Abstract 13579: Serum Neural Biomarkers and Neuroimaging Markers in Neonates with Congenital Heart Disease Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

Introduction: Congenital heart disease (CHD) patients requiring neonatal cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery often experience abnormal neurodevelopment. Open heart surgery and anesthesia induce changes in the developing brain concomitant with an increase in the level of neuromarkers. The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between neuromarkers, brain dysplasia and neurodevelopmental outcomes for CHD patients undergoing neonatal CPB. Hypothesis: Neuromarkers and neuroimaging brain dysplasia can predict the neurodevelopmental outcomes for CHD patients undergoing neonatal CPB. Methods: 42 neonates with CHD requiring CPB were included in this prospective, observational study. Using the Neurology 4-Plex A Assay, serum levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1), neurofilament light (NF-L), and Tau protein were measured pre-operatively and at 0 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours post-operatively. Brain MRIs were obtained in 24 neonates. Neurodevelopment testing was completed at 6 months to 36 months of age using the Bayley-III Scales of infant. Findings of brain MRI were scored using an internally developed scoring system which evaluates the brains structures individually on degrees of dysplasia, hypoplasia, and abnormalities, as well as providing a comprehensive assessment of overall brain development combining the individual structural abnormalities into a composite total brain dysplasia score (TBDS). Results: Bayley-III scales were negatively correlated with NF-L and Tau. For UCH-L1, a positive correlation was seen at immediate postop. Hemorrhage is associated with low language score (P=0.009) and elevated UCH-L1 levels at 24 hours and 48 hours. Infraction (P=0.0375) and lower maturation (P=0.03) are associated with low fine motor scores. Lower maturation is related to more domains below average (P=0.01). Infarction is associated with high postoperative Tau level (P=0.04).TBDS is associated with high levels of GFAP, NFL-1, and decreased language development. Conclusion: A negative correlation of Tau and NF-L to Bayley-III scales was consistent with their known roles as markers of neural injury. High NF-L and GFAP are associated with brain dysplasia.