biostudies-literatureUnknown9Latal B<h4>Background</h4>Children with congenital heart defects (CHD) requiring open-heart surgery are a group at high risk for health-related sequelae. Little consensus exists regarding their long-term psychological adjustment (PA) and health-related quality of life (QoL). Thus, we conducted a systematic review to determine the current knowledge on long-term outcome in this population.<h4>Methods</h4>We included randomized controlled trials, case control, or cohort studies published between 1990-2008 evaluating self- and proxy-reported PA and QoL in patients aged between two and 17 years with a follow-up of at least two years after open heart surgery for CHD.<h4>Results</h4>Twenty-three studies assessing psychological parameters and 12 studies assessing QoL were included. Methodological quality of the studies varied greatly with most studies showing a moderate quality. Results were as follows: (a) A considerable proportion of children experienced psychological maladjustment according to their parents; (b) studies on self-reported PA indicate a good outcome; (c) the studies on QoL suggest an impaired QoL for some children in particular for those with more severe cardiac disease; (d) parental reports of psychological maladjustment were related to severity of CHD and developmental delay.<h4>Conclusion</h4>A significant proportion of survivors of open-heart surgery for CHD are at risk for psychological maladjustment and impaired QoL. Future research needs to focus on self-reports, QoL data and adolescents.BMC pediatrics6https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC2642822biostudies-literaturePsychological adjustment and quality of life in children and adolescents following open-heart surgery for congenital heart disease: a systematic review.PMC2642822Landolt MAFischer JEBauersfeld ULatal BHelfricht SfalsePsychological adjustment and quality of life in children and adolescents following open-heart surgery for congenital heart disease: a systematic review.<h4>Background</h4>Children with congenital heart defects (CHD) requiring open-heart surgery are a group at high risk for health-related sequelae. Little consensus exists regarding their long-term psychological adjustment (PA) and health-related quality of life (QoL). Thus, we conducted a systematic review to determine the current knowledge on long-term outcome in this population.<h4>Methods</h4>We included randomized controlled trials, case control, or cohort studies published between 1990-2008 evaluating self- and proxy-reported PA and QoL in patients aged between two and 17 years with a follow-up of at least two years after open heart surgery for CHD.<h4>Results</h4>Twenty-three studies assessing psychological parameters and 12 studies assessing QoL were included. Methodological quality of the studies varied greatly with most studies showing a moderate quality. Results were as follows: (a) A considerable proportion of children experienced psychological maladjustment according to their parents; (b) studies on self-reported PA indicate a good outcome; (c) the studies on QoL suggest an impaired QoL for some children in particular for those with more severe cardiac disease; (d) parental reports of psychological maladjustment were related to severity of CHD and developmental delay.<h4>Conclusion</h4>A significant proportion of survivors of open-heart surgery for CHD are at risk for psychological maladjustment and impaired QoL. Future research needs to focus on self-reports, QoL data and adolescents.2009-01-01T00:00:00Z2009 Jan2025-04-22T06:45:24.665Z2019-03-27T00:20:44ZS-EPMC26428221916160210.1186/1471-2431-9-6