Growth After Neonatal Arterial Switch Operation for D-Transposition of the Great Arteries

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate growth in infants with d-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) who underwent switch operation (anatomical correction) in the early neonatal period. Growth data (at birth and 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months of age) were retrieved in 23 infants with d-TGA who survived the operation without major complications. Measures were transformed into z scores and compared with normative data for age. Following surgery, infants showed low z scores for weight, height, and head circumference. Weight and height showed a trend to reach normal ranges between 6 and 12 months of age, and the z scores were positive at 24 months. z scores for head circumference were still negative at 24 months of age. No dietary interventions were implemented during this period, and the infants were fed their own mothers' milk or, before discharge, high-calorie, preterm formula. Following anatomical correction for d-TGA in the early neonatal period, infant growth shows a characteristic pattern, with parameters normalized by 12 months of age in most cases. Head growth shows a different pattern, although gross motor development seems unaffected.