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How to Obtain Reliable Visual Event-related Potentials in Newborns
Published on: October 24, 2019
Cerebral visual dysfunction in prematurely born children attending mainstream school
Catriona Macintyre-Béon1, David Young, Gordon N Dutton
1Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Glasgow, UK.
Documenta Ophthalmologica. Advances in Ophthalmology
|September 3, 2013
Summary
Cerebral visual dysfunction (CVD) affects one-third of premature children, impacting visual perception and attention. Early identification using a CVI inventory may help manage this condition.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Premature birth is a known risk factor for cerebral visual impairment (CVI).
- The specific incidence and characteristics of cerebral visual dysfunction (CVD) in preterm infants remain largely uncharacterized.
- CVD can significantly impact a child's development and learning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and nature of cerebral visual dysfunction (CVD) in a cohort of prematurely born children.
- To investigate the relationship between prematurity and visual processing deficits.
- To evaluate the utility of a CVI inventory in identifying CVD.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, controlled study involving 46 prematurely born children (24.0-34.6 weeks gestation) and 130 term-born controls.
- Comprehensive assessments included IQ, ophthalmic functions, visual perception, and visual attention.
- A CVI inventory was used to identify behavioral features of CVD, supported by medical history review.
Main Results:
- 33% of prematurely born children (Cluster A) exhibited behavioral indicators of CVD.
- The prematurely born group, particularly Cluster A, showed significant deficits in visual perception and attention compared to controls.
- Cluster A's visual deficits were widespread, except for visual closure; Cluster B showed no differences from controls.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of CVD in this cohort is estimated between 21-47%, presenting a pattern consistent with dorsal stream dysfunction.
- Current perceptual tests may not fully capture the specific visual challenges faced by these children.
- CVD may contribute to cognitive and intellectual dysfunction in preterm infants, and the CVI inventory offers a promising tool for identification and management.
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