Heart Surgery in Infants: A Preliminary Assessment of Maternal Adaptation

Abstract

The present investigation was undertaken to determine the effects on the mother of having a child undergo heart surgery. Three groups of subjects were recruited and included mothers of infants undergoing heart surgery (Heart Surgery group), mothers of infants admitted on an emergency basis for nonsurgical/nonterminal illness (Inpatient Control), and mothers of infants visiting the pediatrician for well baby checks (Outpatient Control). Data were collected at three times: PRE, the day of admission; POST, the 7th day of admission or day of discharge (whichever came first); and FOLLOW-UP, 2 months after discharge. Relative to the other two groups, a differential attrition rate was evidenced in the Inpatient Control group and this finding is discussed. Given the attrition rate, analyses after PRE involved the Heart Surgery and Outpatient Control. Findings indicate that, relative to the Outpatient Control group, the Heart Surgery group reported greater distress at FOLLOW-UP than at any other time. The distress that was reported involved disruption in the family environment. Results of the analyses are discussed as consistent with posttraumatic stress theory.

Mental Health Among Parents of Children With Critical Congenital Heart Defects: A Systematic Review

“…Similar declines in depressive symptoms were observed among parents with infants undergoing surgical CHD repair who were assessed 1 to 2 days prior to surgery, the day of discharge from the hospital (typically 7 days later), and again 8 weeks postcardiac surgery . Compared with a control group of parents of infants attending a well‐baby visit, PCCHDs were not significantly different prior to surgery, but reported significantly more depressive symptoms 7 days postsurgery ( P <0.05) . When the groups were again compared 8 weeks later, the PCCHDs were once again indistinguishable from control parents on symptoms of depression despite continuing to report significant disruption in their home, work, and school environment …”

“…In a study designed to examine the emotional state of 38 American mothers of children with CCHDs who were hospitalized for a cardiac‐related issue, symptoms of anxiety and depression—as measured on a 7–point Likert‐type scale—were high during hospitalization (mean anxiety=5.8; mean depression=4.3), but declined significantly 2 to 4 weeks later (mean anxiety=3.3, mean depression=2.2; P <0.001) . Similar declines in depressive symptoms were observed among parents with infants undergoing surgical CHD repair who were assessed 1 to 2 days prior to surgery, the day of discharge from the hospital (typically 7 days later), and again 8 weeks postcardiac surgery . Compared with a control group of parents of infants attending a well‐baby visit, PCCHDs were not significantly different prior to surgery, but reported significantly more depressive symptoms 7 days postsurgery ( P <0.05) .…”

“…Compared with a control group of parents of infants attending a well‐baby visit, PCCHDs were not significantly different prior to surgery, but reported significantly more depressive symptoms 7 days postsurgery ( P <0.05) . When the groups were again compared 8 weeks later, the PCCHDs were once again indistinguishable from control parents on symptoms of depression despite continuing to report significant disruption in their home, work, and school environment …”

“…Table provides descriptive information for the studies . The review is organized according to the following areas of mental health: (I) trauma, (II) depression and anxiety, (III) general indicators of psychological stress/distress and well‐being, and (IV) parenting stress.…”

“…Thirteen studies assessed symptoms of depression and/or anxiety using a variety of standardized screening tools at intervals ranging from the inpatient stay associated with the most recent cardiac surgery, to several years postsurgery. Of these studies, eight were classified as low in risk of bias, and five were classified as medium …”