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Prediction of independence and intelligence at birth in meningomyelocele
T W Beeker1, M M Scheers, J A J Faber
1Department of Neurosurgery, UMCU, University Medical Centre Utrecht, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands. thwbeeker@wanadoo.nl
Insights
Predicting intelligence in neonates with meningomyelocele (MMC) is possible using birth data. This method can inform parents about their child's potential IQ, aiding in care decisions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Infants with meningomyelocele (MMC) often face cognitive challenges, with IQ below 85 indicating potential dependence.
- Previous research identified factors like ventricle size and head circumference associated with lower IQ in MMC patients.
- No prior study integrated these variables into a predictive model for neonates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a predictive model for intelligence (IQ) in neonates diagnosed with meningomyelocele (MMC) at birth.
- To provide parents with early insights into their child's potential cognitive development.
- To establish a method for predicting IQ based on specific congenital variables.
Main Methods:
- Utilized multiple longitudinal linear regression analysis.
- Compared data from 148 neonates with MMC (1960-1980) against a Dutch child cohort.
- Analyzed neuroanatomical variables (ventricle size, vertebral arch level) and anthropometric data (head circumference, length) at birth.
Main Results:
- The MMC cohort showed a mean WISC-R IQ of 84, with 55% scoring above 85.
- Ventricle size, highest open vertebral arch level, and the Length/Circumference ratio were significant predictors of IQ.
- A regression equation incorporating these variables accurately predicted IQ, showing close agreement with measured IQ scores.
Conclusions:
- The study demonstrates the feasibility of predicting neonatal intelligence using birth data in cases of meningomyelocele (MMC).
- The developed predictive model offers a valuable tool for informing parents and guiding early interventions.
- This approach validates the use of specific congenital variables for forecasting cognitive outcomes.
Objective:
The aim of this research is to compute a prediction of the future intelligence of every neonate with a meningomyelocele (MMC) on the day of birth to inform the parents. Earlier research revealed that the variables ventricle size, open arch above vertebra lumbar 3, a very small or a very large head can be attended by an IQ below 85 points: the turning point between dependence and independence.
Methods:
Until now no research has been done combining the values of influencing variables in one equation. Our study used the equation of multiple longitudinal linear regression. For reference, data from the files of 148 neonates born in the years 1960-1980 were compared with those of Dutch children sampled by Verger. The working hypothesis that the IQ level is directly related to congenital deformities of the nervous system needs to be tested. As standard the values of variables at birth, the head circumference and length, the size of the ventricles and the highest open vertebral arch, are to be used.
Results:
The Wisc-R of the MMC cohort had a mean of 84 points and 55% had an IQ above 85. The correlation computation of the values of all available variables with the values of the measured Wisc-R revealed the significance of the neuroanatomical variables, size of ventricle and level of the highest open vertebral arch and for the anthropomorphic variables Length and Length/Circumference. To establish the relationship between the Wisc-R value and the values of the significant variables an equation with the multiple linear regression method was used. The measured IQ is made dependent on the significant variables size of ventricle, level of highest open arch and quotient Length by Circumference. This equation produces a value called predicted IQ. The predicted IQ was 92%, the same or nearly the same as the measured Wisc-R IQ.
Conclusion:
This conformity of the measured IQ and the predicted IQ proves the possibility of using these birth data for prediction.
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