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King LG, Ali SB, Chang SM, Reid ME, Soares DP. Academic performance in Jamaican children with sickle cell disease. J Natl Med Assoc 2023; 115:475-481. [PMID: 37550160 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnma.2023.07.005] [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: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at risk for neurocognitive deficits that can affect school performance, and psychosocial functioning. The aim of this study was to assess the academic performance of school-aged children with SCD in Jamaica compared to their school peers. METHOD A cross-sectional survey of academic performance was done in a group of children 11 to 13 years of age, using a standardized state administered examination, the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT), covering 5 subjects. Scores were obtained from the Ministry of Education (MOE) for eligible children with SCD, as well as mean scores with standard deviation for unaffected classmates by gender. Socio-demographic and clinical data were obtained from our sickle cell clinic database and an interview administered questionnaire. RESULTS Sixty-four children satisfied eligibility criteria. Children with SCD had lower percentage scores and significantly lower mean z-scores for 4 of 5 subjects (p < 0.05). Males had significantly lower mean z-scores compared with females. Thirty-seven children (57.8%) were classified as underperformers. Haemoglobin level was a significant predictor of subject score rank. CONCLUSION Children with SCD in Jamaica perform worse in standardized school examinations than their class peers with boys being particularly vulnerable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley G King
- Sickle Cell Unit, Caribbean Institute for Health Research (CAIHR), University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica
| | - Susanna Bortolusso Ali
- Sickle Cell Unit, Caribbean Institute for Health Research (CAIHR), University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica
| | - Susan M Chang
- Child Health Research Group, Epidemiology Research Unit, CAIHR, University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica
| | - Marvin E Reid
- Tropical Metabolism Research Unit, CAIHR, University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica
| | - Deanne P Soares
- Radiology Section, Department of Surgery, Radiology, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica.
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Marchese V, Rock K, Harpold A, Salazar A, Williams M, Shipper AG. Physical Impairment and Function in Children and Adolescents With Sickle Cell Disease: A Systematic Review. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2021; 103:1144-1167.e2. [PMID: 34592159 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2021.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine physical impairments and physical function in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease (SCD). DATA SOURCES PubMed, Embase (embase.com), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health (EBSCO), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Wiley), and Dissertations and Theses (ProQuest) were searched from January 1, 1990, to September 25, 2020. References retrieved were required to include a term for SCD and a term for physical impairments or physical function. Results were limited to articles with children and adolescents and in the English language. STUDY SELECTION A total of 3054 nonduplicate articles were independently screened by 2 reviewers, resulting in 240 articles for full-text review. The full-text review, performed by 2 independent reviewers, resulted in 67 articles. DATA EXTRACTION Data were extracted from each full text to a custom Excel document by a single reviewer and were verified by a secondary reviewer. DATA SYNTHESIS The studies identified in this systematic review offer evidence that children and adolescents with SCD demonstrate physical impairments and physical function limitations compared with control participants as noted by varying percentages in deficits up to 19%-58% in muscle and bone composition and/or symptoms, muscle strength, cardiopulmonary function, motor performance, physical activity, and physical function domains of quality of life questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS Children and adolescents with SCD present with physical impairments and physical function limitations. Scientists and clinicians should consider developing collaborative standards to define and objectively measure physical impairment and function in this population to comprehensively examine the underlying factors that contribute to physical impairments and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Marchese
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.
| | - Kelly Rock
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Andria Harpold
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Abigail Salazar
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Mary Williams
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Andrea G Shipper
- Health Sciences and Human Services Library, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore, MD
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3
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Wang W, Freeman M, Hamilton L, Carroll Y, Kang G, Moen J, Smeltzer MP, Schreiber J, Heitzer AM, Estepp J, Aygun B. Developmental screening of three-year-old children with sickle cell disease compared to controls. Br J Haematol 2021; 195:621-628. [PMID: 34396511 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.17780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We previously found that neurodevelopmental deficits commonly occurred in three-year-olds with sickle cell disease (SCD), but clinical significance was uncertain because a comparison group was lacking. Our objective in the current study was to prospectively compare neurodevelopment in three-year-old children with SCD to an age-appropriate control group. The Brigance Preschool Screen II is a neurodevelopmental screening examination which can be administered in 15-20 min. SCD patients (Group 1) were compared with community controls of similar age and ethnicity enrolled in daycare/preschool (Group 2). SCD patients who were receiving hydroxycarbamide treatment were also compared (Group 3). Two hundred forty-five three-year-olds were evaluated: Group 1, 111; Group 2, 114; and Group 3, 20. The below cut-off rate on the Brigance test was higher in Group 1 (73%) than in Group 2 (61%; P = 0·04). In multivariate analysis of Group 1 patients, only lower household income and more persons living in the home were independent predictors of this. Patients with SCD and matched controls had high rates of 'failing' the Brigance test. The below cut-off rate in untreated children with SCD was associated with low household income and increased number of persons living in the home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winfred Wang
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Molly Freeman
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Latacha Hamilton
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Yvonne Carroll
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, TN, USA
| | - Guolian Kang
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Joseph Moen
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Matthew P Smeltzer
- Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jane Schreiber
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Andrew M Heitzer
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jeremie Estepp
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Banu Aygun
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York, New Hyde Park, NY, USA
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4
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Knight LM, King AA, Strouse JJ, Tanabe P. Pediatric Neurodevelopmental Delays in Children 0 to 5 Years of Age With Sickle Cell Disease: A Systematic Literature Review. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2021; 43:104-111. [PMID: 33560086 PMCID: PMC8254873 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000002091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common abnormal genetic blood disease that affects ∼100,000 Americans. Approximately 20% to 37% of children with sickle cell anemia have silent cerebral infarcts by the age of 14 years old. Neurocognitive deficits are identified in infants and preschool children with SCD. The purpose of this systematic literature review is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence, severity, and the associated risk factors for neurodevelopmental delays (NDDs) in children with SCD 5 years of age and younger. METHODS Systematic search of 6 databases identified 2467 potentially relevant publications and 8 were identified through a manual search. Only 24 articles met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS We identified an increased prevalence of NDDs (cognitive, motor, or both). Children experienced deficits with language, attention and behavior, executive functioning, school readiness and/or academic performance, and motor skills (fine and gross motor functioning). Risk factors include silent cerebral infarcts and strokes, SCD genotype (HbSS>HbSC), other biologic, and social factors. CONCLUSION NDDs are common in children ages 0 to 5 years old with SCD. There is an opportunity to improve adherence to national guideline recommendations and early detection practices by pediatricians, hematologists, and other health care providers.
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Bonner MJ, Schumacher E, Gustafson KE, Thompson RJ. The Impact of Sickle Cell Disease on Cognitive Functioning and Learning. SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY REVIEW 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/02796015.1999.12085956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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6
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Stotesbury H, Kawadler JM, Hales PW, Saunders DE, Clark CA, Kirkham FJ. Vascular Instability and Neurological Morbidity in Sickle Cell Disease: An Integrative Framework. Front Neurol 2019; 10:871. [PMID: 31474929 PMCID: PMC6705232 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well-established that patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at substantial risk of neurological complications, including overt and silent stroke, microstructural injury, and cognitive difficulties. Yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood, partly because findings have largely been considered in isolation. Here, we review mechanistic pathways for which there is accumulating evidence and propose an integrative systems-biology framework for understanding neurological risk. Drawing upon work from other vascular beds in SCD, as well as the wider stroke literature, we propose that macro-circulatory hyper-perfusion, regions of relative micro-circulatory hypo-perfusion, and an exhaustion of cerebral reserve mechanisms, together lead to a state of cerebral vascular instability. We suggest that in this state, tissue oxygen supply is fragile and easily perturbed by changes in clinical condition, with the potential for stroke and/or microstructural injury if metabolic demand exceeds tissue oxygenation. This framework brings together recent developments in the field, highlights outstanding questions, and offers a first step toward a linking pathophysiological explanation of neurological risk that may help inform future screening and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne Stotesbury
- Developmental Neurosciences, UCL Great Ormond Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jamie M Kawadler
- Developmental Neurosciences, UCL Great Ormond Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick W Hales
- Developmental Neurosciences, UCL Great Ormond Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dawn E Saunders
- Developmental Neurosciences, UCL Great Ormond Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Radiology, Great Ormond Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher A Clark
- Developmental Neurosciences, UCL Great Ormond Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fenella J Kirkham
- Developmental Neurosciences, UCL Great Ormond Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom.,Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.,Department of Child Health, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.,Department of Paediatric Neurology, Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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7
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Peterson JW, Loeb S, Chamberlain LJ. The Intersection of Health and Education to Address School Readiness of All Children. Pediatrics 2018; 142:peds.2018-1126. [PMID: 30366953 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2018-1126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Children who enter kindergarten healthy and ready to learn are more likely to succeed academically. Children at the highest risk for not being ready for school live in poverty and/or with chronic health conditions. High-quality early childhood education (ECE) programs can be used to help kids be ready for school; however, the United States lacks a comprehensive ECE system, with only half of 3- and 4-year-olds being enrolled in preschool, lagging behind 28 high-income countries. As addressing social determinants of health gains prominence in pediatric training and practice, there is increasing interest in addressing ECE disparities. Unfortunately, evidence is lacking for clinically based, early educational interventions. New interventions are being developed asynchronously in pediatrics and education, often without knowledge of the evidence base in the other's literature. In this State-of-the-Art Review, we synthesize the relevant work from the field of education (searchable through the Education Resources Information Center, also known as the "PubMed" of education), combining it with relevant literature in PubMed, to align the fields of pediatrics and education to promote this timely transdisciplinary work. First, we review the education literature to understand the current US achievement gap. Next, we provide an update on the impact of child health on school readiness and explore emerging solutions in education and pediatrics. Finally, we discuss next steps for future transdisciplinary work between the fields of education and pediatrics to improve the health and school readiness of young children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susanna Loeb
- Center for Education Policy Analysis, Graduate School of Education, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
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Developmental Screening in Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease: Disease-Related Risk and Screening Outcomes in 4 Year Olds. J Dev Behav Pediatr 2017; 38:654-662. [PMID: 28816916 PMCID: PMC5617784 DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0000000000000486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Studies of early child development in sickle cell disease (SCD) have found modest associations between disease-related risks and developmental status in infants and toddlers, but such associations are evident by early elementary school. We screened 4-year-old children with SCD using 2 screening strategies to assess if biomedical risk factors for neurologic disease are related to developmental screening outcomes at this intermediate age. METHODS Seventy-seven 4-year-old children with SCD (M = 4.5 yrs, SD = 0.3 yrs) completed developmental screenings at routine hematology visits using child testing (Fluharty Preschool Speech and Language Screenings Test, 2nd edition) and parent-report (Ages and Stages Questionnaire, 2nd edition) procedures. Genotype and other biomedical variables were coded from medical records. RESULTS Children with higher-risk SCD genotypes (n = 52) showed lower performance than children with lower-risk genotypes (n = 25) on a measure related to neurologic disease risk in older children (syntactic processing); genotype risk was also related to rates of positive screenings on parent-reported developmental milestones (52% positive screenings in high-risk genotypes vs 12% in low-risk genotypes). Screening outcomes were also related to transcranial Doppler ultrasound findings assessing cerebral blood flow. CONCLUSION Developmental screening at age 4 may be a useful target age for identifying preschoolers with sickle cell-related neurodevelopmental concerns. Parent report of developmental milestones and behavioral testing each may have a role in screening for children in need of follow-up services to address potential neurodevelopmental effects from SCD.
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9
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Robinson MR. There is no Shame in Pain: Coping and Functional Ability in Adolescents with Sickle Cell Disease. JOURNAL OF BLACK PSYCHOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/0095798499025003005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Despite the tremendous resilience of children with sickle cell anemia, this chronic illness has a significant impact in adaptation in every major area of functioning—personal care, emotional, recreational, educational, and vocational. Assessment of functional ability may help us to develop a fuller understanding of the relationships among illness severity, pain, physical dysfunction, and psychosocial adjustment in this group. A major challenge in the assessment of sickle cell disease (SCD) pain still lies in finding a reliable behavior referent of pain. Unlike the experience in other pain states (procedure-related pain), physical impairment and functional disability are salient characteristics in chronic SCD pain and, therefore, may contribute significantly to evaluations of pain states (pain ratings, pain characteristics, and pain quality). This article seeks to explore the utility of functional ability as an index of pain and pain behavior in children and adolescents with sickle cell anemia.
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10
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Jonassaint CR, Beach MC, Haythornthwaite JA, Bediako SM, Diener-West M, Strouse JJ, Lanzkron S, Onojobi G, Carroll CP, Haywood C. The Association between Educational Attainment and Patterns of Emergency Department Utilization among Adults with Sickle Cell Disease. Int J Behav Med 2016; 23:300-309. [DOI: 10.1007/s12529-016-9538-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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11
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Hoyt Drazen C, Abel R, Lindsey T, King AA. Development and feasibility of a home-based education model for families of children with sickle cell disease. BMC Public Health 2014; 14:116. [PMID: 24499305 PMCID: PMC3942208 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) commonly have cognitive deficits, even among toddlers. Much medical literature emphasizes disease-based factors to account for these deficits. However, the social environment plays a large role in child development. To address the specific needs of early childhood, a monthly hospital-based education program was initiated to educate parents about child development. Education sessions were poorly attended (20-25%) and deemed unsuccessful. This study describes the development and implementation of a home-based education service to teach parents about SCD, developmental milestones and positive parenting techniques. METHODS This was a prospective, single-arm intervention to study the feasibility of a home-based caregiver education program for families with infants and toddlers with SCD. Parents of children aged 0-3 years with SCD from one Midwestern hospital were approached to participate in a home-based program. The program followed the Born to Learn™ curriculum provided through the Parents as Teachers™ National Center. Reminder calls or texts were provided the day before each visit. Results of the first twenty-six months of the program are presented. RESULTS A total of 62% (56 of 91) of families approached agreed to participate; all were African American. The majority of caregivers were single mothers with a high school education or less and whose children had Medicaid for health coverage. The phenotypes of SCD represented in this sample were similar to those in the general SCD population. Over 26 months, 39 families received at least one home visit. Parents of infants (younger than 8 months) were more likely to participate in the home-based education program than parents of older children, (Fisher's exact test, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS For participating families, home-based visits were a feasible method for reinforcing clinic education. About 43% of eligible families participated in the education, a two-fold increase in the poor attendance (20%) for a previous hospital-based program. A home visitation program for parents of infants with SCD could offer an effective approach to helping these children overcome adverse environmental conditions that are compounded by the complexities of a chronic health condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Allison A King
- Washington University in St, Louis School of Medicine, Program in Occupational Therapy, 4444 Forest Park Pkwy, Box 8505, St, Louis, MO 63108, USA.
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Daly B, Kral MC, Tarazi RA. The Role of Neuropsychological Evaluation in Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease. Clin Neuropsychol 2011; 25:903-25. [DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2011.560190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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13
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Anyanwu I, Anywanwu E. Assessment of the psychosocial impacts of sickle cell disease on adolescents and how parents and relatives cope with pain in the family. Int J Adolesc Med Health 2011; 13:131-44. [PMID: 22912331 DOI: 10.1515/ijamh.2001.13.2.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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14
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Aygun B, Parker J, Freeman MB, Stephens AL, Smeltzer MP, Wu S, Hankins JS, Wang WC. Neurocognitive screening with the Brigance preschool screen-II in 3-year-old children with sickle cell disease. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 56:620-4. [PMID: 21298749 PMCID: PMC4521412 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.22833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2010] [Accepted: 08/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurocognitive deficits have been described in school age children with sickle cell disease (SCD), even in the absence of stroke or silent infarcts. However, the age of onset and factors contributing to this problem have not been well studied. We hypothesized that in children with SCD the failure rate with Brigance screening would be higher than in the normal population. METHODS We reviewed retrospectively the Brigance Preschool Screen-II test results in 3-year-old children with SCD. Findings were correlated with hemoglobinopathy genotype, hemoglobin level, transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) velocities, and treatment with hydroxyurea, as well as with psychosocial factors. RESULTS Eighty-eight children with SCD followed by the St. Jude Sickle Cell Center (mean age 3.5 years) had neurocognitive screening during their regular clinic visits. Forty-four (50%) children had scores below the normal cut-off value for their age (twice the national failure rate of 25%). Failures were associated with less parental education (P = 0.005 for maternal and P = 0.03 for paternal education levels) and with speech deficits (P = 0.01), but were not associated with sickle cell genotype or hemoglobin concentration. CONCLUSION These preliminary data suggest that psychosocial factors may have more profound effects on early childhood development than disease-related factors in this group of young sickle cell patients. A larger prospective study with appropriate controls is warranted to validate these findings, which have implications for the etiology and prevention of neurocognitive decline in children with SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banu Aygun
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105-3678, USA.
| | - Jennifer Parker
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis TN
| | - Molly B. Freeman
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis TN
| | - Alexis L. Stephens
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis TN
| | - Matthew P. Smeltzer
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis TN
| | - Song Wu
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis TN
| | - Jane S. Hankins
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis TN
| | - Winfred C. Wang
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis TN
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15
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Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects over 30,000 students in the United States. Central nervous system complications are widespread among students with SCD and include stroke, silent cerebral infarction, and cognitive impairment. The effects of these complications may lead to academic failure, limited career options, and for some, total disability. Despite studies describing the significant academic and cognitive impact of sickle cell disease, reports describing interventions are limited. There is a lack of awareness among educators of the academic risks associated with sickle cell disease and a lack of appropriate resource allocation. The school nurse, as community health advocate, will be called upon to bridge the gap among healthcare providers, parents, students, and educators. This article provides a review of both recent and landmark studies describing the cognitive and academic impact of sickle cell disease and discusses the role of the school nurse as an advocate, liaison, and educator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Day
- International Outreach Program, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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16
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Wang WC, Pavlakis SG, Helton KJ, McKinstry RC, Casella JF, Adams RJ, Rees RC. MRI abnormalities of the brain in one-year-old children with sickle cell anemia. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008; 51:643-6. [PMID: 18478575 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.21612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sickle cell anemia (SCA) frequently results in damage to the central nervous system (CNS), but the age of onset of these effects is uncertain. We performed MRI examinations of the brain in infants with SCA, who were evaluated as part of the multicenter randomized double-blinded Pediatric Hydroxyurea Phase III Clinical Trial (BABY HUG). METHODS Determination of eligibility for enrollment in the trial originally required baseline MRI and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the brain. A standardized imaging protocol was utilized across eight clinical centers. MRI/MRA exams were reviewed by a panel of three neurology/neuroradiology readers and interpretations reported to the coordinating center. Results were correlated with patient age, gender, history, WBC count, platelet count, hemoglobin (Hb), HbF level, score on the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, and velocity on transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD). RESULTS Twenty-three subjects with HbSS were examined at average age 13.7 months (range 10-18 months); 13 were male. Three (13%, CI: 3-34%) had silent infarcts on MRI, two in the right frontal area and one bilaterally. None had MRA abnormalities. The lesions were correlated with increased right-sided TCD velocity and low HbF level, but not with age, history, Hb level, developmental score, or left-sided velocity. CONCLUSIONS Silent brain infarcts occur in a small but significant number of infants with SCA as early as a year of age. This finding indicates a need for thorough evaluation of the CNS very early in life in children with SCA in order to develop timely intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winfred C Wang
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
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17
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda C McClain
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale University School of Medicine, Yale New Haven Children's Hospital, 333 Cedar St, TMP-3, New Haven, CT 06520-8051, USA.
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18
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Tarazi RA, Grant ML, Ely E, Barakat LP. Neuropsychological Functioning in Preschool-age Children with Sickle Cell Disease: The Role of Illness-related and Psychosocial Factors. Child Neuropsychol 2007; 13:155-72. [PMID: 17364572 DOI: 10.1080/09297040600611312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive and academic deficits have been identified in school-aged children with sickle cell disease (SCD). However, there have been very few identified studies that examine neuropsychological functioning in preschool-age children with SCD. It is important to understand effects of SCD from a developmental perspective and to consider the contribution of environmental factors in this at-risk population. Neuropsychological functioning of preschool-age children with SCD and no history of overt stroke (n = 26) was examined across several domains (language, immediate memory/brief attention, visuospatial/visuoconstructional, motor/visuomotor). The mean Full Scale IQ for the sample was 89.0. Performance on the Immediate Memory/ Brief Attention domain was significantly higher than the other domains, although the pattern of performance was relatively consistent, with mean standard scores ranging from 88.0 to 95.0. Disease severity was not significantly related to cognitive functioning in this group of young children with SCD. Socioeconomic status (SES) was significantly correlated with most domain scores and, based on regression analyses, accounted for 18% to 47% of the variance in functioning. Psychosocial factors, such as number of children living in the home and parental stress levels, were negatively associated with Motor/Visuomotor skills, and weekly hours in school/day care was positively associated with language-related skills. Results suggest that, at this young age, psychosocial risk factors appear to be appropriate targets for intervention, with the goal of improving long-term outcome in children with SCD. Further investigations should include comparison to a matched control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem A Tarazi
- Department of Psychology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Wang WC. Central Nervous System Complications of Sickle Cell Disease in Children: An Overview. Child Neuropsychol 2007; 13:103-19. [PMID: 17364568 DOI: 10.1080/09297040600788136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Complications involving the central nervous system are among the most devastating manifestations of sickle cell disease. Although overt stroke occurs in 1 in 10 children with Hemoglobin SS, "silent cerebral infarcts" are even more frequent. Both are associated with significant neuropsychological deficits. The end result of these effects on the CNS often is diminished school performance. The use of transcranial Doppler ultrasonography screening allows the identification of patients at high risk for clinical stroke as well as stroke prevention by chronic transfusion. However, definitive prophylaxis and treatment for most CNS complications of sickle cell disease have yet to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winfred C Wang
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Memphis, TN38105, USA.
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Steen RG, Hu XJ, Elliott VE, Miles MA, Jones S, Wang WC. Kindergarten readiness skills in children with sickle cell disease: evidence of early neurocognitive damage? J Child Neurol 2002; 17:111-6. [PMID: 11952070 DOI: 10.1177/088307380201700204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Young children with sickle cell disease are at risk of brain damage, including stroke. We tested the hypothesis that such patients are also at risk of cognitive impairment. We characterized the cognitive ability of kindergarten children to minimize the effect of disease-related school absence. The Memphis City Schools use the Developing Skills Checklist, a teacher-administered test given in the classroom, to assess kindergarten-appropriate skills. Data were obtained for 34 patients, who were matched to controls by gender, race, date of birth, school, and approximate income. Two controls were selected for each patient, and paired t-tests were used to compare patient's scores to composite control scores. Patients scored lower than controls in auditory discrimination (P < .01), and there was a trend (P < .10) toward lower patient scores in language. Deficits cannot be attributed to school absence and may predict academic problems for patients with sickle cell disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Grant Steen
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105-2794, USA.
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