Quality of Life and Cognitive Function in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Surgery for Heart Diseases: A Rapid Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Scientific attention is increasingly being drawn to the emotional impact and neurodevelopmental difficulties experienced by children and adolescents with heart disease. Therefore, this article aimed to review the literature from the last decade on health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) and cognitive functions (CFs) in children and adolescents with heart disease, highlighting its implications for these populations. Methods: This rapid systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using the Web of Science (WoS) database. We used the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) as a quality control check and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Two meta-analyses were conducted to synthesize intelligence quotient (IQ) and QoL outcomes using data extracted from eligible studies. Random-effects models, Hedges’ G or mean differences, and I2 statistics derived from Cochran’s Q were applied to assess effect sizes and between-study heterogeneity. Results: A total of 133 articles were identified, and 23 were eligible. The main results suggested a relationship between the characteristics and consequences of heart disease and neurodevelopment, which influence QoL and functional areas. The meta-analysis revealed a significant decrease in total IQ in patients compared to controls. We also found that the psychosocial QoL of the patient was significantly lower than the physical QoL. Conclusions: Neurodevelopment and QoL are fundamental aspects that must be addressed in a preventive manner.This review responds to the challenges faced by children and adolescents with congenital heart disease (CHD) who have undergone one or more surgical interventions, particularly regarding neurodevelopmental outcomes and executive function deficits, as examined through cohort and cross-sectional studies. However, a critical gap remains in the literature regarding longitudinal studies that evaluate the impact of short-, medium-, and long-term interventions specifically designed for this population.