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Zwicker HM, Fay-McClymont TB, Hou SHJ, Cho S, McDonald K, Guilcher GMT, Yeates KO, Brooks BL, Schulte FSM. Social adjustment in children diagnosed with sickle cell disease: A retrospective study. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024; 71:e30807. [PMID: 38110802 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30807] [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] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailey M Zwicker
- Hematology, Oncology, Transplant Program, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Taryn B Fay-McClymont
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Neuropsychology Services, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sharon H J Hou
- Department of Oncology, Division of Psychosocial Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Psychology, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sara Cho
- Hematology, Oncology, Transplant Program, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kaelyn McDonald
- Hematology, Oncology, Transplant Program, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gregory M T Guilcher
- Hematology, Oncology, Transplant Program, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Keith O Yeates
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Neuropsychology Services, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Brian L Brooks
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Neuropsychology Services, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Child Brain and Mental Health, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Fiona S M Schulte
- Hematology, Oncology, Transplant Program, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Division of Psychosocial Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Lee S, Lucas S, Proudman D, Nellesen D, Paulose J, Sheehan VA. Burden of central nervous system complications in sickle cell disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29493. [PMID: 35038214 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) patients are at high risk of central nervous system (CNS) complications and may experience significant morbidity. The study was conducted to describe the comprehensive burden of SCD-related CNS complications and to identify patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments for future research. The review included 32 studies published from January 2000 to 2020, evaluating humanistic and economic outcomes. Twenty-three studies reported humanistic outcomes, 16 of which measured cognitive function using Wechsler Intelligence Scales. A meta-analysis was conducted, finding full-scale intelligence quotient (IQ) was significantly lower in: overt stroke versus controls: -12.6 (p < .001); silent cerebral infarct (SCI) versus controls: -5.7 (p < .001); overt stroke versus SCI: -9.4 (p = .008); and any event versus controls: -7.6 (p < .001). This review quantified the cognitive deficits associated with CNS complications in pediatric SCD populations and highlights the need for improved prevention/treatment. As PRO evidence was limited, we discussed areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soyon Lee
- Health Economics & Outcomes Research (HEOR), US Oncology, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, New Jersey, USA
| | - Sedge Lucas
- Analysis Group, Inc., San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | | | - Jincy Paulose
- Iron Overload and Sickle Cell Disease (IO and SCD), US Oncology, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, New Jersey, USA
| | - Vivien A Sheehan
- The Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Ojinnaka U, Ahmed Z, Kannan A, Quadir H, Hakobyan K, Gaddam M, Mostafa JA. A Traditional Review of Sickle Cell Disease and the Associated Onset of Dementia: Hematological and Neurocognitive Crossroads. Cureus 2021; 13:e18906. [PMID: 34703679 PMCID: PMC8530004 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.18906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell trait and disease are potential risk factors for dementia and cognitive dysfunction in African Americans, as are genetic variants. This illness affects around 300 million people globally. Due to its ability to defend against severe malaria, it represents an evolutionary survival advantage. It has been shown that sickle cell disease and trait are independent risk factors for the prevalence and incidence of albuminuria and chronic renal disease. Sickle cell anemia impairs cognitive performance in people with minimal or mild manifestations of the genetic blood disorder, owing mostly to its cerebrovascular implications. Similarly, various cerebral minor vascular disorders, such as silent cerebral infarcts, have been linked to the sickle cell trait, which is associated with impaired cognitive ability. It has been found that patients with sickle cell disease have a significantly decreased subcortical and cortical brain volume. Adults and children with sickle cell disease have been documented to have attention-related issues, particularly reduced sustained attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugochi Ojinnaka
- Family Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Zubayer Ahmed
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Amudhan Kannan
- Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, IND
- General Surgery, Research, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Huma Quadir
- Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Neurology, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Knkush Hakobyan
- Diagnostic Radiology, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Mrunanjali Gaddam
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Jihan A Mostafa
- Psychiatry, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
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4
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Allen T, Willard VW, Anderson LM, Hardy KK, Bonner MJ. Social functioning and facial expression recognition in children with neurofibromatosis type 1. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2016; 60:282-293. [PMID: 26805654 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examined social functioning and facial expression recognition (FER) in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) compared to typically developing peers. Specifically, the current research aimed to identify hypothesised relationships between neurocognitive ability, FER and social functioning. METHOD Children, ages 8 to 16, with NF1 (n = 23) and typically developing peers (n = 23) were recruited during regularly scheduled clinic visits and through advertisements on an institutional clinical trials website, respectively. Participants completed a measure of FER, an abbreviated intelligence test and questionnaires regarding their quality of life and behavioural functioning. Parents were also asked to complete questionnaires regarding the social-emotional and cognitive functioning of their child. RESULTS As expected, there were significant differences between children with NF1 and typically developing peers across domains of social functioning and FER. Within the sample of children with NF1, there were no significant associations observed between cognitive measures, social functioning and facial recognition skills. CONCLUSION Children with NF1 exhibited high rates of social impairment and weak FER skills compared to controls. The absence of associations between FER with cognitive and social variables, however, suggests something unique about this skill in children with NF1. Theoretical comparisons are made to children with autism spectrum disorders, as this condition may serve as a potentially useful model in better understanding FER in children with NF1.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Allen
- Duke University, Psychology and Neuroscience, Durham, NC, United States
| | - V W Willard
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Psychology, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - L M Anderson
- Duke University, Psychology and Neuroscience, Durham, NC, United States
| | - K K Hardy
- Children's National Medical Center, Center for Neuroscience and Behavioral Medicine, Washington, DC, United States
| | - M J Bonner
- Duke University Medical Center, Psychiatry, Durham, NC, United States
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5
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Fuentes A, Deotto A, Desrocher M, deVeber G, Westmacott R. Determinants of cognitive outcomes of perinatal and childhood stroke: A review. Child Neuropsychol 2014; 22:1-38. [PMID: 25355013 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2014.969694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Our understanding of cognitive and behavioral outcomes of perinatal and childhood stroke is rapidly evolving. A current understanding of cognitive outcomes following pediatric stroke can inform prognosis and direct interventions and our understanding of plasticity in the developing brain. However, our understanding of these outcomes has been hampered by the notable heterogeneity that exists amongst the pediatric stroke population, as the influences of various demographic, cognitive, neurological, etiological, and psychosocial variables preclude broad generalizations about outcomes in any one cognitive domain. We therefore aimed to conduct a detailed overview of the published literature regarding the effects of age at stroke, time since stroke, sex, etiology, lesion characteristics (i.e., location, laterality, volume), neurologic impairment, and seizures on cognitive outcomes following pediatric stroke. A key theme arising from this review is the importance of interactive effects among variables on cognitive outcomes following pediatric stroke. Interactions particularly of note include the following: (a) age at Stroke x Lesion Location; (b) Lesion Characteristics (i.e., volume, location) x Neurologic Impairment; (c) Lesion Volume x Time Since Stroke; (d) Sex x Lesion Laterality; and (e) Seizures x Time Since Stroke. Further, it appears that these relationships do not always apply uniformly across cognitive domains but, rather, are contingent upon the cognitive ability in question. Implications for future research directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Fuentes
- a Department of Psychology , York University , Toronto , ON , Canada
| | - Angela Deotto
- a Department of Psychology , York University , Toronto , ON , Canada
| | - Mary Desrocher
- a Department of Psychology , York University , Toronto , ON , Canada
| | - Gabrielle deVeber
- b Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology , The Hospital for Sick Children , Toronto , ON , Canada
| | - Robyn Westmacott
- c Department of Psychology , The Hospital for Sick Children , Toronto , ON , Canada
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6
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Social competence in children with brain disorders: a meta-analytic review. Neuropsychol Rev 2014; 24:219-35. [PMID: 24648014 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-014-9256-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Social competence, i.e. appropriate or effective social functioning, is an important determinant of quality of life. Social competence consists of social skills, social performance and social adjustment. The current paper reviews social skills, in particular emotion recognition performance and its relationship with social adjustment in children with brain disorders. In this review, normal development and the neuro-anatomical correlates of emotion recognition in both healthy children and adults and in various groups of children with brain disorders, will be discussed. A systematic literature search conducted on PubMed, yielded nine papers. Emotion recognition tasks were categorized on the basis of task design and emotional categories to ensure optimal comparison across studies before an explorative meta-analysis was conducted. This meta-analytic review suggests that children with brain disorders show impaired emotion recognition, with the recognition of sad and fearful expressions being most impaired. Performance did not seem to be related to derivative measures of social adjustment. Despite the limited number of studies on a variety of brain disorders and control groups, outcomes were quite consistent across analyses and corresponded largely with the existing literature on development of emotion recognition in typically developing children. More longitudinal prospective studies on emotion recognition are needed to gain insight into recovery and subsequent development of children with distinct brain disorders. This will aid development, selection and implementation of interventions for improvement of social competence and quality of life in children with a brain disorder.
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Smith Carter J, Martinez W, Legato LJ. Response to Commentary: Social Competence in Children With Chronic Illness: Moving the Field Forward. J Pediatr Psychol 2012. [DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jss089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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8
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Hall HR, Neely-Barnes SL, Graff JC, Krcek TE, Roberts RJ, Hankins JS. Parental stress in families of children with a genetic disorder/disability and the resiliency model of family stress, adjustment, and adaptation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 35:24-44. [PMID: 22250965 DOI: 10.3109/01460862.2012.646479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research suggests that parents of children with disabilities endure increased amounts of stress but also experience positive outcomes. PURPOSE To further investigate findings from focus group interviews that explored parental stress in families of children with disabilities using a sequential mixed methods design. METHOD This study sought to model parental stress using the McCubbin and McCubbin (1993) Resiliency Model of Stress, Adjustment, and Adaptation using qualitative and quantitative data collected sequentially. Twenty-five parents of children with autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and sickle cell disease participated in a 2-step study that encompassed qualitative followed by quantitative data ascertainment. RESULTS Parents who quantitatively experienced high stress or low stress used different behavioral themes to describe their experience qualitatively. Positive appraisals, resources, and ability to engage in problem solving and coping were associated with family resiliency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather R Hall
- Maternal Child Nursing Department, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama 36688, USA.
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9
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Belacchi C, Farina E. Prosocial/hostile roles and emotion comprehension in preschoolers. Aggress Behav 2010; 36:371-89. [PMID: 20814973 DOI: 10.1002/ab.20361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Bullying occurs at approximately the same rate in kindergarten as in elementary school, but few studies inquired into preschool years [Alsaker and Nägele, 2008; Stassen Berger, 2007]. This study aimed at: (1) verifying the presence in preschoolers of two additional participant roles (Consoler and Mediator), besides the six traditional roles detected by Salmivalli et al. [1996], grouped in four latent macroroles, by means of teacher report version of the Eight Participant Roles Questionnaire (PRQ) [Belacchi, 2008]; (2) linking prosocial and hostile behaviors to age and gender; and (3) investigating the relationship between roles and emotion understanding. Two hundred and nineteen children (54% boys; aged 3-6 years: mean age 4;10) were administered the Italian version of the Test of Emotion Comprehension [Albanese and Molina, 2008]; 20 teachers (2 for each class) filled in the questionnaire, attributing frequency scores on 24 items (3 for each role) to each pupil. A confirmatory analysis supported the fit of the hetero-report version of the Eight PRQ, revealing four macroroles: Hostile Roles (Bully, Reinforcer and Assistant), Prosocial Roles (Defender, Consoler, and Mediator), Victim, and Outsider. Satisfactory interteachers agreement not only confirms the macroroles hypothized, but also their expected distribution for gender and age. Moreover, the Prosocial roles presented a significant positive correlation with all subdimensions of emotion comprehension (External, Mental, and Reflective). The Victim and Outsider roles negatively correlated only with the External subdimension. The implications of these results for prevention and intervention purposes are discussed.
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10
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Trentacosta CJ, Fine SE. Emotion Knowledge, Social Competence, and Behavior Problems in Childhood and Adolescence: A Meta-Analytic Review. SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 2010; 19:1-29. [PMID: 21072259 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9507.2009.00543.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The present meta-analytic review examined the magnitude of the relation between discrete emotion knowledge and three of its most commonly studied correlates in childhood and adolescence: social competence, internalizing problems, and externalizing problems. Emotion knowledge demonstrated small to medium-sized relations with each correlate. Moderators of effect size were also examined and included multiple sample and methodological characteristics. Using random effects models, significant moderators of effect size for relations between emotion knowledge and externalizing problems included sample recruitment, sample age, and the source of externalizing problems ratings. Moderators of effect size were not found for emotion knowledge and social competence, and the effect sizes across samples for emotion knowledge and internalizing problems were homogeneous. Results highlight the relatively consistent yet modest relations between emotion knowledge and its correlates. Implications for applied research and new directions for research on emotion knowledge using innovative methods are discussed.
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11
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Puffer ES, Schatz JC, Roberts CW. Relationships between Somatic Growth and Cognitive Functioning in Young Children with Sickle Cell Disease. J Pediatr Psychol 2009; 35:892-904. [DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsp124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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12
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Hijmans CT, Grootenhuis MA, Oosterlaan J, Last BF, Heijboer H, Peters M, Fijnvandraat K. Behavioral and emotional problems in children with sickle cell disease and healthy siblings: Multiple informants, multiple measures. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009; 53:1277-83. [PMID: 19731327 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.22257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Behavioral and emotional problems in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) may be related to disease factors, or to socio-demographic factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of behavioral and emotional problems in children with SCD living in a Western European country, compared to healthy siblings (who were comparable in age, gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic status-SES), and to a Dutch norm population. METHODS The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Teacher Report Form (TRF) and Disruptive Behavior Disorders rating scale (DBD) were distributed among caregivers and teachers of 119 children with SCD aged 6-18 years and among caregivers and teachers of 38 healthy siblings. RESULTS Questionnaires were returned by caregivers and/or teachers of 106 children with SCD and 37 healthy siblings. According to caregivers and teachers, children with SCD had more severe internalizing problems than healthy siblings and the norm population. According to teachers, subgroups of both children with SCD and healthy siblings had more severe externalizing problems than the norm population. Children with SCD had more difficulties than healthy siblings in terms of school functioning, showed less competent social behavior and tended to have more attention deficits. CONCLUSIONS Children with SCD are at increased risk of developing internalizing problems as a result of their disease. Subgroups of children with SCD are at increased risk of developing severe externalizing problems, which may either be related to socio-demographic factors, or to disease factors, such as neurocognitive deficits associated with cerebral infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Channa T Hijmans
- Psychosocial Department, Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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13
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Hysing M, Elgen I, Gillberg C, Lundervold AJ. Emotional and behavioural problems in subgroups of children with chronic illness: results from a large-scale population study. Child Care Health Dev 2009; 35:527-33. [PMID: 19323670 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2214.2009.00967.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with chronic illness are known to have an increased risk of emotional and behavioural problems. In the present population-based study children with asthma, neurological disorders and other chronic illnesses were compared with children without chronic illnesses to assess differences in psychological presentation across illness groups. METHODS A total of 537 children with parent-reported chronic illness in the Bergen Child Study were categorized into three groups: asthma, neurological disorders and other chronic illnesses. Emotional and behavioural problems were assessed by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. RESULTS All three illness groups had an increased rate of emotional and behavioural problems, as well as increased probability of a psychiatric disorder compared with children without a chronic illness. Most children with asthma and other chronic illnesses did not have emotional and behavioural problems, and effect sizes were small in both groups. In children with neurological disorders the effect sizes ranged from moderate to large, with emotional problems, inattention hyperactivity and peer problems being the most frequent problems. CONCLUSIONS The increased rate of emotional and behavioural problems in children with chronic illness, especially neurological disorders, emphasizes the importance of early detection of mental health problems in these children.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hysing
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Jonas Liesvei 91, Bergen 5009, Norway.
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14
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Bonner MJ, Hardy KK, Willard VW, Anthony KK, Hood M, Gururangan S. Social functioning and facial expression recognition in survivors of pediatric brain tumors. J Pediatr Psychol 2008; 33:1142-52. [PMID: 18390896 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsn035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess social functioning and facial expression recognition skill in survivors of pediatric brain tumors (BT) as compared to children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). METHODS The social functioning of 51 survivors of BT and 31 children with JRA was assessed using a facial expression recognition task, questionnaire ratings of social functioning, and an IQ screener. RESULTS After controlling for estimated IQ, survivors of BT made significantly more errors interpreting adult facial expressions as compared to children with JRA. Additionally, history of therapy and diagnosis age predicted performance on the child portion of the facial recognition task. Finally, survivors of BT demonstrated significantly impaired social functioning across multiple measures when compared to children with JRA. CONCLUSIONS Survivors of pediatric BT showed significant deficits in social functioning as compared to an illness comparison group. Errors in facial expression recognition represent another method for evaluating deficits that contribute to social outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie J Bonner
- Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center, DUMC Box 3527, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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15
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Berkelhammer LD, Williamson AL, Sanford SD, Dirksen CL, Sharp WG, Margulies AS, Prengler RA. Neurocognitive sequelae of pediatric sickle cell disease: a review of the literature. Child Neuropsychol 2007; 13:120-31. [PMID: 17364569 DOI: 10.1080/09297040600800956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This literature review summarizes all studies relating neuropsychological performance to neuroimaging findings in pediatric sickle cell disease (N=28; published 1991-2005). Although inconsistencies exist within and across domains, deficits in intelligence (IQ), attention and executive functions, memory, language, visuomotor abilities, and academic achievement have been identified. Overall neurocognitive compromise was revealed to be related to the level of neurological injury and the location of silent infarct. Attentional and executive dysfunction is prevalent and related to frontal lobe abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie D Berkelhammer
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Memphis, TN 38105-2794, USA.
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16
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Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a blood disorder; however, the central nervous system (CNS) is one of the organs frequently affected by the disease. Brain disease can begin early in life and often leads to neurocognitive dysfunction. Approximately one-fourth to one-third of children with SCD have some form of CNS effects from the disease, which typically manifest as deficits in specific cognitive domains and academic difficulties. We discuss SCD as a neurodevelopmental disorder by reviewing the mechanisms of neurological morbidity in SCD, the timing of these mechanisms, the types of cognitive and behavioral morbidity that is typical, and the interaction of social-environmental context with disease processes. The impact of the disease on families shares many features similar to other neurodevelopmental disorders; however, social-environmental factors related to low socioeconomic status, worry and concerns about social stigma, and recurrent, unpredictable medical complications can be sources of relatively higher stress in SCD. Greater public awareness of the neurocognitive effects of SCD and their impact on child outcomes is a critical step toward improved treatment, adaptation to illness, and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Schatz
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, USA.
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Hogan AM, Pit-ten Cate IM, Vargha-Khadem F, Prengler M, Kirkham FJ. Physiological correlates of intellectual function in children with sickle cell disease: hypoxaemia, hyperaemia and brain infarction. Dev Sci 2006; 9:379-87. [PMID: 16764611 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-7687.2006.00503.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Lowered intelligence relative to controls is evident by mid-childhood in children with sickle cell disease. There is consensus that brain infarct contributes to this deficit, but the subtle lowering of IQ in children with normal MRI scans might be accounted for by chronic systemic complications leading to insufficient oxygen delivery to the brain. We investigated the relationship between daytime oxyhaemoglobin saturation (SpO2), cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) and intellectual function (IQ) using path-analysis in 30 adolescents with sickle cell disease (mean age 17.4 years, SD 4.2). Initial analyses revealed that the association between SpO2 and Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) was fully mediated by increased CBFV, whereby SpO2 was negatively correlated with CBFV and CBFV was negatively correlated with FSIQ, i.e. decreases in oxygen saturation are associated with increases in velocity, and increased velocity is associated with lowered IQ scores. The mediated relationship suggests that lowered IQ may be a function of abnormal oxygen delivery to the brain. Further analyses showed that the association between CBFV and IQ was significant for verbal but not for performance IQ. The pathophysiology characteristic of SCD can interfere with brain function and constrain intellectual development, even in the absence of an infarct. This supports the hypothesis that lowered intellectual function is partly explained by chronic hypoxia, and has wider implications for our understanding of SCD pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Hogan
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, UK.
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Kral MC, Brown RT, Connelly M, Curé JK, Besenski N, Jackson SM, Abboud MR. Radiographic predictors of neurocognitive functioning in pediatric Sickle Cell disease. J Child Neurol 2006; 21:37-44. [PMID: 16551451 DOI: 10.1177/08830738060210010701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We compared magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance angiography, and transcranial Doppler ultrasonography as predictors of specific neurocognitive functions in children with sickle cell disease. Participants were 27 children with sickle cell anemia (hemoglobin SS) who were participants in the Stroke Prevention Trial in Sickle Cell Anemia (STOP) and had no documented history of stroke. Children's MRIs were classified as normal or silent infarct, and their magnetic resonance angiograms were classified as normal or abnormal. The highest time-averaged mean flow velocity on transcranial Doppler ultrasonographic examination of the major cerebral arteries was analyzed. Age and hematocrit also were analyzed as predictor variables. The battery of neurocognitive tests included measures of intellectual functioning, academic achievement, attention, memory, visual-motor integration, and executive functions. MRI, magnetic resonance angiography, transcranial Doppler ultrasonography, age, and hematocrit were analyzed as predictors of participants' performance on the various measures of neurocognitive functioning. Age and hematocrit were robust predictors of a number of global and specific neurocognitive functions. When age and hematocrit were controlled, transcranial Doppler ultrasonography was a significantly unique predictor of verbal memory. We found an association between low hemoglobin and neurocognitive impairment. We also found that abnormalities on transcranial Doppler ultrasonography can herald subtle neurocognitive deficits. (J Child Neurol 2006;21:37-44).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary C Kral
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, 29425, USA.
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19
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Abstract
This review examines the evidence for some of the common psychological complications found across the life span of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), which are likely to be encountered by haematologists responsible for their medical management. Electronic searches of medical and psychological databases were conducted with a focus on three main areas: psychological coping, quality of life and neuropsychology. Psychological complications were identified in both children and adults with SCD, and included inappropriate pain coping strategies; reduced quality of life owing to restrictions in daily functioning, anxiety and depression; and neurocognitive impairment. There were wide variations in design and consistency of the studies, therefore, some caution needs to be observed in the findings. Moreover, interventional studies were lacking in some areas such as neuropsychology. Utilization of psychological interventions including patient education, cognitive behavioural therapy, and special educational support to help improve the quality of life of patients are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kofi A Anie
- Department of Haematology, Brent Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Centre, Imperial College London, Central Middlesex Hospital, London, UK.
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Emotional, Social, and Behavioral Functioning of Children With Sickle Cell Disease and Comparison Peers. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2004; 26:642-648. [PMID: 27811605 DOI: 10.1097/01.mph.0000139456.12036.8d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This research examined the emotional, social, and behavioral functioning of children with sickle cell disease (SCD) and classroom comparison peers from the perspective of primary and secondary caregivers. It was hypothesized that children with SCD would have more internalizing (emotional) and social problems and fewer externalizing (behavioral) problems than comparison peers. Caregivers of 70 children with SCD and 67 comparison peers completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) during visits to the children's homes. Relative to comparison peers, children with SCD were perceived by primary caregivers as having more total and internalizing problems and less total competence. Additionally, significantly more children with SCD exceeded clinical cutoffs on the CBCL. While caregivers of children with SCD perceive these children to be at a slightly elevated risk for problems across multiple domains, a significant number of children with SCD have problems in the clinical range. The authors recommend that vigorous screening programs for mental health problems should be included in the routine care of children with SCD, and programs of psychosocial intervention research should be implemented to ameliorate problems for the children at greatest risk.
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21
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Kral MC, Brown RT, Nietert PJ, Abboud MR, Jackson SM, Hynd GW. Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography and neurocognitive functioning in children with sickle cell disease. Pediatrics 2003; 112:324-31. [PMID: 12897282 DOI: 10.1542/peds.112.2.324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examined the relationship between cerebral blood flow velocity, measured by transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography, and neurocognitive functioning. METHODS Participants were 60 children who had sickle cell disease (HbSS) and had no documented history of stroke. Children were classified according to Stroke Prevention Trial in Sickle Cell Anemia criteria (normal, conditional, and abnormal), and their performance was compared on measures of intellectual abilities, academic achievement, sustained attention/concentration, executive function, and parent and teacher ratings of executive function. RESULTS Children with abnormal TCD values performed more poorly than children with conditional TCD values on measures of verbal intelligence and executive function. Children with conditional TCD values performed more poorly than children with normal TCD values on measures of sustained attention/concentration and executive function. TCD values also were a significant predictor of auditory working memory in exploratory analyses. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the hypothesis that neurocognitive functions subserved by the frontal systems (eg, sustained attention/concentration and executive function) seem to be the most useful indices of progressive cerebrovasculopathy in children with HbSS disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary C Kral
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA.
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Helps S, Fuggle P, Udwin O, Dick M. Psychosocial and Neurocognitive Aspects of Sickle Cell Disease. Child Adolesc Ment Health 2003; 8:11-17. [PMID: 32797540 DOI: 10.1111/1475-3588.00039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) comprises a group of recessively inherited blood disorders and is the most common genetic disorder in the world (Embury et al., 1994). It is a chronic condition of variable severity that mainly affects people of African and African-Caribbean heritage. Over the last 20 years life expectancy has increased significantly, particularly for patients receiving western healthcare so that increasing attention has been directed to the psychosocial adaptation and neurocognitive profile of children and adolescents with SCD. Previously, research suggested that, like children with other chronic health conditions, children and adolescents with SCD were at increased risk for emotional and behavioural disorders. More recent research has not demonstrated increased rates of such difficulties. Increasing evidence suggests that children with severe disease are, however, at significantly increased risk for cerebro-vascular events and neurocognitive difficulties. This paper reviews the literature regarding the psychological and neurocognitive functioning of children with SCD and outlines a number of ways that psychological input may significantly contribute to more effective health care for these children and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Helps
- Mary Sheridan Centre for Child Health, 5 Dugard Way, Renfrew Road, London SE11 4TH, UK
| | - Peter Fuggle
- Northern Health Centre, 590 Holloway Road, London N7 6LB, UK
| | - Orlee Udwin
- Mary Sheridan Centre for Child Health, 5 Dugard Way, Renfrew Road, London SE11 4TH, UK
| | - Moira Dick
- Mary Sheridan Centre for Child Health, 5 Dugard Way, Renfrew Road, London SE11 4TH, UK
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Lemanek KL, Brown RT, Amstrong FD, Hood C, Pegelow C, Woods G. Dysfunctional eating patterns and symptoms of pica in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2002; 41:493-500. [PMID: 12365311 DOI: 10.1177/000992280204100706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the incidence and relationship of pica symptoms and dysfunctional eating patterns in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease (SCD). Children and caregivers (n = 146) completed questionnaires assessing eating difficulties and symptoms of pica. Information also was collected from medical records and analyzed for relationships with dysfunctional eating patterns. Incidence of problems and their association with disease parameters of SCD were examined. Dysfunctional eating patterns were found in those with no symptoms of pica and those with severe symptoms of pica. Caregiver-reported dysfunctional eating patterns were associated with caregiver- and child-reported frequency of painful episodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen L Lemanek
- Department of Pediatrics, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD), a class of genetic disorders characterized by abnormal, sickled red blood cells, is a chronic illness that results in progressive cerebrovascular disease. Neurocognitive sequelae of clinically apparent cerebrovascular accidents in children with SCD are characterized by pervasive impairments, including decrements in general intellectual functioning, language and verbal abilities, visual-motor and visual-spatial processing, memory, academic achievement, and processing of subtle prosodic information. In contrast, subtle neurocognitive deficits in the areas of attention and concentration, executive function, and visual-motor speed and coordination appear to be associated with silent infarcts that are not necessarily detected on physical examination. Investigation of the disease course and associated neurocognitive sequelae suggest a disease-specific model of neuropsychological impairment. Recommendations are made for clinical and research efforts in the field of pediatric neuropsychology.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Kral
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425, USA.
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