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Nolan L, Jacobson LA, Peterson RK. Practical adaptive skills in pediatric brain tumor survivors: the contribution of medical factors and social determinants of health. Child Neuropsychol 2024; 30:847-860. [PMID: 37930038 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2023.2275826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Pediatric brain tumor survivors demonstrate weaknesses in adaptive functioning, most notably practical adaptive skills; however, the specific areas of weakness within practical skills are unknown. This study examined the aspects of practical adaptive functions that are most impacted in brain tumor survivors, and identified medical and socio-demographic variables that predicted outcomes. The sample included 117 pediatric brain tumor patients seen for a clinical neuropsychological evaluation and whose parents completed the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, Second or Third Edition. T-tests compared practical adaptive skills to normative means. Correlations examined associations between medical and socio-demographic variables and each of the practical adaptive subscales (Community Use, Home Living, Health & Safety, Self-Care). Significant correlations were entered into linear regression models for each practical adaptive skill. All practical subscales were significantly below the normative mean. Community Use was positively correlated with age at diagnosis and negatively correlated with treatment burden, time since diagnosis, and neighborhood deprivation. Health and Safety was positively correlated with age at diagnosis. Home Living was positively correlated with neighborhood deprivation. Self-Care was positively correlated with age at diagnosis and parental education. Specific medical and socio-demographic factors predicted practical adaptive functioning, highlighting the importance of considering the role of medical and socio-demographic determinants of health on adaptive functioning outcomes in pediatric brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily Nolan
- Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lisa A Jacobson
- Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rachel K Peterson
- Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Raghubar KP, Heitzer AM, Malbari F, Gill J, Sillitoe RV, Merrill L, Escalante J, Okcu MF, Aldave G, Meoded A, Kralik S, Davis K, Ma M, Warren EAH, McCurdy MD, Weiner HL, Whitehead W, Scheurer ME, Rodriguez L, Daigle A, Chintagumpala M, Kahalley LS. Adaptive, behavioral, and emotional outcomes following postoperative pediatric cerebellar mutism syndrome in survivors treated for medulloblastoma. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2024; 33:516-523. [PMID: 38552237 PMCID: PMC11010724 DOI: 10.3171/2024.1.peds23321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients who experience postoperative pediatric cerebellar mutism syndrome (CMS) during treatment for medulloblastoma have long-term deficits in neurocognitive functioning; however, the consequences on functional or adaptive outcomes are unknown. The purpose of the present study was to compare adaptive, behavioral, and emotional functioning between survivors with and those without a history of CMS. METHODS The authors examined outcomes in 45 survivors (15 with CMS and 30 without CMS). Comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations, which included parent-report measures of adaptive, behavioral, and emotional functioning, were completed at a median of 2.90 years following craniospinal irradiation. RESULTS Adaptive functioning was significantly worse in the CMS group for practical and general adaptive skills compared with the group without CMS. Rates of impairment in practical, conceptual, and general adaptive skills in the CMS group exceeded expected rates in the general population. Despite having lower overall intellectual functioning, working memory, and processing speed, IQ and related cognitive processes were uncorrelated with adaptive outcomes in the CMS group. No significant group differences or increased rates of impairment were observed for behavioral and emotional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Survivors with CMS, compared with those without CMS, are rated as having significant deficits in overall or general adaptive functioning, with specific weakness in practical skills several years posttreatment. Findings from this study demonstrate the high risk for ongoing functional deficits despite acute recovery from symptoms of CMS, highlighting the need for intervention to mitigate such risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly P. Raghubar
- Section of Psychology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Andrew M. Heitzer
- Psychology Department, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Fatema Malbari
- Section of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Jason Gill
- Section of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Roy V. Sillitoe
- Section of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Livia Merrill
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Texas
| | - Johanna Escalante
- Section of Psychology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - M. Fatih Okcu
- Section of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Guillermo Aldave
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Avner Meoded
- Section of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; and
| | - Stephen Kralik
- Section of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; and
| | - Kimberly Davis
- Section of Psychology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Marina Ma
- Section of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Emily A. H. Warren
- Section of Psychology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Mark D. McCurdy
- Section of Psychology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Howard L. Weiner
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - William Whitehead
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Michael E. Scheurer
- Section of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Lisa Rodriguez
- Section of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Amy Daigle
- Section of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Murali Chintagumpala
- Section of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Lisa S. Kahalley
- Section of Psychology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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Neurobehavioral Impairment in Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors: A Meta-Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133269. [PMID: 35805042 PMCID: PMC9265927 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The neurocognitive outcomes of pediatric brain tumor survivors have been extensively studied but the risk and predictors for neurobehavioral impairment are less clearly defined. We systematically analyzed the rates of emotional, psychosocial, and attention problems in pediatric brain tumor survivors. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane were searched for articles published between January 2012 to April 2022. Eligible studies reported neurobehavioral outcomes for PBTS aged 2 to <23 years with a brain tumor diagnosis before 18 years of age. A random-effect meta-analysis was performed in R. Results: The search yielded 1187 unique publications, of which 50 were included in the quantitative analysis. The estimated risk of having emotional, psychosocial, and attention problems were 15% (95%CI 10−20%), 12% (95%CI 9−16%), and 12% (95%CI 9−16%), respectively. PBTS were more likely to have emotional difficulties (Hedge’s g = 0.43 [95%CI 0.34−0.52]), psychosocial problems (Hedge’s g = 0.46 [95%CI 0.33−0.58]), and attention problems (Hedge’s g = 0.48 [95%CI 0.34−0.63]) compared to normal/healthy control subjects. There was no significant difference in the rates of neurobehavioral impairment between children with and without history of cranial radiotherapy. Conclusions: PBTS are at elevated risk of neurobehavioral impairment. Neurobehavioral monitoring should be considered as the standard of care for PBTS.
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Depression, anxiety and health-related quality of life in paediatric intracranial germ cell tumor survivors. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2022; 20:9. [PMID: 35022038 PMCID: PMC8753919 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-021-01911-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Little is known about depression and anxiety among paediatric intracranial germ cell tumour (iGCT) survivors. We aimed to evaluate the risk factors associated with depression, anxiety and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in paediatric iGCT survivors. Methods We recruited 200 iGCT patients (and their parents) from Beijing Tiantan Hospital and assessed their HRQoL using the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) 4.0 Generic Core Scales. The Children’s Depression Inventory, Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders, and Symptom Checklist 90 were used to evaluate depression and anxiety. The results were analysed based on disease recurrence, tumour location and treatment strategies. Results Survivors with recurrent tumours had worse HRQoL scores than those with non-recurrent tumours. Patients with tumours involving both the suprasellar and basal ganglia regions had the worst HRQoL scores. A large proportion of survivors had depression or anxiety. Both depression and anxiety scores were highly correlated with the HRQoL emotional functioning scores. The parent proxy-reports (PPR) and child self-reports were highly correlated in all domains. Conclusions This study demonstrated the clinical factors affecting paediatric iGCT survivors’ depression, anxiety, and HRQoL. Therefore, psychological interventions should be implemented. It also suggests that the PedsQL PPR would be helpful for routine screening. Intracranial germ cell tumours (iGCT) are relatively rare brain tumours that predominantly occur in paediatric patients. Since the survival rate of patients with iGCT has been improving and the burden of long-term morbidity is substantial, promoting the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and reducing depression and anxiety among its survivors is of critical concern. Although many studies have been published on factors related to the HRQoL of iGCT survivors, little is known about their long-term emotional function. This study demonstrated the clinical factors that affect depression, anxiety, and the HRQoL and the associations between the HRQoL and depression/anxiety in 200 paediatric iGCT patients. We found that patients with recurrent tumours had a worse HRQoL. Tumour locations also played a critical role in that tumour involving the basal ganglia were associated with worse outcomes. A large proportion of paediatric iGCT survivors had depression or anxiety in all the groups. Depression/anxiety scores were highly correlated with the HRQoL emotional functioning scores. In addition, we found that the PedsQL parent proxy report is appropriate in most cases when it is not possible to obtain child self-reports. These findings provide evidence to support the optimization of treatment strategies for iGCTs, such as the provision of psychological interventions.
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Oprandi MC, Oldrati V, delle Fave M, Panzeri D, Gandola L, Massimino M, Bardoni A, Poggi G. Processing Speed and Time since Diagnosis Predict Adaptive Functioning Measured with WeeFIM in Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194776. [PMID: 34638261 PMCID: PMC8508451 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Brain tumor (BT) survivors show difficulties in adaptive functioning (AF) and in acquiring independence (e.g., graduating, finding employment, building strong relationships, and being independent). The aim of our observational retrospective study is to explore the contribution of different clinical and cognitive variables in explaining and predicting the AF outcomes of BT survivors, measured with the Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM). The analysis demonstrated that processing speed and time since diagnosis are the main explanatory variables. Other clinical factors, such as age at diagnosis and hydrocephalus, differentially influence functional skills according to distinct domains (i.e., self-care, mobility, and cognition). The identification of the clinical factors influencing AF could suggest targets on which to focus attention. By successfully assessing, understanding, and managing AF, it will be possible to improve its management in pediatric BT survivors. Abstract (1) Background: Brain tumor (BT) survivors show difficulties in the acquisition of developmental milestones, related to academic achievement, vocational employment, social relationships, and autonomy. The skills underlying adaptive functioning (AF) are usually damaged in BT survivors due to the presence of the brain tumor, treatment-related factors, and other neurological sequelae. In this study, we aimed to explore the contribution of different cognitive factors in children with BT to AF, considering diagnosis-related variables. (2) Methods: Standardized cognitive assessment was undertaken and clinical information was collected from a retrospective cohort of 78 children with a BT, aged between 6 and 18 year old at the time of the assessment. Regression models were computed to investigate the influence of the selected variables on daily functional skills as measured by the Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM). (3) Results: The analyses showed that the main explanatory variables are processing speed and time since diagnosis. Other clinical variables, such as age at diagnosis and hydrocephalus, differentially influence functional skills according to distinct domains (i.e., self-care, mobility, and cognition). (4) Conclusions: The main explanatory variables of AF that emerged in our models point to a potential target of improving AF management in pediatric BT survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chiara Oprandi
- Neuro-Oncological and Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, 23842 Lecco, Italy; (V.O.); (M.d.F.); (D.P.); (A.B.); (G.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Viola Oldrati
- Neuro-Oncological and Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, 23842 Lecco, Italy; (V.O.); (M.d.F.); (D.P.); (A.B.); (G.P.)
| | - Morena delle Fave
- Neuro-Oncological and Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, 23842 Lecco, Italy; (V.O.); (M.d.F.); (D.P.); (A.B.); (G.P.)
| | - Daniele Panzeri
- Neuro-Oncological and Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, 23842 Lecco, Italy; (V.O.); (M.d.F.); (D.P.); (A.B.); (G.P.)
| | - Lorenza Gandola
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Pediatrics Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (L.G.); (M.M.)
| | - Maura Massimino
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Pediatrics Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (L.G.); (M.M.)
| | - Alessandra Bardoni
- Neuro-Oncological and Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, 23842 Lecco, Italy; (V.O.); (M.d.F.); (D.P.); (A.B.); (G.P.)
| | - Geraldina Poggi
- Neuro-Oncological and Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, 23842 Lecco, Italy; (V.O.); (M.d.F.); (D.P.); (A.B.); (G.P.)
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Puhr A, Ruud E, Anderson V, Due-Tønnessen BJ, Skarbø AB, Finset A, Andersson S. Executive Function and Psychosocial Adjustment in Adolescent Survivors of Pediatric Brain Tumor. Dev Neuropsychol 2021; 46:149-168. [PMID: 33783291 DOI: 10.1080/87565641.2021.1900191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Adolescent survivors of pediatric brain tumor (PBT) are a sparsely studied subset of childhood cancer survivors. Sustaining a PBT may complicate the development of executive functions (EFs), which play a vital role in long-term psychosocial adjustment. In this study, 48 adolescent survivors and their parents completed questionnaires assessing EF, psychological symptoms, fatigue, and adaptive functioning, and 26 survivors underwent neuropsychological assessment. Survivors reported significantly more problems with adaptive functioning than a healthy control group, and this was most strongly associated to executive dysfunction, compared to psychological symptoms and fatigue. The findings have important implications for long-term follow-ups.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Puhr
- Dept. of Pediatric Medicine, Oslo University Hospital & Dept. Of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - E Ruud
- Dept. of Pediatric Medicine, Oslo University Hospital & Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - V Anderson
- Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne & Depts of Psychology & Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne Australia
| | | | - A B Skarbø
- Dept. of Pediatric Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - A Finset
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo Norway
| | - S Andersson
- Dept. of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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The Neurological Predictor Scale Predicts Adaptive Functioning via Executive Dysfunction in Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Brain Tumor. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2021; 27:1-11. [PMID: 32641194 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617720000624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Survivors of childhood brain tumors experience neurological sequelae that disrupt everyday adaptive functioning (AF) skills. The Neurological Predictor Scale (NPS), a cumulative measure of tumor treatments and sequelae, predicts cognitive outcomes, but findings on its relation to informant-reported executive dysfunction (ED) and AF are mixed. Given known effects of frontal-subcortical system disruptions on AF, this study assessed the NPS' relationship with AF as mediated by frontal systems dysfunction, measured by the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (FrSBe). METHODS 75 participants (Mage = 23.5, SDage = 4.5) were young adult survivors of childhood brain tumors at least 5 years past diagnosis. FrSBe and Scales of Independent Behavior-Revised (SIB-R), a measure of AF, were administered to informants. Parallel multiple mediator models included Apathy and ED as mediators, and age at diagnosis and time between diagnosis and assessment as covariates. RESULTS More complex treatment and sequelae were correlated with poorer functioning. Mediation models were significant for all subscales: Motor Skills (MS), p = .0001; Social Communication (SC), p = .002; Personal Living (PL), p = .004; Community Living (CL), p = .007. The indirect effect of ED on SC and CL was significant; the indirect effect of Apathy was not significant for any subscales. CONCLUSIONS More complex tumor treatment and sequelae were associated with poorer long-term AF via increased ED. Cognitive rehabilitation programs may focus on the role of executive function and initiation that contribute to AF, particularly SC and CL skills, to help survivors achieve comparable levels of independence in everyday function as their peers.
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Semmel ES, Quadri TR, King TZ. Oral processing speed as a key mechanism in the relationship between neurological risk and adaptive functioning in survivors of pediatric brain tumors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2020; 67:e28575. [PMID: 32813316 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Brain tumor (BT) survivors are at risk for difficulties with adaptive functioning (AF). Recent work has associated neurological risk with poorer AF outcomes using the Neurological Predictor Scale (NPS), a quantification of neurological risk factors. Survivors also have poorer attention, processing speed, and working memory, which are all important for AF. The current study examined whether these cognitive constructs explain the relationship between the NPS and AF in survivors. METHODS Ninety-five adult BT survivors and 135 healthy controls were recruited from the Atlanta area. The Oral Symbol Digits Modalities test was used to measure processing speed, Digit Span Backward assessed working memory, and Digit Span Forward measured attention. Informants completed the Scales of Independent Behavior (SIB-R) to measure AF. Group differences and correlations were assessed, and the PROCESS macro for SPSS tested indirect effects. RESULTS Survivors were significantly lower on AF and cognitive measures compared with controls. Attention span and processing speed had significant indirect effects in relationship between NPS and AF individually, but processing speed was the only variable with a significant indirect effect when all cognitive variables were included in the model. The NPS and processing speed together account for approximately 39% of variance in AF outcomes. CONCLUSIONS BT survivors in our sample have lower AF than controls, and processing speed appears to be particularly important in explaining the relationship between neurological risk and AF. In the future, the development of interventions aimed at increasing young adult independence should target both cognitive processing speed and AF skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric S Semmel
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Tobiloba R Quadri
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Tricia Z King
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia
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Raghubar KP, Rothhaar MC, Yeates KO, Mahone EM, Grosshans DR, Scheurer ME, Ris MD. Premorbid functioning as a predictor of outcome in pediatric brain tumor: An initial examination of the normalcy assumption. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2020; 67:e28135. [PMID: 31886612 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on neurodevelopmental outcome in survivors of pediatric brain tumor (BT) is often based on the assumption of normal development up to the onset of overt symptoms. We sought to verify the "normalcy assumption" and to investigate corollary issues including challenges inherent to the measurement of premorbid neurobehavioral functioning. PROCEDURE The Brain Radiation Investigative Study Consortium (BRISC) is a prospective longitudinal multisite study of 58 children diagnosed with BT. Premorbid functioning was assessed via retrospective parent report on standardized rating scales and detailed questionnaires. Findings were examined for the sample as a whole and in patients grouped by tumor histology (embryonal and non-embryonal). RESULTS Mean age at diagnosis was 9.84 years (range, 3-16). The overall sample showed low proportions of pre/postnatal risk factors and delays in development. The proportion of children with clinically significant premorbid attention (18%) problems based on the BASC-2 exceeded expectation of that in healthy children (6.68%). Similar findings were obtained for somatization (18%) and anxiety (14%). Delays in talking were significantly more common in children with embryonal than non-embryonal tumors (P = 0.02). The non-embryonal tumor group had significantly higher overall rates of premorbid psychosocial problems than the embryonal tumor group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS We describe a rigorous approach to estimating premorbid developmental status in pediatric BT. The findings suggest mixed support for the "normalcy assumption" and highlight the complexity of this concept and need for further investigation. Our results also suggest the need for further study of potential premorbid correlates with tumor histology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria C Rothhaar
- Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | | | - E Mark Mahone
- Kennedy Krieger Institute/Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | | | - M Douglas Ris
- Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
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Roth AK, Ris MD, Orobio J, Xue J, Mahajan A, Paulino AC, Grosshans D, Okcu MF, Chintagumpala M, Kahalley L. Cognitive mediators of adaptive functioning outcomes in survivors of pediatric brain tumors treated with proton radiotherapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2020; 67:e28064. [PMID: 31736188 PMCID: PMC7433211 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cranial radiotherapy (RT) is associated with risk for cognitive and adaptive dysfunction. Proton RT (PRT) is a technique hypothesized to spare cognition by reducing exposure to nontarget brain tissue. However, little is known regarding functional outcomes in survivors of pediatric brain tumor (BT) treated with PRT. The present study examined the relationship between cognitive and adaptive outcomes in pediatric BT survivors post-PRT. METHODS Survivors treated with either focal (n = 33) or craniospinal irradiation (CSI; n = 37) PRT completed neurocognitive evaluations approximately 5 years post-treatment. Results of intelligence testing and ratings of adaptive functioning are reported. Mediation models examined the relationship among radiation field, cognition, and adaptive functioning. RESULTS The PRT CSI group demonstrated worse cognitive outcomes than the PRT Focal group across each cognitive index (Cohen's d = 0.56-0.70). Parent ratings of adaptive functioning were also worse in the PRT CSI group than the PRT Focal group (Global Adaptive Composite, d = 0.53; conceptual skills, d = 0.67). Cognitive performance fully mediated the relationship between radiation field and adaptive outcomes, while controlling for group differences in tumor histology and RT dose. CONCLUSIONS Focal PRT survivors demonstrated generally positive outcomes with weaknesses in processing speed and aspects of adaptive functioning. CSI exposure was associated with more consistently poor cognitive and adaptive outcomes. The increased risk for adaptive dysfunction in the PRT CSI group appeared due to the effects of CSI on cognition. Efforts to reduce the volume of tissue exposure to RT remain important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra K. Roth
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Psychology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - M. Douglas Ris
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Psychology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Jessica Orobio
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Psychology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Judy Xue
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Psychology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | | | - Arnold C. Paulino
- Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States
| | - David Grosshans
- Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States
| | - M. Fatih Okcu
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Murali Chintagumpala
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Lisa Kahalley
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Psychology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
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Duda TA, Ris MD, Yeates KO, Mahone EM, Haut JS, Raghubar KP. [Formula: see text] Reliable change in pediatric brain tumor: A preliminary investigation. Child Neuropsychol 2020; 26:15-26. [PMID: 31161873 PMCID: PMC10155288 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2019.1620715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Children treated for brain tumor show evidence of declines in general intellectual abilities (i.e., IQ). Group-level data indicate subtle declines over time on average, but no study has utilized a clinical criterion to identify and describe a reliable change in survivors of pediatric brain tumor (PBT). In this study, we discuss the utility of reliable change index (RCI) methodology to supplement group-level analysis (e.g., repeated measures ANOVA). This pilot sample consisted of 22 children (M age = 10.47 years) treated for PBT who completed initial and follow-up assessments (M interval = 23.58 months). Cognitive data included composite scores from the WISC-IV. An RCI z-score was calculated for each participant on each composite score based on two different test-retest reliability coefficients. As a group, survivors of PBT did not demonstrate a statistically significant change from initial to follow-up on any WISC-IV composite score. When RCI was calculated based on reliability coefficients with shorter test-retest intervals provided by the test publisher, 77% of survivors demonstrated a reliable change in performance on at least one measure. The frequency of RCI decreases in working memory was significantly higher than expected. In contrast, only 32% of survivors showed reliable changes on at least one measure when RCI was based on a reliability coefficient derived from a clinical sample with a longer retest interval. This study demonstrates that highly divergent results may be obtained with RCI and the importance of the source of reliability estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A. Duda
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - M. Douglas Ris
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Keith Owen Yeates
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - E. Mark Mahone
- Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer S. Haut
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kimberly P. Raghubar
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
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Puhr A, Ruud E, Anderson V, Due-Tønnessen BJ, Skarbø AB, Finset A, Andersson S. Social attainment in physically well-functioning long-term survivors of pediatric brain tumour; the role of executive dysfunction, fatigue, and psychological and emotional symptoms. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2019; 31:129-153. [PMID: 31603026 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2019.1677480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate long-term social attainment in physically well-functioning adult survivors of pediatric brain tumour (PBT) and identify demographic, medical, and psychological factors related to poor social outcomes, with a special focus on the significance of executive dysfunction. One hundred and fourteen PBT survivors and a healthy control group provided personal data on social outcomes, i.e., education, work, and government benefits, and completed questionnaires on executive function (EF), psychological and emotional difficulties, and fatigue. A significantly higher number of survivors compared to healthy controls reported having received educational adjustments and substantial government benefits, and significantly more survivors than controls were currently not engaged in regular employment/training. PBT survivors and healthy controls did not differ on educational level or living situation. The factors most strongly associated with poor social outcomes were self-reported executive dysfunction, difficulties with adaptive functioning, and fatigue. The findings show that physically well-functioning PBT survivors are at risk of poorer social outcomes and financial dependence in adulthood compared to their healthy peers, and underline the importance of investigating EF in short- and long-term follow-ups. Future rehabilitation efforts should focus more on compensatory strategies for executive dysfunction and improving EF skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Puhr
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Pediatric Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ellen Ruud
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Vicki Anderson
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Anne-Britt Skarbø
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Stein Andersson
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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13
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Raghubar KP, Orobio J, Ris MD, Heitzer AM, Roth A, Brown AL, Okcu MF, Chintagumpala M, Grosshans DR, Paulino AC, Mahajan A, Kahalley LS. Adaptive functioning in pediatric brain tumor survivors: An examination of ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2019; 66:e27800. [PMID: 31134755 PMCID: PMC6730637 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.27800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Survivors of pediatric brain tumor are at risk for adaptive difficulties. The present study examined adaptive functioning in a multiethnic sample of survivors accounting for socioeconomic status, and whether demographic, diagnostic, and/or treatment-related variables predict adaptive outcomes. METHOD Participants included a multiethnic sample of survivors (58 Caucasian, 34 Hispanic, and 22 other non-Caucasian; M age = 14.05 years, SD = 4.33) who were approximately seven years post-treatment. Parents rated adaptive functioning and provided demographic information. Diagnostic and treatment-related information was abstracted from the electronic medical record. RESULTS Parent ratings of adaptive functioning were similar across Caucasian, Hispanic, and other non-Caucasian survivors covarying for family income and primary caregiver education, both of which served as proxies for socioeconomic status. All ethnic groups were rated lower than the normative mean in overall adaptive functioning as well as the specific domains of conceptual, social, and practical skills. Demographic, diagnostic, and treatment-related variables were differentially associated with adaptive functioning in survivors of pediatric brain tumor, though socioeconomic status emerged as a strong significant predictor of adaptive functioning domains. CONCLUSIONS Adaptive outcomes do not differ as a function of ethnicity after accounting for primary caregiver education and family income. Racial and ethnic minorities may be at increased risk for poorer outcomes given their overrepresentation at lower income levels. Assessing demographic and treatment-related variables early on may be helpful in identifying children likely to develop adaptive difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly P. Raghubar
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Psychology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Jessica Orobio
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Psychology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - M. Douglas Ris
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Psychology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Andrew M. Heitzer
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Psychology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Alexandra Roth
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Psychology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Austin L. Brown
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - M. Fatih Okcu
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Murali Chintagumpala
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - David R. Grosshans
- Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States
| | - Arnold C. Paulino
- Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States
| | - Anita Mahajan
- Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States
| | - Lisa S. Kahalley
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Psychology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
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14
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Desjardins L, Barrera M, Schulte F, Chung J, Cataudella D, Janzen L, Bartels U, Downie A. Predicting social withdrawal, anxiety and depression symptoms in pediatric brain tumor survivors. J Psychosoc Oncol 2019; 37:22-36. [DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2018.1535531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Leandra Desjardins
- Department of Psychology, Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Maru Barrera
- Department of Psychology, Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Fiona Schulte
- Department of Psychology, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Alberta Children’s Hospital, Calgary, Canada
| | - Joanna Chung
- Department of Psychology, Division of Hematology/Oncology, BC Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Danielle Cataudella
- Department of Psychology, Division of Hematology/Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Canada
| | - Laura Janzen
- Department of Psychology, Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ute Bartels
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Andrea Downie
- Department of Psychology, Division of Hematology/Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Canada
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15
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Stavinoha PL, Askins MA, Powell SK, Pillay Smiley N, Robert RS. Neurocognitive and Psychosocial Outcomes in Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors. Bioengineering (Basel) 2018; 5:E73. [PMID: 30208602 PMCID: PMC6164803 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering5030073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The late neurocognitive and psychosocial effects of treatment for pediatric brain tumor (PBT) represent important areas of clinical focus and ongoing research. Neurocognitive sequelae and associated problems with learning and socioemotional development negatively impact PBT survivors' overall health-related quality of life, educational attainment and employment rates. Multiple factors including tumor features and associated complications, treatment methods, individual protective and vulnerability factors and accessibility of environmental supports contribute to the neurocognitive and psychosocial outcomes in PBT survivors. Declines in overall measured intelligence are common and may persist years after treatment. Core deficits in attention, processing speed and working memory are postulated to underlie problems with overall intellectual development, academic achievement and career attainment. Additionally, psychological problems after PBT can include depression, anxiety and psychosocial adjustment issues. Several intervention paradigms are briefly described, though to date research on innovative, specific and effective interventions for neurocognitive late effects is still in its early stages. This article reviews the existing research for understanding PBT late effects and highlights the need for innovative research to enhance neurocognitive and psychosocial outcomes in PBT survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter L Stavinoha
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Martha A Askins
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Stephanie K Powell
- Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Natasha Pillay Smiley
- Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Rhonda S Robert
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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16
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Raghubar KP, Lamba M, Cecil KM, Yeates KO, Mahone EM, Limke C, Grosshans D, Beckwith TJ, Ris MD. Dose-volume metrics and their relation to memory performance in pediatric brain tumor patients: A preliminary study. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2018; 65:e27245. [PMID: 29856521 PMCID: PMC7388179 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.27245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advances in radiation treatment (RT), specifically volumetric planning with detailed dose and volumetric data for specific brain structures, have provided new opportunities to study neurobehavioral outcomes of RT in children treated for brain tumor. The present study examined the relationship between biophysical and physical dose metrics and neurocognitive ability, namely learning and memory, 2 years post-RT in pediatric brain tumor patients. PROCEDURE The sample consisted of 26 pediatric patients with brain tumor, 14 of whom completed neuropsychological evaluations on average 24 months post-RT. Prescribed dose and dose-volume metrics for specific brain regions were calculated including physical metrics (i.e., mean dose and maximum dose) and biophysical metrics (i.e., integral biological effective dose and generalized equivalent uniform dose). We examined the associations between dose-volume metrics (whole brain, right and left hippocampus), and performance on measures of learning and memory (Children's Memory Scale). RESULTS Biophysical dose metrics were highly correlated with the physical metric of mean dose but not with prescribed dose. Biophysical metrics and mean dose, but not prescribed dose, correlated with measures of learning and memory. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary findings call into question the value of prescribed dose for characterizing treatment intensity; they also suggest that biophysical dose has only a limited advantage compared to physical dose when calculated for specific regions of the brain. We discuss the implications of the findings for evaluating and understanding the relation between RT and neurocognitive functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly P. Raghubar
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Michael Lamba
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Kim M. Cecil
- Department of Radiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and the Imaging Research Center, Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Keith Owen Yeates
- Department of Psychology, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - E. Mark Mahone
- Department of Neuropsychology and Department of Psychiatry, Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - David Grosshans
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Travis J. Beckwith
- Department of Radiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and the Imaging Research Center, Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - M. Douglas Ris
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas
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17
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Bell H, Ownsworth T, Lloyd O, Sheeran N, Chambers S. A systematic review of factors related to children's quality of life and mental health after brain tumor. Psychooncology 2018; 27:2317-2326. [PMID: 30071150 DOI: 10.1002/pon.4850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Brain tumor has been found to have a major impact on children's quality of life (QOL); yet, the subjective impact of the illness is still not well understood. This review aimed to investigate factors related to children's subjective well-being (SWB), or self-reported QOL and mental health after brain tumor. A further aim was to determine the consistency between child and parent-proxy ratings of children's SWB and common factors associated with both child and parent-proxy ratings. METHODS A systematic search of PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, and Scopus was conducted from 1980 to May 2018 to identify eligible studies. Methodological quality of these studies was assessed by 2 independent reviewers. RESULTS Twenty studies investigated factors related to children's self-reported mental health or QOL. Fourteen studies examined these factors from the perspectives of both children and their parents. Overall, risk factors for poor QOL included infratentorial tumors, radiation, hydrocephalus, lower IQ, and behavioral problems. Only 5 studies examined mental health outcomes, the findings of which were mixed. Relatively few studies examined psychosocial variables related to children's SWB. CONCLUSIONS Although several risk factors for poor QOL were identified, further research investigating mental health outcomes and the influence of psychosocial factors on children's SWB is needed to guide support interventions for pediatric brain tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley Bell
- School of Applied Psychology and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tamara Ownsworth
- School of Applied Psychology and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Owen Lloyd
- School of Applied Psychology and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Queensland Paediatric Rehabilitation Service, Lady Cilento Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicola Sheeran
- School of Applied Psychology and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Suzanne Chambers
- School of Applied Psychology and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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18
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Raghubar KP, Mahone EM, Yeates KO, Cecil KM, Makola M, Ris MD. [Formula: see text]Working memory and attention in pediatric brain tumor patients treated with and without radiation therapy. Child Neuropsychol 2017; 23:642-654. [PMID: 27225618 PMCID: PMC5124420 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2016.1183608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Children are at risk for cognitive difficulties following the diagnosis and treatment of a brain tumor. Longitudinal studies have consistently demonstrated declines on measures of intellectual functioning, and recently it has been proposed that specific neurocognitive processes underlie these changes, including working memory, processing speed, and attention. However, a fine-grained examination of the affected neurocognitive processes is required to inform intervention efforts. Radiation therapy (RT) impacts white matter integrity, likely affecting those cognitive processes supported by distributed neural networks. This study examined working memory and attention in children during the early delayed stages of recovery following surgical resection and RT. The participants included 27 children diagnosed with pediatric brain tumor, treated with (n = 12) or without (n = 15) RT, who completed experimental and standardized measures of working memory and attention (n-back and digit span tasks). Children treated with radiation performed less well than those who did not receive radiation on the n-back measure, though performance at the 0-back level was considerably poorer than would be expected for both groups, perhaps suggesting difficulties with more basic processes such as vigilance. Along these lines, marginal differences were noted on digit span forward. The findings are discussed with respect to models of attention and working memory, and the interplay between the two.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly P. Raghubar
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - E. Mark Mahone
- Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Keith Owen Yeates
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Kim M. Cecil
- Cincinnati Department of Radiology, Children’s Hospital Medical Center, OH, USA
| | - Monwabisi Makola
- Cincinnati Department of Radiology, Children’s Hospital Medical Center, OH, USA
| | - M. Douglas Ris
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
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19
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Hoskinson KR, Wolfe KR, Yeates KO, Mahone EM, Cecil KM, Ris MD. Predicting changes in adaptive functioning and behavioral adjustment following treatment for a pediatric brain tumor: A report from the Brain Radiation Investigative Study Consortium. Psychooncology 2017; 27:178-186. [DOI: 10.1002/pon.4394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen R. Hoskinson
- Center for Biobehavioral Health; Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital; Columbus OH USA
- Department of Pediatrics; Ohio State University College of Medicine; Columbus OH USA
| | - Kelly R. Wolfe
- Department of Pediatrics; University of Colorado School of Medicine; Aurora CO USA
| | - Keith Owen Yeates
- Department of Psychology; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute; Calgary AB Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute; University of Calgary; Calgary AB Canada
| | - E. Mark Mahone
- Department of Neuropsychology; Kennedy Krieger Institute; Baltimore MD USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore MD USA
| | - Kim M. Cecil
- Imaging Research Center; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati OH USA
| | - M. Douglas Ris
- Psychology Service; Texas Children's Hospital; Houston TX USA
- Department of Pediatrics; Baylor College of Medicine; Houston TX USA
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20
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Raghubar KP, Mahone EM, Yeates KO, Ris MD. Performance-based and parent ratings of attention in children treated for a brain tumor: The significance of radiation therapy and tumor location on outcome. Child Neuropsychol 2017; 24:413-425. [DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2017.1280144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly P. Raghubar
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - E. Mark Mahone
- Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Keith Owen Yeates
- Department of Psychology, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - M. Douglas Ris
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
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