Butler RW, Fairclough DL, Katz ER, Kazak AE, Noll RB, Thompson RD, Sahler OJZ. Intellectual functioning and multi-dimensional attentional processes in long-term survivors of a central nervous system related pediatric malignancy.
Life Sci 2013;
93:611-6. [PMID:
23727455 DOI:
10.1016/j.lfs.2013.05.017]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2012] [Revised: 05/02/2013] [Accepted: 05/20/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
AIMS
Central nervous system (CNS) malignancies and/or their treatment in pediatric cancer survivors are known to be associated with deficits in neuropsychological functions. We report findings from a nation-wide study of childhood cancer survivors to investigate intelligence and attention/concentration from a multi-dimensional perspective in a diverse sample from this population.
MAIN METHODS
Four hundred forty-four pediatric cancer survivors between 6 and 17 years of age, who had suffered CNS involvement associated with their malignancy, were evaluated. All patients completed a measure of general intelligence. Attention was measured by a continuous performance test (CPT) and by parental report using a standardized psychological inventory.
KEY FINDINGS
Social economic status (SES) was a significant predictor of intellectual functioning and scores on independent measures of attention. After controlling for SES, cranial radiation therapy (CRT) was strongly predictive of impairments in intellectual functioning. Patients who had completed a transplant procedure did not have significant impairments in intellectual functioning when compared to other participants. CPT performance was most clearly influenced by a younger age at diagnosis and the presence of a supratentorial brain tumor. Reaction time was lower in patients who had received CRT. Gender did not correlate with CPT performance, but caregiver reports of deficits in attentional functioning were more prevalent in girls compared to boys.
SIGNIFICANCE
These findings are important given the large, representative sample and multi-dimensional assessment of attentional functioning. The presence of a very strong SES effect on all dependent variables must be addressed in studies of this nature.
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