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Neurocognitive development of young children with sickle cell disease through three years of age

Robert J Thompson1, Kathryn E Gustafson, Melanie J Bonner

  • 1Duke University Medical Center, USA. bobt@asdean.duke.edu

Journal of Pediatric Psychology
|March 23, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) show declining cognitive function by 24 months. Early interventions are crucial to support neurocognitive development in these young children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects neurocognitive development in young children.
  • Understanding risk factors is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess neurocognitive development in children with SCD from 6 to 36 months.
  • To examine contributions of biomedical and parenting risks to child functioning.
  • To investigate factors influencing parent adjustment.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study of 89 African American children with SCD and their parents.
  • Neurocognitive and psychomotor development assessed at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months.
  • Parental cognitive processes, adjustment, and family functioning measured via self-report.

Main Results:

  • Cognitive functioning (MDI) declined significantly between 12 and 24 months.
  • Poorer cognitive function linked to learned-helplessness attributional style and HbSS phenotype.
  • Parental adjustment issues associated with daily stress, lack of knowledge, low efficacy, and HbSC phenotype.

Conclusions:

  • Young children with SCD are at risk for neurocognitive impairment.
  • Findings support early intervention programs to enhance neurocognitive development.
Abstract

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