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Regression-based pediatric norms for the brief visuospatial memory test: revised and the symbol digit modalities test
A M Smerbeck1, J Parrish, E A Yeh
1Department of Neurology, State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
Insights
Pediatric norms for the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test - Revised and Symbol Digit Modalities Test were developed. These visual processing tests effectively differentiate neurological conditions in children, aiding in monitoring conditions like pediatric multiple sclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Neuropsychology
- Pediatric Neurology
- Clinical Neuroscience
Background:
- The Brief Visuospatial Memory Test - Revised (BVMTR) and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) are sensitive to cerebral disease in adults.
- Existing norms for BVMTR and SDMT are not available for pediatric populations.
- Lack of pediatric norms limits the use of these sensitive cognitive measures in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop demographically controlled normative equations for the BVMTR and SDMT in healthy children aged 6-17.
- To establish demographically adjusted z-scores for key BVMTR and SDMT performance indices.
- To assess the utility of these normative data in differentiating pediatric neurological conditions.
Main Methods:
- A demographically balanced sample of 92 healthy children (ages 6-17) was recruited.
- Participants were administered the BVMTR and the oral-only SDMT.
- Multiple regression analysis (MRA) was employed to create normative equations and z-scores.
Main Results:
- Demographically controlled normative equations were successfully developed for BVMTR (Trials 1, 2, 3, Total Learning, Delayed Recall) and SDMT (total correct score).
- A comparison group of children with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) or multiple sclerosis (MS) demonstrated that these tests discriminate neurological patients from controls.
- The developed norms allow for the calculation of demographically adjusted z-scores, enhancing clinical interpretation.
Conclusions:
- The study provides the first pediatric norms for the BVMTR and SDMT, crucial for accurate cognitive assessment in children.
- These visual processing tests are effective in identifying neurological impairment in pediatric populations.
- Given their validation in adult MS, these measures are valuable for monitoring pediatric-onset MS patients through adulthood.
Abstract:
The Brief Visuospatial Memory Test - Revised (BVMTR) and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) oral-only administration are known to be sensitive to cerebral disease in adult samples, but pediatric norms are not available. A demographically balanced sample of healthy control children (N = 92) ages 6-17 was tested with the BVMTR and SDMT. Multiple regression analysis (MRA) was used to develop demographically controlled normative equations. This analysis provided equations that were then used to construct demographically adjusted z-scores for the BVMTR Trial 1, Trial 2, Trial 3, Total Learning, and Delayed Recall indices, as well as the SDMT total correct score. To demonstrate the utility of this approach, a comparison group of children with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) or multiple sclerosis (MS) were also assessed. We find that these visual processing tests discriminate neurological patients from controls. As the tests are validated in adult multiple sclerosis, they are likely to be useful in monitoring pediatric onset multiple sclerosis patients as they transition into adulthood.
