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Verity SJ, Halliday G, Hill RM, Ryles J, Bailey S. Methylphenidate improves cognitive function and health-related quality of life in survivors of childhood brain tumours. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2024; 34:133-153. [PMID: 36580420 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2022.2157446] [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: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The growing population of survivors of childhood brain tumors present the challenge of long-term quality of survival. The domains most affected by tumor and treatment are those implicated in development of typical intellectual functions: attention, working memory, and processing speed, with consequent effects upon function and quality of life. In this paper we present service evaluation data on the 12-month effect upon processing speed, visual and auditory attentional domains in 29 patients receiving methylphenidate aged 5-16 years (Mean=10.6). METHODS Patients received immediate-release methylphenidate and were converted to modified-release as appropriate. Mean optimal dose of immediate-release methylphenidate was 0.34 mg/kg per dose (range 0.2-0.67). RESULTS Patients showed a significant positive impact of methylphenidate on attention in all tests of selective visual attention from the Test of Everyday Attention for Children 2. A significant improvement was also shown on response time. Significant change was not found on psychometric measures of sustained auditory or visual attention, or selective auditory attention. Ratings of Health-Related Quality of Life showed a positive benefit of methylphenidate at 12 months. Side effects were minimal and not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Survivors of childhood brain tumor with attentional and processing speed deficit show clinical benefit from methylphenidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Verity
- Department of Paediatric Neuro Oncology, Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Gail Halliday
- Department of Paediatric Neuro Oncology, Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK
| | - Rebecca M Hill
- Department of Paediatric Neuro Oncology, Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jade Ryles
- Department of Paediatric Neuro Oncology, Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK
| | - Simon Bailey
- Department of Paediatric Neuro Oncology, Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Rüther M, Hagan AJ, Verity SJ. The role of CNS tumor location in health-related quality of life outcomes: A systematic review of supratentorial vs infratentorial tumors in childhood survivorship. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. CHILD 2023:1-20. [PMID: 37851360 DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2023.2268776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Continued advancements in the treatment of pediatric brain tumors have resulted in a growing proportion of children surviving previously incurable diagnoses. However, survivors of pediatric brain tumors show reduced Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) compared to healthy populations and non-CNS childhood cancer survivors. This review systematically evaluates the existing literature on the influence of supratentorial and infratentorial brain tumor locations on Health-Related Quality of Life outcomes in survivors of pediatric brain tumors. Five electronic databases were searched for relevant articles published between their inception and January 2022. A purpose-developed evaluative tool was constructed to assess the quality of eligible studies. 16 of the 5270 identified articles were included in this review (n = 1391). This review found little evidence relating to the impact of brain tumor location on HRQoL, with only one study finding a significant difference between supratentorial and infratentorial tumor survivors. Key limitations of the current evidence include poor statistical reporting, ambiguous construct definitions, and insufficient adjustment for confounds. Findings from this review show that recovery from a pediatric brain tumor extends beyond recovery post-treatment and that further study into the factors influencing survivor HRQoL, including the influence of tumor location, is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marike Rüther
- Department of Paediatric Health Psychology, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Alexander James Hagan
- Department of Paediatric Health Psychology, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Sarah J Verity
- Department of Paediatric Health Psychology, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Becker SP, Willcutt EG, Leopold DR, Fredrick JW, Smith ZR, Jacobson LA, Burns GL, Mayes SD, Waschbusch DA, Froehlich TE, McBurnett K, Servera M, Barkley RA. Report of a Work Group on Sluggish Cognitive Tempo: Key Research Directions and a Consensus Change in Terminology to Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 62:629-645. [PMID: 36007816 PMCID: PMC9943858 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2022.07.821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this work was 2-fold: (1) to evaluate current knowledge and identify key directions in the study of sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT); and (2) to arrive at a consensus change in terminology for the construct that reflects the current science and may be more acceptable to researchers, clinicians, caregivers, and patients. METHOD An international Work Group was convened that, in early 2021, compiled an online archive of all research studies on SCT and summarized the current state of knowledge, noted methodological issues, and highlighted future directions, and met virtually on 10 occasions in 2021 to discuss these topics and terminology. RESULTS Major progress has been made over the last decade in advancing our understanding of SCT across the following domains of inquiry: construct measurement and stability; genetic, environmental, pathophysiologic, and neuropsychological correlates; comorbid conditions; functional impairments; and psychosocial and medication interventions. Findings across these domains are summarized, and potential avenues to pursue in the next generation of SCT-related research are proposed. Following repeated discussions on terminology, the Work Group selected "cognitive disengagement syndrome" (CDS) to replace "SCT" as the name for this construct. This term was deemed to best satisfy considerations that should apply when selecting terms for a condition or syndrome, as it does not overlap with established terms for other constructs, is not offensive, and reflects the current state of the science. CONCLUSION It is evident that CDS (SCT) has reached the threshold of recognition as a distinct syndrome. Much work remains to further clarify its nature (eg, transdiagnostic factor, separate disorder, diagnostic specifier), etiologies, demographic factors, relations to other psychopathologies, and linkages to specific domains of functional impairment. Investigators are needed with interests and expertise spanning basic, clinical, and translational research to advance our understanding and to improve the lives of individuals with this unique syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen P Becker
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Ohio, and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio.
| | | | | | - Joseph W Fredrick
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Ohio, and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio
| | | | - Lisa A Jacobson
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Susan D Mayes
- Waschbusch are with Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Tanya E Froehlich
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Ohio, and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio
| | - Keith McBurnett
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Mateu Servera
- IDISBA Institute, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
| | - Russell A Barkley
- Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
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Peterson RK, Ng R, Ludwig NN, Jacobson LA. Tumor region associated with specific processing speed outcomes. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70:e30167. [PMID: 36625401 PMCID: PMC10101562 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30167] [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: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Processing speed (PS) is a vulnerable cognitive skill in pediatric cancer survivors as a consequence of treatments and, less consistently, tumor region. Studies conventionally examine graphomotor PS; emerging research suggests other aspects of PS may be impacted. This study examined types of PS in pediatric brain tumor survivors to determine which aspects are impaired. Given discordance across studies, we additionally investigated the relationship between brain region and PS. METHODS The sample consisted of 167 pediatric brain tumor patients (100 supratentorial). PS (oral naming, semantic fluency, phonemic fluency, motor speed, graphomotor speed, visual scanning) was gathered via clinical neuropsychological assessment. To examine PS by region, infratentorial and supratentorial groups were matched on age at diagnosis and neuropsychological assessment, and time since diagnosis. RESULTS The whole sample performed below normative means on measures of oral naming (p < .001), phonemic fluency (p < .001), motor speed (p = .03), visual scanning (p < .001), and graphomotor speed (p < .001). Only oral naming differed by region (p = .03), with infratentorial tumors associated with slower performance. After controlling for known medical and demographic risk factors, brain region remained a significant predictor of performance (p = .04). Among the whole sample, greater than expected proportions of patients with impairment (i.e., >1 standard deviation below the normative mean) were seen across all PS measures. Infratentorial tumors had higher rates of impairments across all PS measures except phonemic fluency. CONCLUSIONS Results indicate pediatric brain tumor survivors demonstrate weaknesses in multiple aspects of PS, suggesting impairments are not secondary to peripheral motor slowing alone. Additionally, tumor region may predict some but not all neuropsychological outcomes in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel K Peterson
- Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rowena Ng
- Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Natasha N Ludwig
- Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lisa A Jacobson
- Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Trapani JA, Murdaugh DL. Processing efficiency in pediatric cancer survivors: A review and operationalization for outcomes research and clinical utility. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2809. [PMID: 36330565 PMCID: PMC9759139 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Childhood cancer and cancer-related treatments disrupt brain development and maturation, placing survivors at risk for cognitive late effects. Given that assessment tools vary widely across researchers and clinicians, it has been daunting to identify distinct patterns in outcomes across diverse cancer types and to implement systematic neurocognitive screening tools. This review aims to operationalize processing efficiency skill impairment-or inefficient neural processing as measured by working memory and processing speed abilities-as a worthwhile avenue for continued study within the context of childhood cancer. METHODS A comprehensive literature review was conducted to examine the existing research on cognitive late effects and biopsychosocial risk factors in order to conceptualize processing efficiency skill trends in childhood cancer survivors. RESULTS While a frequently reported pattern of neurobiological (white matter) and cognitive (working memory and processing speed) disruption is consistent with processing efficiency skill impairment, these weaknesses have not yet been fully operationalized in this population. We offer a theoretical model that highlights the impacts of a host of biological and environmental factors on the underlying neurobiological substrates of cancer survivors that precede and may even predict long-term cognitive outcomes and functional abilities following treatment. CONCLUSION The unified construct of processing efficiency may be useful in assessing and communicating neurocognitive skills in both outcomes research and clinical practice. Deficits in processing efficiency may serve as a possible indicator of cognitive late effects and functional outcomes due to the unique relationship between processing efficiency skills and neurobiological disruption following cancer treatment. Continued research along these lines is crucial for advancing childhood cancer outcomes research and improving quality of life for survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Trapani
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Donna L Murdaugh
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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Peterson RK, Holingue C, Jacobson LA. Sluggish cognitive tempo profiles in survivors of childhood cancer as compared to children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:7553-7560. [PMID: 35676341 PMCID: PMC10076037 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07188-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Neurocognitive late effects including problems with attention have been reported in pediatric oncology survivors. While some researchers have characterized these late effects as similar to symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, inattentive presentation (ADHD-I), there remains some controversy as to whether these concerns in oncology patients are best conceptualized according to an ADHD-I or sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) framework. The aim of this study was to describe SCT symptoms in children with ADHD-I or oncology diagnoses; identify groups of SCT symptoms among children with brain tumors (BT), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), or ADHD-I; and identify whether specific SCT profiles are associated with these diagnoses. METHODS The sample was comprised of 364 youth (146 BT, 149 ADHD-I, 69 ALL) referred for a neuropsychological evaluation at an academic medical center. Caregivers completed the SCT scale as part of the clinical evaluation. RESULTS Groups differed on mean scores for the SCT scales (Total, Sleepy/sluggish, Low initiation, and Daydreamy) by diagnosis (all p < 0.05), with the ADHD-I group having higher SCT symptoms on all scales. Latent profile analysis showed significant differences between latent SCT classes according to ADHD-I versus cancer diagnosis. The ADHD-I group was significantly more likely to be in the high SCT class compared to the oncology groups. CONCLUSION Findings add to the understanding of SCT symptoms in pediatric oncology survivors. There is utility in applying the SCT framework to the oncology population; however, pediatric survivors are likely to be rated differently than youth with ADHD-I. Implications and future directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel K Peterson
- Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, 1750 E. Fairmount Ave, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA.
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Calliope Holingue
- Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, 1750 E. Fairmount Ave, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lisa A Jacobson
- Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, 1750 E. Fairmount Ave, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Olsthoorn IM, Holland AA, Hawkins RC, Cornelius AE, Baig MU, Yang G, Holland DC, Zaky W, Stavinoha PL. Sleep Disturbance and Its Association With Sluggish Cognitive Tempo and Attention in Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:918800. [PMID: 35812214 PMCID: PMC9259867 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.918800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pediatric brain tumor (PBT) survivors are at risk for developing sleep disturbances. While in other pediatric populations sleep disturbance has been associated with worse cognitive functioning, it is unclear to what extent this relationship generalizes to PBT survivors. The aim of the current study was to assess the relationship between sleep disturbance and aspects of cognition, including sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) as well as attention and working memory. Materials and Methods Eighty-three PBT survivors 6–18 years of age who were at least 3 months post-treatment were included in the present cross-sectional study. Level of sleep disturbance was measured as a composite score reflecting various sleep problems as rated by caregivers. Cognitive measures included caregiver-ratings of sluggish cognitive tempo and attention problems, as well as performance-based cognitive measures assessing attention and executive functioning. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to assess associations between sleep and cognition. Results Of all caregivers, 32.5% reported one or more sleep disturbances as “very/often true” and over 68% of caregivers rated at least one sleep-related item as “somewhat true.” Of all cognitive variables, scores were most frequently impaired for SCT (30%). A higher level of sleep disturbance was associated with worse SCT and parent-rated attention problems. Associations between sleep and performance-based cognitive measures assessing attention and working memory were not statistically significant. Conclusion Findings of the current study highlight the importance of further investigation into the relationship between sleep and cognition in PBT survivors, which may assist efforts to maximize cognitive outcome and health-related quality of life in PBT survivors. The current study additionally suggests further investigation of SCT in this population is warranted, as it may be more sensitive to detecting possible associations with sleep disturbance relative to discrete measures that assess cognitive performance under ideal circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ineke M. Olsthoorn
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UT Health), Houston, TX, United States
| | - Alice Ann Holland
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Raymond C. Hawkins
- School of Psychology, Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Allen E. Cornelius
- School of Psychology, Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Muhammad Usman Baig
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Grace Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Daniel C. Holland
- School of Psychology, Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Wafik Zaky
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Peter L. Stavinoha
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Peter L. Stavinoha,
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Smith ZR, Del Castillo A, Clark OE, Holmbeck GN. Working memory and cognitive flexibility predict growth trajectories of sluggish cognitive tempo in youth with spina bifida. Child Neuropsychol 2022; 28:1052-1071. [PMID: 35196965 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2022.2042503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
As sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) shows similar inattention and neuropsychological dysfunction as youth with spina bifida (SB), it is important to examine whether neuropsychological functioning may affect the development of SCT in this population. Participants were 140 youth with SB and their parents who participated in five waves of a longitudinal study across eight years (ages 8-15 years at Time 1). At Time 1, teacher-, mother-, and father-report of SCT showed 9%, 8.3%, and 5.3% impairment in SCT respectively compared to other youth in the sample. Growth curves were used to examine changes over time in mother-, father-, and teacher-reported SCT. Four neurocognitive variables were included (attention, working memory, cognitive flexibility, plan/organize) as predictor variables of SCT growth and intercepts. Mother, father, and teacher-report of SCT were included in separate models. Age and shunt status were included as covariates in the growth models. Inattentive symptoms were also included as a covariate in working memory, shift, and plan/organize models. Worse working memory at Time 1 predicted an increase in mother-reported SCT symptoms over eight years (β = -.28) and poorer cognitive shifting skills predicted higher rates of teacher-reported SCT over time (β = -.61). All other neurocognitive variables predicted the intercept, but not the slope of SCT symptoms. Results indicate that worse neurocognitive functioning is associated with higher levels of SCT symptoms and that worse working memory and cognitive flexibility at baseline predicted an increase in SCT symptoms as youth with SB age. It may be important for clinicians to monitor and assess levels of SCT in youth with SB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe R Smith
- The Psychology Department, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Olivia E Clark
- The Psychology Department, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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