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Hu K, Barker MM, Herweijer E, Wang J, Feldman AL, Lu D, Valdimarsdóttir U, Sundström K, Fang F. The role of mental illness and neurodevelopmental conditions in human papillomavirus vaccination uptake within the Swedish school-based vaccination programme: a population-based cohort study. Lancet Public Health 2024; 9:e674-e683. [PMID: 39214636 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(24)00182-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite documented mental illness-related disparities in cervical cancer screening and incidence, insufficient data exist on differences in cervical cancer prevention strategies, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. We aimed to investigate the association of mental illness and neurodevelopmental conditions among girls and their parents with uptake of HPV vaccination in Sweden. METHODS This population-based cohort study was based on the Swedish school-based HPV vaccination programme, which offers the first vaccine dose to girls aged 10-13 years, with a second dose offered within 12 months. We identified all girls born between Jan 1, 2002, and March 1, 2004, using the Swedish Total Population Register-ie, those eligible for two vaccine doses in the vaccination programme from its initiation in autumn 2012, to March, 2019. Nationwide Swedish register data (National Patient Register, Prescribed Drug Register, HPV Vaccination Register, National Vaccination Register, Total Population Register, Multi-Generation Register, Longitudinal Integrated Database for Health Insurance and Labour Market Studies, Education Register, National Cervical Screening Registry, and Cancer Register) were used to define individual and parental mental health conditions, including mental illness and neurodevelopmental conditions (defined by a clinical diagnosis and prescribed psychotropic medication use), HPV vaccine uptake (first and second dose), and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. The two outcomes were uptake of the first HPV vaccine dose by the girl's 14th birthday and uptake of the second dose by the 15th birthday in relation to individual and parental mental health conditions, calculated using multivariable Poisson regression models. FINDINGS 115 104 girls were included in the study population. 2211 girls (1·9%) had a specialist diagnosis of any mental health condition. Uptake of the first HPV vaccine dose was 80·7% (92 912 of 115 104) and was lower among girls with versus without any mental health condition (adjusted relative risk 0·89 [95% CI 0·87-0·91]). The diagnosis of autism (0·79 [0·75-0·85]) or intellectual disability (0·78 [0·73-0·83]) were most strongly associated with lower HPV vaccine uptake. Vaccine uptake was also lower among girls with versus those without prescribed use of psychotropic medication (0·93 [0·92-0·95]), with the strongest association observed for antipsychotics (0·68 [0·56-0·82]). Uptake of the second dose was 95·0% (88 308 of 92 912), with no strong associations between uptake and mental health conditions in girls or their parents. INTERPRETATION Our findings suggest disparities in cervical cancer prevention among girls with mental health conditions, and call for further research to ensure equitable protection. FUNDING Swedish Cancer Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kejia Hu
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Mary M Barker
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Herweijer
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jiangrong Wang
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention, and Technology, Center for Cervical Cancer Elimination, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Adina L Feldman
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention, and Technology, Center for Cervical Cancer Elimination, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Donghao Lu
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Unnur Valdimarsdóttir
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Centre of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karin Sundström
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention, and Technology, Center for Cervical Cancer Elimination, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fang Fang
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Sharma P, Kularatna S, Abell B, McPhail SM, Senanayake S. Preferences for Neurodevelopmental Follow-Up Care for Children: A Discrete Choice Experiment. THE PATIENT 2024:10.1007/s40271-024-00717-3. [PMID: 39210193 DOI: 10.1007/s40271-024-00717-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Identifying and addressing neurodevelopmental delays in children can be challenging for families and the healthcare system. Delays in accessing services and early interventions are common. The design and delivery of these services, and associated outcomes for children, may be improved if service provision aligns with families' needs and preferences for receiving care. The aim of this study is to identify families' preferences for neurodevelopmental follow-up care for children using an established methodology. METHODS We used a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to elicit families' preferences. We collected data from families and caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental needs. The DCE process included four stages. In stage 1, we identified attributes and levels to be included in the DCE using literature review, interviews, and expert advice. The finalised attributes were location, mode of follow-up, out-of-pocket cost per visit, mental health counselling for parents, receiving educational information, managing appointments, and waiting time. In stage 2, we generated choice tasks that contained two alternatives and a 'neither' option for respondents to choose from, using a Bayesian d-efficient design. These choice tasks were compiled in a survey that also included demographic questions. We conducted pre- and pilot tests to ensure the functionality of the survey and obtain priors. In stage 3, the DCE survey was administered online. We received 301 responses. In stage 4, the analysis was conducted using a latent class model. Additionally, we estimated the relative importance of attributes and performed a scenario analysis. RESULTS Two latent classes were observed. More families with full-time employees, higher incomes, postgraduate degrees, and those living in metropolitan areas were in class 1 compared with class 2. Class 1 families preferred accessing local public health clinics, face-to-face follow-up, paying AUD100 to AUD500, mental health support, group educational activities, health service-initiated appointments, and waiting < 3 months. Class 2 families disliked city hospitals when compared with private, preferred paying AUD100 or no cost, and had similar preferences regarding mental health support and wait times as class 1. However, no significant differences were noted in follow-up modality, receiving educational information, and appointment management. The relative importance estimation suggested that location was most important for class 1 (28%), whereas for class 2, cost accounted for nearly half of the importance when selecting an alternative. The expected uptake of follow-up care, estimated under three different hypothetical scenarios, may increase by approximately 24% for class 2 if an 'ideal' scenario taking into account preferences was implemented. CONCLUSION This study offers insights into aspects that may be prioritised by health services and policymakers to improve the design and delivery of neurodevelopmental follow-up care for children. The findings may enhance the organisation and functioning of existing care programmes; and therefore, improve the long-term outcomes of children with neurodevelopmental needs and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pakhi Sharma
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, QLD, 4059, Australia.
| | - Sanjeewa Kularatna
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, QLD, 4059, Australia
- Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bridget Abell
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Steven M McPhail
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, QLD, 4059, Australia
- Digital Health and Informatics Directorate, Metro South Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Sameera Senanayake
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, QLD, 4059, Australia
- Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
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Sutherland R, Turnbull A, Toms A, Perry C, Watts A. Australian SLPs' knowledge and actions regarding the early signs of autism: When does caution become gatekeeping? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2024:1-13. [PMID: 39169691 DOI: 10.1080/17549507.2024.2371846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are often the first point of contact for families of children with autism. Despite this, little is known about SLPs' understanding of autism and its early indicators. This study sought to investigate what Australian SLPs know about autism, the early indicators, and the actions they take when they identify these characteristics. METHOD A 34 question cross-sectional online survey was distributed through professional networks, social media channels, and industry contacts to Australian SLPs. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed. RESULT The 70 participants worked in various contexts around the country. The majority of participants demonstrated sound knowledge of the main characteristics of autism, and some early indicators. Quantitative analysis identified a significant correlation between participant age and confidence talking to parents about possible autism. Overarching themes were identified: (a) caution may delay or prevent SLPs from taking action, (b) some factors may influence SLPs' action, and (c) SLPs take action. CONCLUSION Australian SLPs working with children have the knowledge and understanding of the main characteristics of autism and some early indicators. However, they demonstrate a cautious approach around the subject of autism, and this caution may cause delays for children requiring diagnostic services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Sutherland
- Discipline of Speech Pathology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Ann Turnbull
- Discipline of Speech Pathology, University of Canberra, Australia, and
| | - Amber Toms
- Discipline of Speech Pathology, University of Canberra, Australia, and
| | - Cassandra Perry
- Discipline of Speech Pathology, University of Canberra, Australia, and
| | - Astrid Watts
- Department of Arts and Design, University of Canberra, Australia
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Shook LL, Batorsky RE, De Guzman RM, McCrea LT, Brigida SM, Horng JE, Sheridan SD, Kholod O, Cook AM, Li JZ, Slonim DK, Goods BA, Perlis RH, Edlow AG. Maternal SARS-CoV-2 impacts fetal placental macrophage programs and placenta-derived microglial models of neurodevelopment. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:163. [PMID: 38918792 PMCID: PMC11197235 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03157-w] [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: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The SARS-CoV-2 virus activates maternal and placental immune responses. Such activation in the setting of other infections during pregnancy is known to impact fetal brain development. The effects of maternal immune activation on neurodevelopment are mediated at least in part by fetal brain microglia. However, microglia are inaccessible for direct analysis, and there are no validated non-invasive surrogate models to evaluate in utero microglial priming and function. We have previously demonstrated shared transcriptional programs between microglia and Hofbauer cells (HBCs, or fetal placental macrophages) in mouse models. METHODS AND RESULTS We assessed the impact of maternal SARS-CoV-2 on HBCs isolated from 24 term placentas (N = 10 SARS-CoV-2 positive cases, 14 negative controls). Using single-cell RNA-sequencing, we demonstrated that HBC subpopulations exhibit distinct cellular programs, with specific subpopulations differentially impacted by SARS-CoV-2. Assessment of differentially expressed genes implied impaired phagocytosis, a key function of both HBCs and microglia, in some subclusters. Leveraging previously validated models of microglial synaptic pruning, we showed that HBCs isolated from placentas of SARS-CoV-2 positive pregnancies can be transdifferentiated into microglia-like cells (HBC-iMGs), with impaired synaptic pruning behavior compared to HBC models from negative controls. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that HBCs isolated at birth can be used to create personalized cellular models of offspring microglial programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia L Shook
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Thier Research Building, 903B, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Rose M De Guzman
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Thier Research Building, 903B, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Liam T McCrea
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sara M Brigida
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Thier Research Building, 903B, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Joy E Horng
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Steven D Sheridan
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Olha Kholod
- Thayer School of Engineering and Program, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Aidan M Cook
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Jonathan Z Li
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Donna K Slonim
- Department of Computer Science, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Brittany A Goods
- Thayer School of Engineering and Program, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Roy H Perlis
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrea G Edlow
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Thier Research Building, 903B, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Abell B, Rodwell D, Eagleson KJ, Parsonage W, Auld B, Bora S, Kasparian NA, Justo R, McPhail SM. "It's more than just a conversation about the heart": exploring barriers, enablers, and opportunities for improving the delivery and uptake of cardiac neurodevelopmental follow-up care. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1364190. [PMID: 38863525 PMCID: PMC11165703 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1364190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Surveillance, screening, and evaluation for neurodevelopmental delays is a pivotal component of post-surgical care for children with congenital heart disease (CHD). However, challenges exist in implementing such neurodevelopmental follow-up care in international practice. This study aimed to characterise key barriers, enablers, and opportunities for implementing and delivering outpatient cardiac neurodevelopmental follow-up care in Australia. Methods an exploratory descriptive qualitative study was conducted with healthcare professionals across Australia who had lived experience of designing, implementing, or delivering neurodevelopmental care for children with CHD. Online semi-structured interviews were conducted using a guide informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to explore contextual influences. Interview transcripts were analysed using a rapid qualitative approach including templated summaries and hybrid deductive-inductive matrix analysis. Results fifty-two participants were interviewed. Perceived barriers and enablers were organised into six higher-order themes: factors in the broader environmental, economic, and political context; healthcare system factors; organisational-level factors; provider factors; patient and family factors; and care model factors. The largest number of barriers occurred at the healthcare system level (service accessibility, fragmentation, funding, workforce), while service providers demonstrated the most enabling factors (interprofessional relationships, skilled teams, personal characteristics). Strategies to improve practice included building partnerships; generating evidence; increasing funding; adapting for family-centred care; and integrating systems and data. Discussion Australia shares many similar barriers and enablers to cardiac neurodevelopmental care with other international contexts. However, due to unique geographical and health-system factors, care models and implementation strategies will require adaption to the local context to improve service provision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget Abell
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Facultyof Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - David Rodwell
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Facultyof Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Accident Research & Road Safety—Queensland (CARRS-Q), School of Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Karen J. Eagleson
- Queensland Paediatric Cardiac Service, Queensland Children’s Hospital, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - William Parsonage
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Facultyof Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ben Auld
- Queensland Paediatric Cardiac Service, Queensland Children’s Hospital, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Samudragupta Bora
- Health Services Research Center, University Hospitals Research & Education Institute and Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Nadine A. Kasparian
- Heart and Mind Wellbeing Center, Heart Institute and the Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Robert Justo
- Queensland Paediatric Cardiac Service, Queensland Children’s Hospital, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Steven M. McPhail
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Facultyof Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Međaković J, Čivljak A, Zorčec T, Vučić V, Ristić-Medić D, Veselinović A, Čivljak M, Puljak L. Perceptions on support, challenges and needs among parents and caregivers of children with developmental disabilities in Croatia, North Macedonia and Serbia: a cross-sectional study. BMC Pediatr 2024; 24:297. [PMID: 38702636 PMCID: PMC11067112 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04770-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents/caregivers of children with developmental disabilities (CDD) have a wide range of support needs and there are various interventions available. Support, challenges, and needs among parents/caregivers of CDD likely vary in different geographical settings. This study aimed to analyze the perceptions of support, challenges, and needs among parents/caregivers of CDD in Croatia, North Macedonia, and Serbia. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study in March-April 2023 within the Erasmus + SynergyEd project. The eligible participants were parents and caregivers of CDD in Croatia, North Macedonia, and Serbia, who filled out a modified Caregiver Needs Survey online. RESULTS Among 953 participants, 542 (57%) were from Croatia, 205 (21%) were from North Macedonia and 206 (22%) were from Serbia. The most common diagnosis of participants' children was autism spectrum disorder (26%). The child most often received the first diagnosis at the median of 2 years, diagnosed by a team of professionals. More than half (58%) of children attended preschool and public school, while 22% did not attend any schooling. Additional support from the state/city/county was received by 66% of CDD. Most participants declared not participating in association/organization for family support. Participants mostly (68%) used experts who work with the child as a source of information about their child's condition, followed by the Internet (53%). In the last 12 months, 60% of participants had difficulties with the availability of services in their area or problems getting appointments. The biggest problem in getting support was ensuring the child's basic rights were protected. Participants stated that ensuring greater rights for CDD was the greatest need for their families. CONCLUSION Parents/caregivers of CDD in Croatia, North Macedonia, and Serbia faced multiple challenges, but most of them were satisfied with the services provided to their children. Future efforts to develop policies and services related to CDD should consider the opinions of their parents/caregivers and disparities in access to services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Međaković
- Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine and Health Care, Catholic University of Croatia, Ilica 242, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - Antonia Čivljak
- Institute of Emergency Medicine of Zagreb County, Velika Gorica, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tatjana Zorčec
- University Children's Hospital Medical Faculty, Skopje, North, Macedonia
| | - Vesna Vučić
- Centre of Research Excellence in Nutrition and Metabolism, Group for Nutritional Biochemistry and Dietology, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Ristić-Medić
- Centre of Research Excellence in Nutrition and Metabolism, Group for Nutritional Biochemistry and Dietology, Institute for Medical Research, National institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Veselinović
- Cognitive Neuroscience Department, Research and Development Institute "Life Activities Advancement Centre", Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Marta Čivljak
- Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine and Health Care, Catholic University of Croatia, Ilica 242, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - Livia Puljak
- Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine and Health Care, Catholic University of Croatia, Ilica 242, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia.
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Wang C, Derderian KD, Hamada E, Zhou X, Nelson AD, Kyoung H, Ahituv N, Bouvier G, Bender KJ. Impaired cerebellar plasticity hypersensitizes sensory reflexes in SCN2A-associated ASD. Neuron 2024; 112:1444-1455.e5. [PMID: 38412857 PMCID: PMC11065582 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.01.029] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) commonly present with sensory hypersensitivity or abnormally strong reactions to sensory stimuli. Such hypersensitivity can be overwhelming, causing high levels of distress that contribute markedly to the negative aspects of the disorder. Here, we identify a mechanism that underlies hypersensitivity in a sensorimotor reflex found to be altered in humans and in mice with loss of function in the ASD risk-factor gene SCN2A. The cerebellum-dependent vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), which helps maintain one's gaze during movement, was hypersensitized due to deficits in cerebellar synaptic plasticity. Heterozygous loss of SCN2A-encoded NaV1.2 sodium channels in granule cells impaired high-frequency transmission to Purkinje cells and long-term potentiation, a form of synaptic plasticity important for modulating VOR gain. VOR plasticity could be rescued in mice via a CRISPR-activator approach that increases Scn2a expression, demonstrating that evaluation of a simple reflex can be used to assess and quantify successful therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Wang
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kimberly D Derderian
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Hamada
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Xujia Zhou
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Andrew D Nelson
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Henry Kyoung
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nadav Ahituv
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Guy Bouvier
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, 91400 Saclay, France.
| | - Kevin J Bender
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Perry N, Boulton KA, Hodge A, Ong N, Phillips N, Howard K, Raghunandan R, Silove N, Guastella AJ. A psychometric investigation of health-related quality of life measures for paediatric neurodevelopment assessment: Reliability and concurrent validity of the PEDS-QL, CHU-9D, and the EQ-5D-Y. Autism Res 2024; 17:972-988. [PMID: 38597587 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3127] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
There is a need for tools that can provide a brief assessment of functioning for children with neurodevelopmental conditions, including health-related quality of life (HR-QoL). This study evaluated the psychometric properties of three commonly used and well known HR-QoL measures in a cohort of children presenting to clinical developmental assessment services. The most common diagnoses received in these assessment services were autism spectrum disorders. Findings showed good internal consistency for the PedsQL and the CHU-9D, but not the EQ-5D-Y. This research also found that the CHU-9D, EQ-5D-Y, and PedsQL correlated with relevant functioning domains assessed by the VABS-III. Overall, the measures showed that children with neurodevelopmental conditions experienced poor HR-QoL. The majority of children (>86%) met cut-off criteria for significant health concerns on the PedsQL. On the EQ-5D-Y and CHU-9D, they showed reduced HR-QoL particularly on domains relating to school and homework, being able to join in activities, looking after self, and doing usual activities. This study supports the use of the CHU-9D and PedsQL in this population to assess and potentially track HR-QoL in a broad neurodevelopment paediatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Perry
- Clinic for Autism and Neurodevelopment (CAN) Research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - K A Boulton
- Clinic for Autism and Neurodevelopment (CAN) Research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - A Hodge
- Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - N Ong
- Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - N Phillips
- Clinic for Autism and Neurodevelopment (CAN) Research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - K Howard
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - R Raghunandan
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - N Silove
- Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - A J Guastella
- Clinic for Autism and Neurodevelopment (CAN) Research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Boulton KA, Hodge A, Levu K, Ong N, Silove N, Guastella AJ. Access and barriers to supports for children and caregivers attending public child developmental assessment services: Findings from the Sydney child neurodevelopment research registry. Autism Res 2024; 17:555-567. [PMID: 38009266 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3064] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Families can spend years waiting for a developmental assessment. We sought to understand supports caregivers had accessed by the time of their child's first multi-disciplinary developmental assessment, the supports caregivers wanted, and the barriers caregivers reported to accessing these supports. We also sought to understand how government funding schemes (the National Disability Insurance Scheme) and sociodemographic factors influenced access to supports. Caregivers were emailed questionnaires on sociodemographic background and intervention history prior to their child's developmental assessment at a tertiary diagnostic and assessment service. Results from 202 caregivers showed most children were receiving less than 2 hours of support each week at assessment. The most common accessed supports were from general practitioners and pediatricians. Caregivers reported behavioral therapists (41%) and psychologists (29%) as the most desired but inaccessible child supports. Half of caregivers nominated a need for parenting interventions. The most frequent barriers to accessing child supports were wait lists, finance, and knowledge. Government funding improved access to the total number of services received (from 2.7 to 5.2 different services), but for disability specific services only (e.g., speech and occupational therapy). Results highlighted disparities for families without government funding, impacting certain groups (e.g., children over 7 years) and services (e.g., mental health). Socioeconomic disadvantage, parental separation, and, surprisingly, being from a non-culturally/linguistically diverse background were associated with fewer services and more barriers. Results highlight the need to facilitate access to supports for families to align with existing recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsie A Boulton
- Clinic for Autism and Neurodevelopment (CAN) research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
- Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Antoinette Hodge
- Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
- Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia
| | - Kelera Levu
- Clinic for Autism and Neurodevelopment (CAN) research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Natalie Ong
- Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia
| | - Natalie Silove
- Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
- Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia
| | - Adam J Guastella
- Clinic for Autism and Neurodevelopment (CAN) research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
- Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
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Knott R, Mellahn OJ, Tiego J, Kallady K, Brown LE, Coghill D, Williams K, Bellgrove MA, Johnson BP. Age at diagnosis and diagnostic delay across attention-deficit hyperactivity and autism spectrums. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2024; 58:142-151. [PMID: 37885260 PMCID: PMC10838471 DOI: 10.1177/00048674231206997] [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] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the known benefits of accurate and timely diagnosis for children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorders (autism), for some children this goal is not always achieved. Existing research has explored diagnostic delay for autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder only, and when attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism co-occur, autism has been the focus. No study has directly compared age at diagnosis and diagnostic delay for males and females across attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism and specifically, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder + autism. METHODS Australian caregivers (N = 677) of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder + autism were recruited via social media (n = 594) and the Monash Autism and ADHD Genetics and Neurodevelopment Project (n = 83). Caregivers reported on their child's diagnostic process. Diagnostic delay was the mean difference between general initial developmental concerns and the child's attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism diagnosis. RESULTS Children with autism were significantly younger at autism diagnosis than the attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder + autism group (ηp2 = 0.06), whereas children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder were significantly older at attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosis than the attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder + autism group (ηp2 = 0.01). Delay to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism diagnosis was significantly longer in the attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder + autism group compared to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ηp2 = 0.02) and autism (η2 = 0.04) only. Delay to autism diagnosis for females with autism (η2 = 0.06) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder + autism (η2 = 0.04) was longer compared to males. CONCLUSIONS Having attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder + autism and being female were associated with longer delays to diagnosis. The reasons for these delays and possible adverse effects on outcomes require further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Knott
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Olivia J Mellahn
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Jeggan Tiego
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Kathryn Kallady
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Louise E Brown
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - David Coghill
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Mental Health, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Neurodevelopment and Disability Research, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Katrina Williams
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Neurodevelopment and Disability Research, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Developmental Paediatrics, Monash Children’s Hospital, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Monash Children’s Hospital, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark A Bellgrove
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Beth P Johnson
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Monash Children’s Hospital, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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Wang C, Derderian KD, Hamada E, Zhou X, Nelson AD, Kyoung H, Ahituv N, Bouvier G, Bender KJ. Impaired cerebellar plasticity hypersensitizes sensory reflexes in SCN2A-associated ASD. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.05.543814. [PMID: 37333267 PMCID: PMC10274749 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.05.543814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) commonly present with sensory hypersensitivity, or abnormally strong reactions to sensory stimuli. Such hypersensitivity can be overwhelming, causing high levels of distress that contribute markedly to the negative aspects of the disorder. Here, we identify the mechanisms that underlie hypersensitivity in a sensorimotor reflex found to be altered in humans and in mice with loss-of-function in the ASD risk-factor gene SCN2A. The cerebellum-dependent vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), which helps maintain one's gaze during movement, was hypersensitized due to deficits in cerebellar synaptic plasticity. Heterozygous loss of SCN2A-encoded NaV1.2 sodium channels in granule cells impaired high-frequency transmission to Purkinje cells and long-term potentiation, a form of synaptic plasticity important for modulating VOR gain. VOR plasticity could be rescued in adolescent mice via a CRISPR-activator approach that increases Scn2a expression, highlighting how evaluation of simple reflexes can be used as quantitative readout of therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Wang
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kimberly D. Derderian
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Hamada
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Xujia Zhou
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Andrew D. Nelson
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Henry Kyoung
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nadav Ahituv
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Guy Bouvier
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kevin J Bender
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Boulton KA, Guastella AJ, Hodge MA, Demetriou EA, Ong N, Silove N. Mental health concerns in children with neurodevelopmental conditions attending a developmental assessment service. J Affect Disord 2023; 335:264-272. [PMID: 37119867 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.04.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Children with neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs) experience co-occurring mental health concerns. Little research has examined mental health symptoms in children attending developmental assessment services. This study profiled mental health symptoms in children with NDCs attending a hospital-based diagnostic service for their first diagnostic assessment. Participants were 232 children aged 1.96-17.51 years. Mental health concerns were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), a caregiver-rated, questionnaire-based assessment of behavioural and emotional difficulties. Subclinical or clinically elevated internalising, externalising and total scores on the CBCL were reported in over one third of children. These increased prevalence rates remained after excluding items specifically relating to neurodevelopmental concerns. More school-aged females reported elevated internalising problems, relative to males (67 % vs 48 %). The number of diagnoses impacted symptoms, with children who received two or more DSM-5 diagnoses showing a greater rate of subclinical or clinically elevated scores, relative to children who received one DSM-5 diagnosis. Our findings demonstrate that children attending developmental assessment services have considerable mental health needs. It is critical that mental health concerns are identified and addressed in children when they first present to developmental assessment services, and that service providers are equipped to provide appropriate resources and pathways to ongoing care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsie A Boulton
- Clinic for Autism and Neurodevelopment (CAN) research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia; Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Australia.
| | - Adam J Guastella
- Clinic for Autism and Neurodevelopment (CAN) research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia; Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Marie-Antoinette Hodge
- Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Eleni A Demetriou
- Clinic for Autism and Neurodevelopment (CAN) research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia; Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Natalie Ong
- Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Natalie Silove
- Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Australia
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