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Brandt AE, Rø TB, Finnanger TG, Hypher RE, Lien E, Lund B, Catroppa C, Andersson S, Risnes K, Stubberud J. Intelligence and executive function are associated with age at insult, time post-insult, and disability following chronic pediatric acquired brain injury. Front Neurol 2024; 14:1192623. [PMID: 38249741 PMCID: PMC10796693 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1192623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Pediatric acquired brain injury (pABI) profoundly affects cognitive functions, encompassing IQ and executive functions (EFs). Particularly, young age at insult may lead to persistent and debilitating deficits, affecting daily-life functioning negatively. This study delves into the intricate interplay of age at insult, time post-insult, and their associations with IQ and EFs during chronic (>1 year) pABI. Additionally, we investigate cognitive performance across different levels of global function, recognizing the multifaceted nature of developmental factors influencing outcomes. Methods Drawing upon insult data and baseline information analyzing secondary outcomes from a multicenter RCT, including comprehensive medical and neuropsychological assessments of participants aged 10 to 17 years with pABI and parent-reported executive dysfunctions. The study examined associations between age at insult (early, EI; ≤7y vs. late, LI; > 7y) and time post-insult with IQ and EFs (updating, shifting, inhibition, and executive attention). Additionally, utilizing the Pediatric Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended, we explored cognitive performance across levels of global functioning. Results Seventy-six participants, median 8 years at insult and 5 years post-insult, predominantly exhibiting moderate disability (n = 38), were included. Notably, participants with LI demonstrated superior IQ, executive attention, and shifting compared to EI, [adjusted mean differences with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs); 7.9 (1.4, 14.4), 2.48 (0.71, 4.24) and 1.73 (0.03, 3.43), respectively]. Conversely, extended post-insult duration was associated with diminished performances, evident in mean differences with 95% CIs for IQ, updating, shifting, and executive attention compared to 1-2 years post-insult [-11.1 (-20.4, -1.7), -8.4 (-16.7, -0.1), -2.6 (-4.4, -0.7), -2.9 (-4.5, -1.2), -3.8 (-6.4, -1.3), -2.6 (-5.0, -0.3), and -3.2 (-5.7, -0.8)]. Global function exhibited a robust relationship with IQ and EFs. Conclusion Early insults and prolonged post-insult durations impose lasting tribulations in chronic pABI. While confirmation through larger studies is needed, these findings carry clinical implications, underscoring the importance of vigilance regarding early insults. Moreover, they dispel the notion that children fully recover from pABI; instead, they advocate equitable rehabilitation offerings for pABI, tailored to address cognitive functions, recognizing their pivotal role in achieving independence and participation in society. Incorporating disability screening in long-term follow-up assessments may prove beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Elisabeth Brandt
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Children’s Clinic, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Torstein B. Rø
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Children’s Clinic, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Torun G. Finnanger
- Children’s Clinic, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ruth E. Hypher
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences for Children, Division of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Espen Lien
- Children’s Clinic, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Bendik Lund
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Children’s Clinic, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Cathy Catroppa
- Brain and Mind, Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Psychology, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Kari Risnes
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Children’s Clinic, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jan Stubberud
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences for Children, Division of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Research, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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