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Speech and language development after infant tracheostomy.
1Medical-Behavioral Center, Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, Cleveland, OH.
The Journal of Speech and Hearing Disorders
|February 1, 1990
Summary
Children intubated before 13 months showed normal overall language skills. However, older children in the study exhibited significant expressive language deficits, challenging prior assumptions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Endotracheal intubation is a medical intervention used in infants and children.
- Prolonged intubation may potentially impact speech and language development.
- Previous assumptions suggested normal language acquisition in children with a history of intubation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term speech and language development in children who underwent prolonged endotracheal intubation.
- To identify potential age-related patterns of language deficits following early-life intubation.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 31 children with endotracheal tubes (intubation before 13 months, duration >3 months) was assessed.
- Children with pre-existing neurological disorders or developmental delays were excluded.
- Standardized speech, language, and cognitive assessments were administered.
Main Results:
- Overall language functioning was within normal limits for the entire group.
- A specific pattern of expressive language impairment was observed in the oldest children tested.
- Cognitive abilities were commensurate with overall language functioning.
Conclusions:
- While overall language skills may appear normal, early and prolonged endotracheal intubation can be associated with specific expressive language difficulties.
- The findings challenge the assumption of universally normal speech and language development in this pediatric population.
- Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms and long-term implications of intubation on pediatric language acquisition.