The brains of full-term infants with congenital heart disease appear more similar to those of premature newborns than to the brains of normal term infants, a study conducted by researchers at UCSF has found. The study suggests that the mental and physical impairments in children with congenital heart disease may also have their origins in utero in addition to injuries resulting from surgery.
Up till now we have not fully understood the widespread deficits in cognition, including memory, attention, and higher-order language skills, as well as deficits in fine motor skills of these children. The suggestion is now that the deficits …read more

Just a follow up to my last post about congenital heart disease… While searching through for images that portray congenital heart defects, I can across a few websites. I have to admit, after 2 minutes I was in tears. Not just boo hoo tears, but full out sobbing. Why was the only word that passed through my mind.
I know the why and how at the genetic level, but it just isn’t fair for the children, parents or families and friends that are affected by congenital heart disease. I also know that we have come along way with research, procedures and …read more