title: Autonomic nervous system function, child behavior, and maternal sensitivity in three-year-old children with surgically corrected transposition.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Explore relationships among autonomic nervous system (ANS) function, child behavior, and maternal sensitivity in three-year-old children with surgically corrected transposition of the great arteries (TGA) and in children healthy at birth.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Children surviving complex congenital heart defects are at risk for behavior problems. ANS function is associated with behavior and with maternal sensitivity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Child ANS function (heart rate variability) and maternal sensitivity (Parent-Child Early Relational Assessment) were measured during a challenging task. Mother completed the Child Behavior Checklist. Data were analyzed descriptively and graphically.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Children with TGA had less responsive autonomic function and more behavior problems than healthy children. Autonomic function improved with more maternal sensitivity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Alterations in ANS function may continue years after surgical correction in children with TGA, potentially impacting behavioral regulation. Maternal sensitivity may be associated with ANS function in this population. Continued research on relationships among ANS function, child behavior, and maternal sensitivity is warranted.
authors.affiliation: Center for Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Research, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, USA; Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA. Electronic address: Tondi.Harrison@nationwidechildrens.org.
authors.forename: Tondi M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Harrison
mesh_terms: D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000502:physiology*; D002652:Child Behavior; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D002666:Psychology, Child; D014188:Transposition of Great Vessels / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: Autonomic nervous system function; Child behavior; Congenital heart disease; Maternal–Child interaction