Posttraumatic stress disorder in children after cardiac surgery

Abstract Objective Children undergoing cardiac surgery often experience traumatic situations related to their care and may be at risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The purpose of this study was to examine children's responses to cardiac surgery and the factors that mediate responses. Study design Forty-three 5- to 12-year-old children undergoing cardiac surgery were evaluated pre- and postoperatively for PTSD. The effect of baseline cognitive level, temperament, family support, and length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay on PTSD symptomatology was examined. Results No child had PTSD pre-operatively. For the entire group, the number of PTSD symptoms increased significantly from pre- to postoperatively (Wilcoxon signed rank test; Z =−2.62, P P Conclusions Children undergoing cardiac surgery are at risk for developing PTSD, especially if the ICU stay is prolonged. These findings provide a basis to develop risk stratification methods and targeted interventions for this population.