The risk of attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder among children with congenital heart disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough current treatments are effective in dealing with congenital heart disease (CHD), non‐cardiac comorbidities such as attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have received widespread attention. The purpose of this systematic review and meta‐analysis is to assess the risk of ADHD associated with CHD.MethodsThe literature search was carried out systematically through eight different databases by the end of September 2022. Either a fixed‐ or a random‐effects model was used to calculate the overall combined risk estimates. The heterogeneity of the studies was assessed by the Cochran Q test and the I2 statistic. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were used to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity.ResultsEleven studies were included in this study, which involved a total of 296 741 participants. Our study showed that the children with CHD were at a significantly increased risk of ADHD compared with the reference group (OR = 2.98, 95% CI: 2.18–4.08). The results were moderately heterogeneous. These factors including study design, geographic region and study quality were identified as the first three of the most relevant heterogeneity moderators by subgroup analyses. Sensitivity analysis yielded consistent results. There was no evidence of publication bias.ConclusionsThe present study suggests that CHD children have a significantly higher risk of ADHD when compared with those without CHD. Early identification and intervention of ADHD is important to reduce its symptoms and adverse effects; therefore, clinicians should increase screening for ADHD in children with CHD and intervene promptly to reduce its effects whenever possible.