Social adjustment in children diagnosed with sickle cell disease: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at risk for physical, psychological, and social adjustment challenges. This study sought to investigate social adjustment and related factors in children living with SCD.

METHODS

Data from 32 children (50% male, mean age = 10.32 years, SD = 3.27) were retrospectively collected from a neuropsychology clinic at a tertiary care pediatric hospital. Social adjustment was measured using the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC-3) parent-proxy, withdrawal subscale, and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) Generic Module Social Functioning self- and parent-proxy subscales. Other measures captured executive functioning (i.e., Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition (BRIEF-2) Parent Form) and non-disease-related associations with social adjustment, including number of years in Canada and family functioning (i.e., PedsQL Family Impact Module).

RESULTS

Sixteen percent of patients reported elevated social adjustment difficulties. Multiple linear regression found better family functioning [B = .48, t = 2.65, p = .016], and higher executive functioning [B = -.43, t = -2.39, p = .028] were related to higher scores on the PedsQL parent-proxy ratings of social adjustment [F(4,18) = 5.88, p = .003]. Male sex [B = .54, t = 3.08, p = .005], and having lived more years in Canada [B = .55, t = 2.81, p = .009], were related to higher PedsQL self-reported social adjustment [F(4,23) = 3.75, p = .017]. The model examining the BASC-3 withdrawal subscale was not statistically significant [F(4,16) = 1.63, p = .22].

IMPLICATIONS

Social adjustment in children diagnosed with SCD warrants future research to understand the influence of executive function, and non-disease-related factors, particularly focusing on sociocultural factors.

Patterns of WISC-V Performance in Children with Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the most common congenital birth defects. As surgical and interventional techniques have improved, the mortality has been greatly reduced and the focus has shifted to quality of life and long-term outcomes. The impact of CHD on development and cognition is becoming increasingly recognized. However, more research is needed to understand how children with CHD perform across various cognitive and intellectual domains. This study explored the performance of children with CHD on the newest version of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children compared to normative controls. Children with CHD performed more poorly than normal controls across all indices and most subtests with large effect sizes. Additionally, we explored the patterns of impairment across indices and subtests, as well as the relationships between heard disease variables and WISC-V performance. Block design, Digit Span, and Similarities were the most commonly impaired scores in children with CHD, while Symbol Search, Picture Span, Figure Weights, and Vocabulary were least likely to be impaired.

Brief memory assessment in children: can the ChAMP Screening Index detect memory impairment?

Abbreviated memory batteries play a role in some clinical and research assessments, but their validity and accuracy need to be well supported. The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of the ChAMP Screening Index for detecting memory impairment. The sample included N = 804 youths (ages 5-21 years) with medical and neurological diagnoses who were presented for a clinical neuropsychological assessment. All completed the full Child and Adolescent Memory Profile and had valid data. The ChAMP Screening Index contains the first two subtests of the battery (Lists and Objects) and takes about 10 min to administer (full ChAMP is about 35 min). Analyses to examine the accuracy of the ChAMP Screening Index with both the Total Memory Index and Delayed Memory Index included Intraclass correlations, Cohen's Kappa coefficients, receiver operating characteristics, and classification metrics (e.g., sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values [PPV], and negative predictive values [NPV]). Very strong correlations, minimal mean difference scores, substantial agreement on kappa coefficients, and outstanding receiver operating characteristics all support the Screening Index accuracy. A cutoff score on the Screening Index of 70 provides a good balance between a high PPV (.91) and a high NPV (.96) for the Total Memory Index. When detecting impairment on the Delayed Memory Index, a Screening Index cutoff score of 65 provides a balance between a high PPV (.92) and a high NPV (.94). This study supports the accuracy, validity, and utility of the 10-min ChAMP Screening Index in those clinical and research situations where a brief evaluation of memory is desired.

New Child and Adolescent Memory Profile Embedded Performance Validity Test

OBJECTIVE

It is essential to interpret performance validity tests (PVTs) that are well-established and have strong psychometrics. This study evaluated the Child and Adolescent Memory Profile (ChAMP) Validity Indicator (VI) using a pediatric sample with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

METHOD

A cross-sectional sample of N = 110 youth (mean age = 15.1 years, standard deviation [SD] = 2.4 range = 8-18) on average 32.7 weeks (SD = 40.9) post TBI (71.8% mild/concussion; 3.6% complicated mild; 24.6% moderate-to-severe) were administered the ChAMP and two stand-alone PVTs. Criterion for valid performance was scores above cutoffs on both PVTs; criterion for invalid performance was scores below cutoffs on both PVTs. Classification statistics were used to evaluate the existing ChAMP VI and establish a new VI cutoff score if needed.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in demographics or time since injury between those deemed valid (n = 96) or invalid (n = 14), but all ChAMP scores were significantly lower in those deemed invalid. The original ChAMP VI cutoff score was highly specific (no false positives) but also highly insensitive (sensitivity [SN] = .07, specificity [SP] = 1.0). Based on area under the curve (AUC) analysis (0.94), a new cutoff score was established using the sum of scaled scores (VI-SS). A ChAMP VI-SS score of 32 or lower achieved strong SN (86%) and SP (92%). Using a 15% base rate, positive predictive value was 64% and negative predictive value was 97%.

CONCLUSIONS

The originally proposed ChAMP VI has insufficient SN in pediatric TBI. However, this study yields a promising new ChAMP VI-SS, with classification metrics that exceed any other current embedded PVT in pediatrics.

Neuropsychological, behavioral, and quality-of-life outcomes in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease treated with nonmyeloablative matched sibling donor hematopoietic cell transplantation: A case series

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Despite advances in the treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD), cerebrovascular and cognitive insults can have lifelong consequences. Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is an established curative therapy, and recent studies have demonstrated efficacy with reduced toxicity nonmyeloablative (NMA) regimens, but little is known about neuropsychological outcomes. The objective of this study was to describe neuropsychological, behavioral, and quality-of-life outcomes with medical correlates in children with SCD who received an NMA matched sibling donor (MSD) HCT.

DESIGN/METHODS

Retrospective cohort analysis of nine recipients with hemoglobin SS SCD who underwent MSD HCT using the National Institutes of Health (NIH) NMA protocol.

RESULTS

Mean full-scale intellectual functioning (FSIQ) was average pre-HCT (FSIQ = 92.1, SD 9.0; n = 8) and 2 years post-HCT (mean FSIQ = 96.6; SD 11.1; N = 9). Neuropsychological functioning was largely average across all cognitive domains, and no pre/post-HCT differences were found to be statistically significant given the small sample size. However, effect sizes revealed moderate improvements in processing speed (Cohen's d = .72) and verbal memory (Cohen's d = .60) post-HCT, and declines in measures of attention (Cohen's d = -.54) and fine motor speed and dexterity (Cohen's d = -.94). Parents endorsed better quality of life (Cohen's d = .91), less impact of SCD on their family, and less worry about their child's future (Cohen's d = 1.44).

CONCLUSION

Neuropsychological functioning in a sample of children and adolescents treated uniformly with NMA MSD HCT remained stable or improved in most cognitive domains, and improvements in quality of life and family functioning were observed.

Emotional functioning in pediatric epilepsy: Evidence of greater externalizing behavior with left hemisphere onset

Though it is wellknown that psychiatric concerns are common in children with epilepsy, factors predicting such problems are not well understood. The present investigation studied rates of parent-reported psychological concerns in clinically referred children with epilepsy. Further, it investigated differences in psychological distress across epilepsy subtypes (i.e., focal, generalized, mixed), relationships with epilepsy severity variables, gender, and lateralization of seizure foci. The parents of 170 children and adolescents (ages 6-18 years, 78 girls, 92 boys) completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Scale elevation frequencies (T-scores ≥ 65) were calculated and Chi square analyses examined rates of elevations between epilepsy groups. Internalizing problems (32.4%) were more common than externalizing problems (17.1%) for the sample, with attention problems being the most common concern across all epilepsy types (48.8%). While there were no significant relationships between epilepsy severity variables and CBCL broadband scales, the Total Problems scale was inversely related to intellectual functioning (r = -0.174, p = 0.023). Rates of anxiety and depression did not differ across epilepsy subtypes and no gender differences were found. Those with left-sided epilepsy had higher rates of externalizing problems (33.2%) than those with right (14.0%; χ²[1, 88] = 4.55, p = 0.03), with rule-breaking behaviors (15.4%) being more common in left-hemisphere epilepsy (15.4% versus 2.3%; χ²[1,88] = 4.66, p = 0.03). In summary, while no significant differences were found across epilepsy groups, the current study adds to the literature regarding lateralization effects and mood/behavior, with more externalizing problems in those with left hemisphere epilepsy.

MBCL-24. CAN YOUNG CHILDREN WITH RELAPSED MEDULLOBLASTOMA BE SALVAGED AFTER INITIAL IRRADIATION-SPARING APPROACHES?

INTRODUCTION

Irradiation-sparing approaches are used in young children with medulloblastoma (MB) given the vulnerability of the developing brain to neurocognitive impairment. Limited data are available following relapse for these patients. We aimed to describe the management and outcomes of young children with MB who relapsed after initial treatment without craniospinal irradiation (CSI).

METHODS

International retrospective study including patients with MB diagnosed between 1995–2017, ≤ 72 months old, initially treated without CSI, who subsequently relapsed.

RESULTS

Data are available for 52 patients (32 male). Median age at initial diagnosis was 27 months (range, 6–72) with 24 being metastatic. Initial therapy included conventional chemotherapy alone or high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) in 21 and 31 subjects, respectively. Three received upfront focal irradiation. Molecular subgrouping, available for 24 tumors, included 9 SHH and 15 non-WNT/non-SHH. Median time to relapse was 13 months (range, 3–63). Relapse was local, disseminated or combined in 20, 15, and 16, respectively. Salvage therapy with curative intent was given in 42/52 patients, including CSI in 28 subjects (median dose 36Gy, 18–41.4) or focal irradiation in 5 others. Three received HDC only. At a median follow-up time of 46 months (range, 4–255), 25 (48%) were alive, including 7/9 SHH and 7/15 non-WNT/non-SHH. The 2- and 5-year OS was 67% and 56% (SE, 7%), respectively. Two of 3 patients with SHH who did not receive salvage radiotherapy are survivors.

CONCLUSION

A substantial proportion of young children who relapse following irradiation-sparing strategies can be salvaged. Neurocognitive and ototoxicity outcomes are being evaluated.

NCOG-47. CAN YOUNG CHILDREN WITH RELAPSED MEDULLOBLASTOMA BE SALVAGED AFTER INITIAL IRRADIATION-SPARING APPROACHES?

INTRODUCTION

Irradiation-sparing approaches are used in young children with medulloblastoma (MB) given the vulnerability of the developing brain to neurocognitive impairment. Limited data are available following relapse for these patients. We aimed to describe the management and outcomes of young children with MB who relapsed after initial treatment without craniospinal irradiation (CSI).

METHODS

International retrospective study including patients with MB diagnosed between 1995-2017, ≤ 72 months old, initially treated without CSI, who subsequently relapsed.

RESULTS

Data are available for 66 patients. The median age at initial diagnosis was 27 months (range, 6-72). At diagnosis, 27 patients had metastatic disease. Initial therapy included conventional chemotherapy or with high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) in 30 and 36 patients, respectively. Eight (12.1%) received upfront focal irradiation. Molecular subgrouping was available for 27 (41%) patients. Ten were SHH, five group 3, six group 4 and six others were non-WNT/non-SHH. The median time from initial diagnosis to relapse was 13 months (range, 3-63). Relapse was local, disseminated, or combined in 39%, 32%, and 29%, respectively. The median time to death from relapse was 18 months. Curative intent therapy was given in 53 patients with irradiation (81%), conventional chemotherapy without HDC (40%), and HDC (25%). For patients who received irradiation, 85% received CSI (median dose 33 Gy, 18-41.4) and 15% focal irradiation. Ten patients received chemotherapy without salvage irradiation. The median follow-up time was 44 months (range, 4-255), 33 (62%) patients who underwent curative-intent therapy were alive, including 8/10 SHH, 2/3 group 3, 2/6 group 4, and 4/5 non-WNT/non-SHH. Three of four patients with SHH and treated without salvage radiotherapy are survivors. The 5-year OS for curative intent was 70%.

CONCLUSION

A substantial proportion of young children who relapse following irradiation-sparing strategies can be salvaged. A proportion of children with SHH MB can be salvaged without salvage radiotherapy.

Cognitive outcomes of childhood primary CNS vasculitis

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the clinical cognitive phenotypes and severity of cognitive burden according to disease subtype in children with primary central nervous system vasculitis (cPACNS).

METHOD

This retrospective multicenter inflammatory brain disease database study examined the neuropsychological outcomes of 80 children (44 male; mean age = 7.89 years, SD = 4.17) consecutively diagnosed with primary CNS vasculitis between 1992 and 2016. Twenty-one children had small-vessel disease (AN_cPACNS), and 59 had large-vessel disease (including 49 nonprogressive [APNP_cPACNS] and 10 progressive [APP_cPACNS]). Neuroimaging revealed MRI abnormalities in 100% and 90% of children with large- and small-vessel vasculitis, respectively. The primary outcomes were Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) and the index scores from the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-III (WISC-III, WISC-IV, and WISC-V). Analyses explored the effect of disease subtype.

RESULTS

Intellectual functioning was assessed on average 2.82 years after symptom onset. Children with small-vessel CNS vasculitis had significantly lower FSIQ scores than did those with large-vessel CNS vasculitis (Ms = 81.90 vs. 94.82; p = .04). Intellectual disability (FSIQ < 70) was more frequent in children with small-vessel disease (24% vs. 5%). All groups displayed lower Working Memory and Processing Speed index scores relative to Verbal Comprehension and Perceptual Reasoning index scores. Group differences in FSIQ remained significant after controlling for the presence of seizures.

CONCLUSION

Children with small-vessel CNS vasculitis are more likely to demonstrate deficits in intellectual functioning than are those with large-vessel disease, and children with both types of CNS vasculitis demonstrate relatively poor working memory and processing speed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-fourth edition (WISC-IV) short-form validity: a comparison study in pediatric epilepsy

PURPOSE

The purpose of this article was to investigate the accuracy of the WISC-IV short forms in estimating Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) and General Ability Index (GAI) in pediatric epilepsy.

METHODS

One hundred and four children with epilepsy completed the WISC-IV as part of a neuropsychological assessment at a tertiary-level children's hospital. The clinical accuracy of eight short forms was assessed in two ways: (a) accuracy within +/- 5 index points of FSIQ and (b) the clinical classification rate according to Wechsler conventions. The sample was further subdivided into low FSIQ (≤ 80) and high FSIQ (> 80).

RESULTS

All short forms were significantly correlated with FSIQ. Seven-subtest (Crawford et al. [2010] FSIQ) and 5-subtest (BdSiCdVcLn) short forms yielded the highest clinical accuracy rates (77%-89%). Overall, a 2-subtest (VcMr) short form yielded the lowest clinical classification rates for FSIQ (35%-63%). The short form yielding the most accurate estimate of GAI was VcSiMrBd (73%-84%).

CONCLUSIONS

Short forms show promise as useful estimates. The 7-subtest (Crawford et al., 2010) and 5-subtest (BdSiVcLnCd) short forms yielded the most accurate estimates of FSIQ. VcSiMrBd yielded the most accurate estimate of GAI. Clinical recommendations are provided for use of short forms in pediatric epilepsy.

Systematic review and case series of neuropsychological functioning after epilepsy surgery in children with dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNET)

RATIONALE

The purposes of this study were to 1) conduct a review of neuropsychological (NP) outcomes after epilepsy surgery for DNET and 2) present pre/post-surgical NP results from a series of children with DNET.

METHODS

First, a systematic literature review was conducted with specific inclusion criteria. Second, a review of DNET surgical patients seen at two tertiary-care hospitals using reliable change methods of NP functioning was conducted.

RESULTS

Of 300 citations retrieved, 7 studies met criteria. Studies reported low average to average pre-surgical IQ. Engel Class I outcome was approximately 85%.

CASE SERIES

Thirteen children completed pre/post-surgical NP assessments. Pre-surgically, children demonstrated low average to average functioning. Post-surgically, few patients showed reliable change. One-third of children demonstrated psychological improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

NP outcome following DNET has not been well-described. Children with DNET demonstrate low average to average NP functioning pre-surgically, good seizure outcome, and stable NP functioning post-surgically.

Neuropsychological outcomes after epilepsy surgery: Systematic review and pooled estimates

PURPOSE

Epilepsy surgery is a safe surgical procedure, but it may be associated with cognitive changes. Estimates of the risk of decline in specific neuropsychological domains after epilepsy surgery would assist surgical decision making in clinical practice. The goal of this study was to conduct a systematic review to derive pooled estimates of the rate of losses and gains in neuropsychological functions after epilepsy surgery, using empirically based methods for quantifying cognitive change.

METHODS

An extensive literature search using PubMed, EmBase, and the Cochrane database was conducted, yielding 5,061 articles on epilepsy surgery, with 193 on neuropsychological outcomes (IQ, memory, language, executive functioning, attention, and subjective cognitive changes).

KEY FINDINGS

Of these, 23 met final eligibility criteria, with 22 studies involving temporal surgery only. Key aspects of inclusion criteria were N ≥ 20 and use of reliable change index or standardized regression-based change estimates. In addition to the proportion of patients experiencing losses and gains in each individual test, a single pooled estimate of gains and losses for each cognitive domain was derived using a random effects model. Weighted estimates indicated a risk to verbal memory with left-sided temporal surgery of 44%, twice as high as the rate for right-sided surgery (20%). Naming was reduced in 34% of left-sided temporal patients, with almost no patients with gains (4%). Pooled data on IQ, executive functioning, and attention indicated few patients show declines post surgery, but a substantial rate of improvement in verbal fluency with left-sided temporal surgery (27%) was found. Self-reported cognitive declines after epilepsy surgery were uncommon, and gains were reported in some domains where losses were found on objective tests (i.e., verbal memory and language). Variations in surgical techniques did not appear to have a large effect on cognitive outcomes, except for naming outcomes, which appeared better with more conservative resections. Sensitivity to postoperative changes differed across visual memory tests, but not verbal memory tests. Few conclusions could be made regarding cognitive risks and benefits of extratemporal epilepsy surgery, or of epilepsy surgery in children.

SIGNIFICANCE

In sum, epilepsy surgery is associated with specific cognitive changes, but may also improve cognition in some patients. The results provide base rate estimates of expected cognitive gains and losses associated with epilepsy surgery that may prove useful in clinical settings.