scores <5th percentile indicated impairment. Statistical analysis included χ2 test multiple logistic regression analysis. At a mean age 55.4 (standard deviation 3.77) months, was present 11.8% those CHD, 32.4% (p < 0.001) CHD. The greatest difference CHD seen total 8.73(2.9) versus 6.44(2.8) 0.01) balance skills, 8.84 (2.8) 6.97 (2.5) = 0.001). Manual dexterity significantly below general population (>than one standard deviation). Independent odds ratio presence chromosomal abnormality, 10.9 (CI 2.13–55.8) 0.004); were: postoperative day 1–5 highest lactate (mmol/L), OR: 1.65 (C1.04–2.62) 0.034), dialysis requirement any time before 4.5-year-old assessment, 7.8 1.08–56.5) 0.042). Early assessment particularly manual dexterity, allows intervention supports that can address challenges during school years.