The impact of cerebral anomalies on cognitive outcome in patients with spina bifida: A systematic review.
Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2020;
28:16-28. [PMID:
32771303 DOI:
10.1016/j.ejpn.2020.07.005]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Spina bifida is the most common congenital birth defect affecting the central nervous system. Given the frequent association of cerebral anomalies, spina bifida is not a single developmental abnormality of the central nervous system. Patients with spina bifida typically perform below average on cognitive tasks. It has been hypothesized that associated cerebral anomalies as well negatively affect cognition in spina bifida patients.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to review the impact of cerebral anomalies on cognitive outcome in patients with spina bifida.
METHODS
A systematic search of multiple databases, including Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, was performed. All relevant primary research articles were included. All included articles were methodologically evaluated using a critical appraisal checklist.
RESULTS
In total 27 articles were included in this systematic review. A significant impact of different cerebral anomalies on cognition was found. More specifically, hydrocephalus, Chiari malformation type II and anomalies of the corpus callosum, central executive network, default mode network, cortical thickness and gyrification, fornix, grey matter volume and total brain volume were found to have a significant impact on cognitive outcome. The presence of a CSF shunt was also negatively associated with cognition. The results on Chiari malformation type II decompression and CSF shunt complications are inconsistent.
CONCLUSION
Associated cerebral anomalies have a significant impact on cognitive outcome in patients with spina bifida. The interrelatedness of the different cerebral anomalies makes it difficult to distinguish their individual impact on cognition.
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