@Article{chd.12646,
AUTHOR = {Ashley Brunmeier, Michael P Reis, Michael G. Earing, Laura Umfleet , Salil Ginde, Peter J. Bartz, Scott Cohen},
TITLE = {Identifying self‐reported neurocognitive deficits in the adult with congenital heart disease using a simple screening tool},
JOURNAL = {Structural and Congenital Heart Disease},
VOLUME = {13},
YEAR = {2018},
NUMBER = {5},
PAGES = {728--733},
URL = {http://www.techscience.com/schd/v13n5/39053},
ISSN = {3071-1738},
ABSTRACT = {<b>Objective:</b> Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and adults with acquired 
heart disease are at an increased risk of neurocognitive impairment. The objective of 
this study was to determine the prevalence of self‐reported neurocognitive impair‐
ment and its risk factors in the adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) population.<br/>
<b>Design:</b> The Wisconsin Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program recently began 
screening ACHD patients to identify those with significant self‐perceived neurocog‐
nitive impairments. Screening consists of using a validated neuro‐oncology screening 
instrument that has been modified for the ACHD population. Patients who answer 
this survey in a predetermined fashion consistent with significant self‐perceived neu‐
rocognitive deficits are referred for a formal neurocognitive evaluation. Demographic 
and clinical information are obtained by chart review.<br/>
<b>Results:</b> Three hundred ten patients (49% males) completed the screening process. 
The average age was 30 years (range: 17–69 years). For the cohort, 57 (18%) patients 
had no prior cardiac surgeries, 85 (28%) one surgery, 77 (25%) two, and 91 (29%) at 
least three surgeries. Of those screened, 106 (34%) met criteria for a formal neuro‐
cognitive evaluation. Patients who were referred had undergone a greater number of 
prior cardiac surgeries (2.2 vs 1.7, P = .008) and were more likely to have severe com‐
plexity CHD (P = .006). Of those patients who were referred, the worst perceived 
functioning was in math and attention.<br/>
<b>Conclusion:</b> There is a high prevalence of ACHD patients with significant self‐per‐
ceived neurocognitive deficits. Simple screening questionnaires may help identify 
those patients at high risk and allow for timely and appropriate referral for formal 
neurocognitive evaluation, diagnosis, and therapy.},
DOI = {10.1111/chd.12646}
}