Related Experiment Videos
Neuropsychological development of children born to patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
1Pediatric Neuropsychiatry Institute, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
Insights
Maternal systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) does not affect overall intelligence in children. However, it may increase the risk of learning disabilities (LD), especially in boys, with maternal antiphospholipid antibodies being a potential factor.
Area of Science:
- Neuropsychology
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can affect pregnant women.
- Understanding the long-term neurodevelopmental impact on offspring is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the neuropsychological development in children born to mothers with SLE.
- To identify potential risk factors for learning disabilities (LD) in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 47 children (23 male, 24 female) of mothers with SLE was evaluated.
- Age-appropriate neuropsychological tests were administered, including intelligence, phonological awareness, and visual-spatial abilities.
- Specific tests for learning disabilities were used for children aged 7-13.
Main Results:
- Children exhibited normal intelligence levels (mean IQ 106.32).
- Three children showed deficits in phonological awareness, indicating potential for future LD.
- Two brothers were diagnosed with dyslexia; their mothers tested positive for antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL).
- Maternal SLE did not correlate with LD, except for aPL positivity.
Conclusions:
- Maternal SLE does not impair children's intelligence.
- There is an increased risk of LD in offspring of mothers with SLE, particularly in males.
- Maternal aPL and genetic factors may play a role in the pathogenesis of LD in these children.
Abstract:
To verify the neuropsychological development in the offspring of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 47 children (23 male and 24 female) from affected women were studied. The tests applied were related to the children's ages: Griffiths scale up to four years, WPPSI and metaphonological tests (MP, evaluating the phonological consciousness) from four to six years of age, WISC-R test and Rey test (evaluating the visual-space abilities) from six years onwards; finally, specific tests for the diagnosis of learning disabilities (LD) between the ages of seven and 13. Intelligence levels were always normal (mean IQ score 106.32; median 104; SD 9.05). Three out of eight examined children failed MP, therefore may develop LD and will need further evaluation later. Fourteen children were specifically studied for LD and three reported scores lower than normal, but only two (who were brothers) were defined dyslexic. Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) were positive in the mothers of the three children with impaired LD tests. Other maternal autoantibodies or drugs administered during pregnancy did not seem to be related to LD. In conclusion, maternal SLE does not impair intelligence levels, but may increase the occurrence of LD particularly in male children (2/8 males examined, 25%). Both maternal aPL and genetic background may have pathogenetic implications.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
01:30Information Processing Approach
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.