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Bolduc ME, Rennick JE, Gagnon I, Sokol E, Majnemer A, Brossard-Racine M. Navigating the healthcare system with my child with CHD: parental perspectives on developmental follow-up practices. Cardiol Young 2024; 34:37-43. [PMID: 37138527 DOI: 10.1017/s1047951123001051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents of children with CHD face several barriers when trying to access the services needed to support their child's development. In fact, current developmental follow-up practices may not identify developmental challenges in a timely manner and important opportunities for interventions may be lost. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of parents of children and adolescents with CHD with respect to developmental follow-up in Canada. METHODS Interpretive description was used as a methodological approach for this qualitative study. Parents of children aged 5-15 years with complex CHD were eligible. Semi-structured interviews that aimed to explore their perspectives regarding their child's developmental follow-up were conducted. RESULTS Fifteen parents of children with CHD were recruited for this study. They expressed that the lack of systematic and responsive developmental follow-up services and limited access to resources to support their child's development placed an undue burden on their families, and as a result, they needed to assume new roles as case managers or advocates to address these limitations. This additional burden resulted in a high level of parental stress, which, in turn, affected the parent-child relationship and siblings. CONCLUSIONS The limitations of the current Canadian developmental follow-up practices put undue pressure on the parents of children with complex CHD. The parents stressed the importance of implementing a universal and systematic approach to developmental follow-up to allow for the timely identification of challenges, enabling the initiation of interventions and supports and promoting more positive parent-child relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Eve Bolduc
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Janet E Rennick
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Nursing, The Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
- Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Isabelle Gagnon
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Eva Sokol
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Annette Majnemer
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Marie Brossard-Racine
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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Bolduc ME, Rennick JE, Gagnon I, Sokol E, Brossard-Racine M, Majnemer A. Identifying developmental challenges of youth with congenital heart defects: A patient-oriented perspective. Child Care Health Dev 2023; 49:258-267. [PMID: 35945137 DOI: 10.1111/cch.13037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Youth with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at high risk for a range of developmental impairments that become evident at different times across childhood and adolescence. This study aimed to explore perspectives of youth with CHD with respect to their developmental follow-up across childhood. METHODS Interpretive description was used as a methodological approach for this qualitative study. Youth aged 12-22 years with CHD requiring open-heart surgery before 2 years of age and who had received health services in Canada since birth were enrolled. RESULTS Ten youth with CHD, two males and eight females, aged 13-22 years (mean 19.8) participated in this study. With higher social and academic demands as well as increased level of autonomy associated with older age, some youth faced new challenges that they had not encountered as children. Youth with CHD identified four aspects of the continuum of care as needing to be changed to better respond to their needs. First, the format of developmental follow-up needs to be adapted to their unique challenges. Second, resources must be more easily accessible throughout childhood and adolescence. Third, planning for transition to adult care is essential to ensure continuity of services. Finally, they identified that the school system is an essential component of the continuum of care. CONCLUSIONS Adolescents and young adults with CHD are at high risk of developing physical, academic and psychosocial challenges; however, timely identification of challenges does not appear to be optimal across domains and transition points, from the perspective of the youth themselves. Youth with CHD reported not having the resources and supports they required to optimize their functioning. Our findings suggest that several approaches could be adopted to enhance identification and outcomes to address the limitations of current Canadian practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Eve Bolduc
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Janet E Rennick
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Nursing, The Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada.,Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Isabelle Gagnon
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Marie Brossard-Racine
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Annette Majnemer
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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Bolduc ME, Rennick JE, Gagnon I, Majnemer A, Brossard-Racine M. Canadian Developmental Follow-up Practices in Children With Congenital Heart Defects: A National Environmental Scan. CJC Pediatr Congenit Heart Dis 2022; 1:3-10. [PMID: 37969558 PMCID: PMC10642138 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjcpc.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Developmental follow-up is central to the timely identification of delays in at-risk children. Throughout Canada, data are currently lacking on the follow-up of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) after open-heart surgery. The objective of this study was to describe current Canadian developmental follow-up practices and to explore barriers to optimal follow-up. Methods A cross-sectional study was implemented with health professionals involved with the developmental follow-up of children with CHD in the 8 specialized hospitals that perform pediatric open-heart surgery in Canada. A questionnaire collected descriptive information about the setting and current follow-up practices. In addition, an interview was conducted to explore what would be considered optimal developmental follow-up in Canada and identify potential barriers. Results Four of the 8 tertiary care centres had a systematic developmental follow-up program that included screening and formal evaluation. These programs were only accessible to a subset of children with CHD identified to be at higher risk. Participants described current practices as suboptimal and aimed to develop a more systematic developmental follow-up program or expand an existing one. Participants emphasized the lack of human resources, financial supports, and limited dedicated time as major barriers to offering optimal follow-up care. Conclusions Current follow-up practices in Canada are considered suboptimal by health care specialists involved in treating children with CHD. These practices may fail to promptly identify children and adolescents with CHD who have developmental challenges. It is essential that we develop national recommendations to optimize the developmental follow-up practices in Canada for this high-risk population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Eve Bolduc
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Advances in Brain and Child Development Research Laboratory, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Janet E. Rennick
- Department of Nursing, The Montreal Children’s Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Isabelle Gagnon
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Annette Majnemer
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Marie Brossard-Racine
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Advances in Brain and Child Development Research Laboratory, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Bolduc ME, Dionne E, Gagnon I, Rennick JE, Majnemer A, Brossard-Racine M. Motor Impairment in Children With Congenital Heart Defects: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics 2020; 146:peds.2020-0083. [PMID: 33208496 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT With improvements in survival rates in newborns with congenital heart defects (CHDs), focus has now shifted toward enhancing neurodevelopmental outcomes across their life span. OBJECTIVE To systematically review the prevalence and extent of motor difficulties in infants, children, and adolescents with CHD requiring open-heart surgery. DATA SOURCES Data sources included Embase, Medline and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. STUDY SELECTION Original studies published between 1997 and 2019 examining gross and/or fine motor skills in children born with a CHD requiring open-heart surgery were selected. DATA EXTRACTION The prevalence of motor impairments and mean scores on standardized motor assessments were extracted. Findings were grouped in 5 categories on the basis of the age of the children. RESULTS Forty-six original studies were included in this systematic review. The prevalence of mild to severe motor impairments (scores <-1 SD below normative data or controls) across childhood ranged from 12.3% to 68.6%, and prevalence ranged from 0% to 60.0% for severe motor impairments (<-2 SDs). Although our results suggest that the overall prevalence of motor impairments <-1 SD remains rather constant across childhood and adolescence, severe motor impairments (<-2 SDs) appear to be more prevalent in younger children. LIMITATIONS Variability in sampling and methodology between the reviewed studies is the most important limitation of this review. CONCLUSIONS The results of this review highlight that infants with CHD have an increased risk of motor impairments across infancy, childhood, and adolescence. These findings stress the importance of systematic screening or evaluation of motor skills across childhood and adolescence in children with CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Eve Bolduc
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy.,Advances in Brain and Child Development Research Laboratory, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada; and
| | - Eliane Dionne
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy.,Advances in Brain and Child Development Research Laboratory, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada; and
| | | | - Janet E Rennick
- Ingram School of Nursing, and.,Departments of Pediatrics and.,Department of Nursing, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Annette Majnemer
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy.,Departments of Pediatrics and.,Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Marie Brossard-Racine
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, .,Departments of Pediatrics and.,Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Advances in Brain and Child Development Research Laboratory, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada; and
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Bolduc ME, Lambert H, Ganeshamoorthy S, Brossard-Racine M. Structural brain abnormalities in adolescents and young adults with congenital heart defect: a systematic review. Dev Med Child Neurol 2018; 60:1209-1224. [PMID: 30028505 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.13975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
AIM The primary objective of this systematic review is to define and quantify brain structural abnormalities present in adolescents and young adults with complex congenital heart defect (CHD). We also aim to evaluate the extent to which these structural abnormalities are associated with functional outcomes. METHOD A search of studies examining brain structure by magnetic resonance imaging in adolescents and young adults with complex CHD was performed in Embase, MEDLINE, and Web of Science. A meta-analysis was conducted to determine the odds of brain abnormalities in young people with CHD. Results not included in the meta-analysis were collated using descriptive statistics. RESULTS Two hundred and fifty-four studies were identified through the literature search. Among these, 14 original studies were included in the review. The odds of brain abnormalities in young people with CHD were 7.9 times higher (p<0.001) than in typically developing comparison individuals. Focal and multifocal lesions were the most common types of abnormality (odds ratio 22.5 [p<0.001]). Preliminary evidence from volumetric, cortical, and microstructural integrity measurements suggests that brain abnormalities are associated with poorer neurocognitive outcomes. INTERPRETATION This review provides strong evidence that adolescents and young adults with CHD are at increased risk of presenting with structural brain abnormalities and highlights the contribution of advanced quantitative magnetic resonance imaging techniques to identify the subtle but frequent brain alterations in this population. However, more studies are needed to clarify how these abnormalities relate to function. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS There is a high prevalence of brain abnormalities in young people with congenital heart defect (CHD). Brain volumes, cortical measurements, and white matter microstructure are altered in young people with CHD. Brain abnormalities are associated with poorer function in young people with CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Eve Bolduc
- Advances in Brain and Child Development Research Laboratory, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.,School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Heather Lambert
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sylviya Ganeshamoorthy
- Advances in Brain and Child Development Research Laboratory, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie Brossard-Racine
- Advances in Brain and Child Development Research Laboratory, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.,School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Mueller CL, Cyr G, Bank I, Bhanji F, Birnbaum L, Boillat M, Bolduc ME, Chankowsky J, Constantin E, Cummings BA, Fisher R, Legault P, Hugo Marchand N, Monton L, Rudkin T, Sabsabi B, Soilis N, Zigman D, Aggarwal R. The Steinberg Centre for Simulation and Interactive Learning at McGill University. J Surg Educ 2017; 74:1135-1141. [PMID: 28688969 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2017.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Simulation allows for learner-centered health professions training by providing a safe environment to practice and make mistakes without jeopardizing patient care. It was with this goal in mind that the McGill Medical Simulation Center was officially opened on September 14, 2006, as a partnership between McGill University, the Faculty of Medicine and its affiliated hospitals. Its mandate is to provide state-of-the-art facilities to support simulation-based medical and allied health education initiatives. Since its inception, the center, recently renamed the Steinberg Center for Simulation and Interactive Learning (SCSIL), has undergone a major expansion and logged more than 130,000 learner visits. Educational activities are offered at all levels of medical and allied health care training, and include standardized patient encounters, partial task trainers, multidisciplinary courses, and high-fidelity trainers, among many others. In addition to its educational mandate, the center also supports an active research program, programs to enhance collaboration with disciplines outside of health care to spur innovation, and community outreach initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen L Mueller
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Genevieve Cyr
- Steinberg Centre for Simulation and Interactive Learning, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ilana Bank
- Department of Paediatric Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Farhan Bhanji
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Laura Birnbaum
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Miriam Boillat
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marie-Eve Bolduc
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Evelyn Constantin
- Department of Paediatric Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Beth-Ann Cummings
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Rachel Fisher
- Department of Anaesthesia, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Philippe Legault
- Steinberg Centre for Simulation and Interactive Learning, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - N Hugo Marchand
- School of Nursing, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Luis Monton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Teresa Rudkin
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bayane Sabsabi
- Department of Paediatric Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Niki Soilis
- Steinberg Centre for Simulation and Interactive Learning, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Daniel Zigman
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Rajesh Aggarwal
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Bolduc ME, Du Plessis AJ, Sullivan N, Khwaja OS, Zhang X, Barnes K, Robertson RL, Limperopoulos C. Spectrum of neurodevelopmental disabilities in children with cerebellar malformations. Dev Med Child Neurol 2011; 53:409-16. [PMID: 21418200 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8749.2011.03929.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM Advances in perinatal care and neuroimaging techniques have increased the detection of cerebellar malformations (CBMs) in the fetus and young infant. As a result, this has necessitated a greater understanding of the neurodevelopmental consequences of CBMs on child development. The aim of this study was to delineate the impact of CBMs on long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. METHOD We conducted a cross-sectional study and systematically identified children with CBMs born between December 2000 and December 2006. We then performed follow-up magnetic resonance imaging studies, neurologic examination, and standardized neurodevelopmental outcome testing (Mullen Scales of Early Learning, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale, Child Behavior Checklist, Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory). RESULTS Our sample comprised 49 children (29 males, 20 females; mean age, 28.4 mo, SD 16.4) with a CBM. Infants with evidence of acquired fetal or neonatal brain injury, intracranial birth trauma, inherited metabolic disease, or major pre- or postnatal cerebral ischemia were excluded. Our findings highlight that children with CBMs experience a high prevalence of neurologic, developmental, and functional disabilities including motor, cognitive, language, and social-behavioral deficits, as well as poor quality of life. The associated supratentorial anomalies, chromosomal findings, and malformations affecting the cerebellar vermis were significant independent predictors of neurodevelopmental disabilities in young children with CBMs. The associated supratentorial anomalies and chromosomal findings were also predictive of global developmental delay (p=0.01), cognitive impairment (p=0.03), gross and fine motor delay (p=0.02 and p=0.01 respectively), and positive screening for autism spectrum disorder (p=0.01). Additionally, malformations affecting the cerebellar vermis were significant independent predictors of expressive language (p=0.04) and gross motor delays (p=0.02). INTERPRETATION Developmental surveillance and early intervention programs should be an integral part of the long-term follow-up of survivors of CBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Eve Bolduc
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Abstract
Cerebellar malformations are increasingly diagnosed in the fetal period. Consequently, their consideration requires stressful and often critical decisions from both clinicians and families. This has resulted in an emergent need to understand better the impact of these early life lesions on child development. We performed a comprehensive literature search of studies describing neurodevelopmental outcomes of cerebellar malformations between January 1997 and December 2007. Overall, the data suggested that children with isolated inferior vermis hypoplasia (IVH) and mega cisterna magna (MCM) have a good developmental outcome, whereas children with molar tooth sign/Joubert syndrome, vermis hypoplasia, pontocerebellar hypoplasia (PCH) type II, and cerebellar agenesis experience moderate to severe global developmental delays. Reports for Dandy-Walker malformation (DWM) were conflicting; however, the presence of a normally lobulated vermis and the absence of associated brain anomalies were associated with a more favourable outcome. Finally, children with isolated cerebellar hypoplasia experienced fewer impairments. Important methodological limitations highlighted include a lack of standardized outcome measure use in 79% of studies and the predominant use of retrospective study designs (85%), with 40% limited to case reports or case-series. In summary, rigorous outcome studies describing the spectrum of disabilities in survivors are urgently needed to accurately delineate the long-term neurodevelopmental consequences of cerebellar malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Eve Bolduc
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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Bolduc ME, Clayson S, Madras PN. Acute aortic thrombosis presenting as painless paraplegia. J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 1989; 30:506-8. [PMID: 2745542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Two patients with acute aortic thrombosis presented with painless paraplegia secondary to spinal cord infarction. In one case, the initial symptom was unilateral leg weakness, leading to the misdiagnosis of stroke. In the other case, a patient with a large, painful vulvar abscess, experienced spontaneous relief of pain. In the complete absence of pain, both patients slept undisturbed and awoke with complete paraplegia, incontinence, and cadaveric extremities. Aortic reconstruction was advised to obviate thigh or hindquarter amputation, not to restore limb function. One patient died on the second postoperative day; the second remains well but paraplegic two years later.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Bolduc
- Department of Surgery, New England Deaconess Hospital, Boston, MA
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