A COGNITIVE, BEHAVIORAL AND EMOTIONAL PROFILE OF CHILDREN WITH CONGENITAL CARDIOPATHY

Objectives: To delineate a cognitive, behavioral and emotional profile of school-aged children with congenital cardiopathy comparing them with healthy children in the same age group and socioeconomic level.

Methods: Group 1 (G 1): 56 (mean: 96 months) with congenital cardiopathies. Group 2 (G 2): 25 healthy children. of a similar age (mean 102 months), and socioeconomic level. The following tests were performed: I.Q. (Wechsler Scale), emotional markers (Human figure drawing (Koppitz)), adaptative behavior (Vineland Scales (Doll)) socioeconomic level (Graffar Scale) Results: IQ: (mean) G1: 97, G2: 105. G 1, behavioral scales presented significantly lower ages compared to G 2. Vineland Scale: Daily living skills domain: G 1: X: 73 months. G 1 all subdomains were rated between 16 and 23 months below chronological age (CA) significant differences G1 and G2 (p=0.00001). Socialization domain: X: 72 meses. G 1 subdomains were rated between 24 and 30 months below CA, significant differences between G1 and G2 (p=0.00001). The mayor differences between G 1 and G 2 in selfcare, use of leisure time and decision making. DFH: G1 presented a mean of 3 emotional markers per child, and 88% of them presented more than three. G 2: X=1 emotional marker per child. G1: poor coordination and impulsiveness (44%), instable personality (41%), difficulty to connect with others (31%), and poor interpersonal relationships (25%). Education. G1 66% did not present learning problems, 27% needed extra after school support, and 7% repeated grades. G 2 did not present learning problems.

Conclusion: The cognitive, behavioral and emotional profile of children with congenital cardiopathy reveals dysfunctional areas that place their development of autonomy as social persons and learners at risk. These markers should be taken into account both within the family and in school environments, encouraging behavior of selfregulation, improving autonomy and self-esteem through contact with family members and close peers.