Neurodevelopment in children with albinism

To evaluate neurologic development in children with albinism.

Observational cohort series.

Seventy-eight children with albinism, ages 4 to 18 years.

Parents completed a developmental questionnaire and were interviewed to evaluate their child for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) utilizing Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV criteria. Sixty-five children underwent neurologic evaluation of balance and fine and gross motor movements. Results were compared with age-appropriate norms. Standardized reading tests were administered to 44 children. Each of 7 neurodevelopmental parameters were compared in terms of binocular best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) using the nonparametric Wilcoxon rank-sum test.

Seven neurodevelopmental parameters were measured, including onset of walking, tandem gait, repetitive finger movements, sequential finger movements, standing on one foot, hopping on one foot, and throwing a ball overhand. School performance, reading performance, and presence of ADHD were also measured.

The BCVA ranged from 20/20 to 20/800, with median of 20/150. A diagnosis of ADHD was present in 21.8% and pervasive developmental disorder was noted in three children (3.8%). No significant developmental delays were noted in the majority of children. Motor development was generally within the normal range and unaffected by severity of visual impairment. Parents reported that 82% performed at grade level in math and 74% at grade level in reading. Only 18% scored below average on standardized reading tests.

Most children with albinism have normal neurologic development despite visual impairment and increased prevalence of ADHD.