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Nasiri E, Khalilzad M, Hakimzadeh Z, Isari A, Faryabi-Yousefabad S, Sadigh-Eteghad S, Naseri A. A comprehensive review of attention tests: can we assess what we exactly do not understand? THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, PSYCHIATRY AND NEUROSURGERY 2023. [DOI: 10.1186/s41983-023-00628-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractAttention, as it is now defined as a process matching data from the environment to the needs of the organism, is one of the main aspects of human cognitive processes. There are several aspects to attention including tonic alertness (a process of intrinsic arousal that varies by minutes to hours), phasic alertness (a process that causes a quick change in attention as a result of a brief stimulus), selective attention (a process differentiating multiple stimuli), and sustained attention (a process maintaining persistence of response and continuous effort over an extended period). Attention dysfunction is associated with multiple disorders; therefore, there has been much effort in assessing attention and its domains, resulting in a battery of tests evaluating one or several attentional domains; instances of which are the Stroop color-word test, Test of Everyday Attention, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, and Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. These tests vary in terms of utilities, range of age, and domains. The role of attention in human life and the importance of assessing it merits an inclusive review of the efforts made to assess attention and the resulting tests; Here we highlight all the necessary data regarding neurophysiological tests which assess human attentive function and investigates the evolution of attention tests over time. Also, the ways of assessing the attention in untestable patients who have difficulty in reading or using a computer, along with the lack of ability to comprehend verbal instructions and executive tasks, are discussed. This review can be of help as a platform for designing new studies to researchers who are interested in working on attention and conditions causing deficits in this aspect of body function, by collecting and organizing information on its assessment.
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Au CT, Chan KCC, Lee DLY, Leung N, Chow SMW, Chow JS, Wing YK, Li AM. Effect of surgical intervention for mild childhood obstructive sleep apnoea on attention and behavioural outcomes: A randomized controlled study. Respirology 2021; 26:690-699. [PMID: 33793018 DOI: 10.1111/resp.14050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE We evaluated inattention and behavioural outcomes following surgery versus watchful waiting (WW) in school-aged children with mild obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). METHODS A prospective randomized controlled study was performed in pre-pubertal children aged 6-11 years with polysomnography (PSG)-confirmed mild OSA. They were assigned randomly to early surgical intervention (ES) or WW. The surgical intervention consisting of tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy and turbinate reduction was carried out within 4-6 weeks after randomization. Both groups underwent PSG, attention and behavioural assessment and review by an otorhinolaryngologist at baseline and 9-month follow-up. The primary outcome was omission T score from Conners' continuous performance test (CPT). Secondary outcomes were parent-reported behaviours, quality of life, symptoms and PSG parameters. RESULTS A total of 114 participants were randomized. Data of 35 subjects from the ES and 36 from the WW group were available for final analysis. No significant treatment effect could be found in all CPT parameters and behavioural outcomes. Nevertheless, significantly greater reductions were seen in PSG parameters (obstructive apnoea-hypopnoea index [-1.4 ± 2.0 cf. +0.3 ± 4.1/h, p = 0.038] and arousal index [-1.3 ± 4.4 cf. +1.4 ± 4.5/h, p = 0.013]) and OSA-18 total symptom score (-17.3 ± 19.7 cf. -3.6 ± 14.1, p = 0.001) in the ES group. Subjects who underwent surgery also had significantly greater weight gain (+3.3 ± 2.1 cf. +2.2 ± 1.5 kg, p = 0.014) and increase in systolic blood pressure (+5.1 ± 12.4 cf. -1.2 ± 8.7 mm Hg, p = 0.016). CONCLUSION Despite improvements in PSG parameters and parent-reported symptoms, surgical treatment did not lead to parallel improvements in objective attention measures in school-aged children with mild OSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun T Au
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Kate C C Chan
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Dennis L Y Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Natalie Leung
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Samuel M W Chow
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Judy S Chow
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Yun K Wing
- Sleep Assessment Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Albert M Li
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
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Saard M, Pertens L, Sepp K, Kornet K, Kolk A. Attention profile in children with epilepsy compared to healthy children using computer-based ForamenRehab program. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY-CHILD 2019; 10:266-275. [PMID: 31679405 DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2019.1681995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Attention is a key component in cognitive functioning. Attention impairment is often present in children with epilepsy, which is one of the most common neurological disorders in children and adolescents. Evaluating the attention profiles is important for describing the patients' cognitive weaknesses and planning individual-based cognitive neurorehabilitation. The aim of this study was to assess the attention profiles of children with epilepsy and compare the results to neurologically healthy children. Twenty-nine children with epilepsy aged 8-12 years and 19 neurologically healthy age-matched comparison group participated in assessments with baseline tasks of the Attention module of ForamenRehab computer-program. Four separate attention components were measured - focused, sustained, complex, and tracking - to reveal the most impaired aspects of attention. At the baseline level, patients showed impairments in different attention function components compared to comparison group. Children with epilepsy had significantly lower results in sustained, complex attention, and tracking components (p < 0.05). The patients had similar results with comparison group only in one component - focused attention. All children had quicker visual reaction times compared to their auditory reaction times. The results emphasize the need for attention rehabilitation in children with epilepsy and help to focus on specific components of attention in planning the intervention process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Saard
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Lisanna Pertens
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Tartu University Hospital Children's Clinic, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kirsi Sepp
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Education, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kai Kornet
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Anneli Kolk
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Tartu University Hospital Children's Clinic, Tartu, Estonia
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Intraindividual variability in attentional vigilance in children with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2018; 79:42-45. [PMID: 29247964 PMCID: PMC5846679 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Attentional vigilance, the ability to maintain focus over time, is frequently impaired in childhood epilepsy. Typically, indices of Omissions (failure to detect a target) and Commissions (responding to a nontarget) are considered primary indices of attentional vigilance. Recently, the concept of intraindividual variability (IIV) has been identified as an important measure of attentional vigilance in several pediatric and adult clinical populations, but has not yet been systematically examined in childhood epilepsy. Here, we examined IIV on the Connors Continuous Performance Task-II (CCPT-II) for 144 newly diagnosed children with epilepsy (age 8-18years) and a matched age group of healthy children (n=82). Intraindividual variability showed a large effect size difference (d=0.68) between groups. In addition, IIV significantly predicted both intellectual functioning and academic achievement. These findings support the utility of examining IIV in the assessment of attentional ability in childhood epilepsy.
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Saard M, Kaldoja ML, Bachmann M, Pertens L, Kolk A. Neurorehabilitation with FORAMENRehab for attention impairment in children with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2017; 67:111-121. [PMID: 28161680 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2016.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a frequent neurological disorder in children and often accompanied with attention impairment. Still, few systematically controlled rehabilitation techniques for children exist. The aim of this study was to design and measure the impact of the FORAMENRehab computer-based intervention method for attention impairment rehabilitation in children with epilepsy. We chose the FORAMENRehab program because it allows separate training for different attention components based on individual needs. Forty-eight children participated in the study. At baseline, all patients underwent neuropsychological examination of attention with the NEPSY test battery. The study group consisted of 17 8- to 12-year-old children with partial epilepsy and attention impairment who received neurorehabilitation over 5weeks (10 sessions) with FORAMENRehab Attention module accompanied by a therapist. Two control groups were included: the first control group of 12 children with partial epilepsy and attention impairment (waiting-list) participated in assessments with baseline tasks before and after the five-week period and received no active training. Additionally, all patients participated in the follow-up assessment 1.31years later. The second control group consisted of 19 typically developing children who only participated in the first assessment. After the intervention, study group patients showed significant improvement in complex attention and tracking (P<0.025). To achieve the effect of intervention in children with partial epilepsy, 10 sessions tailored to individual levels of ability were the minimum. Three attention components - sustained, complex, and tracking - need selective and longer training for more effective remediation. Follow-up assessment revealed a long-term positive effect of intervention. After 1.31years, the study group had significantly improved in three out of the four attention components (P<0.025), whereas the waiting-list group showed improvement in only two aspects of one complex attention component. In conclusion, attention impairment rehabilitation with FORAMENRehab is effective for children with epilepsy. Rehabilitation should focus on training specific components of attention and follow an individual-based rehabilitation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Saard
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia; Department of Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, Children's Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Mari-Liis Kaldoja
- School of Educational Sciences, Tallinn University, Tallinn, Estonia; Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation, Tallinn Children's Hospital, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Madis Bachmann
- Institute of Psychology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Lisanna Pertens
- Institute of Psychology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Anneli Kolk
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia; Department of Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, Children's Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
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Zilli T, Zanini S, Conte S, Borgatti R, Urgesi C. Neuropsychological assessment of children with epilepsy and average intelligence using NEPSY II. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2015; 37:1036-51. [DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2015.1076380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Duran MHC, Guimarães CA, Montenegro MA, Neri ML, Guerreiro MM. ADHD in idiopathic epilepsy. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2014; 72:12-6. [PMID: 24637976 DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x20130193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 07/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Our aim was to clarify the correlation of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with epilepsy and behavior problems. This was a cross-sectional study. Sixty children with idiopathic epilepsy were interviewed using the MTA-SNAP IV Teacher and Parent Rating Scale, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales and Conners' Rating Scales. We used the chi-square test to analyze the correlation of epilepsy variables in patients with and without ADHD with a significance level of 0.05. Eight patients had ADHD symptoms (13%), seven had the inattentive ADHD subtype and only three had behavioral problems. When epileptic patients with and without ADHD symptoms were compared we found no significant difference in regard to epilepsy variables. All patients were controlled and 43% were either without AED or undergoing withdrawal. Our study revealed a low comorbidity of ADHD symptoms and epilepsy due to low interference of seizures and drug treatment on the comorbid condition.
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Attentional processes and ADHD-related symptoms in pediatric patients with epilepsy. Epilepsy Res 2011; 93:53-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2010.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2010] [Revised: 10/10/2010] [Accepted: 10/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Piccinelli P, Beghi E, Borgatti R, Ferri M, Giordano L, Romeo A, Termine C, Viri M, Zucca C, Balottin U. Neuropsychological and behavioural aspects in children and adolescents with idiopathic epilepsy at diagnosis and after 12 months of treatment. Seizure 2010; 19:540-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2010.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2009] [Revised: 04/29/2010] [Accepted: 07/23/2010] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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Loutfi KS, Carvalho AM. Possíveis interfaces entre TDAH e epilepsia. JORNAL BRASILEIRO DE PSIQUIATRIA 2010. [DOI: 10.1590/s0047-20852010000200011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJETIVO: Identificar na literatura elementos para explicar uma possível associação entre o transtorno de déficit de atenção e hiperatividade (TDAH) e a epilepsia e orientar quanto ao manejo clínico dos pacientes que compartilham esses transtornos. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se revisão da literatura dos últimos 10 anos nas bases de dados MedLine e Lilacs com a combinação dos descritores "attention deficit hyperactivity disorder", "ADHD" e "epilepsy". RESULTADOS: Sintomas de TDAH são frequentes em síndromes epilépticas idiopáticas. Vários fatores podem contribuir para a coexistência desses transtornos: 1) possibilidade de uma mesma propensão genética; 2) participação dos neurotransmissores noradrenalina e dopamina no TDAH e na modulação da excitabilidade neuronal; 3) anormalidades estruturais do cérebro evidenciadas em epilépticos portadores de TDAH; 4) influência dos efeitos crônicos das crises e das descargas epileptiformes interictais sob a atenção; 5) efeitos adversos das drogas antiepilépticas sob a cognição. CONCLUSÕES: As evidências atuais apontam que crises epilépticas e TDAH podem apresentar bases neurobiológicas comuns. Estudos que avaliam disfunções nas vias de sinalização das catecolaminas cerebrais e o papel das descargas epileptiformes interictais na geração dos sintomas são fundamentais na investigação desses mecanismos. Drogas psicoestimulantes são seguras e eficazes para o tratamento do TDAH na maioria dos portadores de epilepsia.
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Stiers P, Fonteyne A, Wouters H, D'Agostino E, Sunaert S, Lagae L. Hippocampal malrotation in pediatric patients with epilepsy associated with complex prefrontal dysfunction. Epilepsia 2009; 51:546-55. [PMID: 20002153 DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2009.02419.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The cognitive consequences of hippocampal malrotation (HIMAL) were investigated in a matched control study of children with epilepsy. METHODS Seven children with HIMAL were compared on a range of memory and attention tasks with 21 control children with epilepsy without temporal role pathology and 7 children with epilepsy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-documented hippocampal sclerosis. In addition, in a statistical morphometric analysis, MRI studies from four children with HIMAL were compared to similar images of 20 age-matched typically developing control children. RESULTS Although the task battery was sensitive to the memory deficit of the children with hippocampal sclerosis, it did not reveal memory impairment in the patients with HIMAL. In contrast, the patients with HIMAL were impaired on the attentionally more demanding dual tasks, compared to both the control and the hippocampal sclerosis group. The structural MRI analysis revealed morphometric abnormalities in the tail of the affected hippocampus, the adjacent neocortex, and the ipsilateral medial thalamus. The basal forebrain was bilaterally affected. Abnormalities in remote cortex were found in the ipsilateral temporal lobe, the contralateral anterior cingulate gyrus, and bilateral in the dorsolateral and lateral-orbitofrontal prefrontal cortex. DISCUSSION Because the prefrontal cortical regions have been shown to be active during dual-task performance, the MRI results converge with the neuropsychological findings of impairment on these tasks. We conclude that HIMAL had no direct memory repercussions, but was secondary to subtle but widespread neurologic abnormalities that also affected morphology and functioning of the prefrontal cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Stiers
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, University Hospitals K.U. Leuven, Herestraat 49, Leuven, Belgium
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Zabel TA, von Thomsen C, Cole C, Martin R, Mahone EM. Reliability concerns in the repeated computerized assessment of attention in children. Clin Neuropsychol 2009; 23:1213-31. [PMID: 19452302 DOI: 10.1080/13854040902855358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Assessment of attentional processes via computerized assessment is frequently used to quantify intra-individual cognitive improvement or decline in response to treatment. However, assessment of intra-individual change is highly dependent on sufficient test reliability. We examined the test-retest reliability of selected variables from one popular computerized continuous performance test (CPT)-i.e., the Conners' CPT - Second Edition (CPT-II). Participants were 39 healthy children (20 girls) ages 6-18 without intellectual impairment (mean PPVT-III SS = 102.6), LD, or psychiatric disorders (DICA-IV). Test-retest reliability over the 3-8 month interval (mean = 6 months) was acceptable (Intraclass Correlations [ICC] =.82 to.92) on comparison measures (Beery Test of Visual Perception, WISC-IV Block Design, PPVT-III). In contrast, test-retest reliability was only modest for CPT-II raw scores (ICCs ranging from.62 to.82) and T-scores (ICCs ranging from.33 to.65) for variables of interest (Omissions, Commissions, Variability, Hit Reaction Time, and Attentiveness). Using test-retest reliability information published in the CPT-II manual, 90% confidence intervals based on reliable change index (RCI) methodology were constructed to examine the significance of test-retest difference/change scores. Of the participants in this sample of typically developing youth, 30% generated intra-individual changes in T-scores on the Omissions and Attentiveness variables that exceeded the 90% confidence intervals and qualified as "statistically rare" changes in score. These results suggest a considerable degree of normal variability in CPT-II test scores over extended test-retest intervals, and suggest a need for caution when interpreting test score changes in neurologically unstable clinical populations.
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Caplin DA, Rao JK, Filloux F, Bale JF, Van Orman C. Development of Performance Indicators for the Primary Care Management of Pediatric Epilepsy: Expert Consensus Recommendations Based on the Available Evidence. Epilepsia 2006; 47:2011-9. [PMID: 17201697 DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2006.00853.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To use available evidence and expert consensus to develop performance indicators for the evaluation and management of pediatric epilepsy. METHODS We used a three-step process to develop the performance indicators. First, research findings were compiled into evidence tables focusing on different clinical issues. Second, an advisory panel of clinicians, educational and public health experts, and families of children with epilepsy reviewed the evidence. The advisory group used the evidence to draft a preliminary set of performance indicators for pediatric epilepsy management. Third, 13 internationally recognized experts in pediatric neurology or epilepsy rated the value of these indicators on a 5-point scale [1 (essential) to 5 (not necessary)] in a two-round Delphi process. Positive consensus was reached if >or=80% of experts gave an indicator a "1" rating and negative consensus if >80% gave an indicator a "5" rating. Indicators that achieved positive consensus during either round of the Delphi process constituted the final set of indicators. RESULTS Of the 68 draft performance indicators, the expert panel members achieved positive consensus on 30 performance indicators: eight indicators related to diagnostic strategies and seizure classification, nine related to antiepileptic drug use, six related to cognitive and behavioral issues, six related to quality of life, and three related to specialty referrals. CONCLUSIONS We identified 30 potential indicators for evaluating the care provided to pediatric patients with epilepsy. The next step is to examine the relation of these performance indicators to clinical outcomes and health care utilization among pediatric patients with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deirdre A Caplin
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of General Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132, USA.
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Dunn DW, Kronenberger WG. Childhood epilepsy, attention problems, and ADHD: review and practical considerations. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2005; 12:222-8. [PMID: 16780293 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2005.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Children with epilepsy have a significant risk for problems with attention and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Clinical studies suggest a prevalence of 30% to 40%. Inattention is more common than hyperactivity and impulsivity. Additional central nervous system dysfunction and intractable seizures are major risk factors. Treatment should include psychoeducational interventions and medication. Stimulant drugs are safe and effective in children with epilepsy and currently are first-line agents for treatment of attention problems in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Dunn
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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