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A functional approach to cerebral visual impairments in very preterm/very-low-birth-weight children

Christiaan J A Geldof1, Aleid G van Wassenaer-Leemhuis2, Marjolein Dik3

  • 11] Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands [2] Royal Dutch Visio, Centre of Expertise for Blind and Partially Sighted People, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Pediatric Research
|May 1, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) in very preterm/very low birth weight (VP/VLBW) children is linked to intellectual, behavioral, and social issues. This functional definition helps identify developmental problems in these at-risk infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Ophthalmology
  • Developmental Neuroscience
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is a leading cause of vision loss.
  • Very preterm birth and very low birth weight (VP/VLBW) are significant risk factors for CVI.
  • A universally accepted definition for CVI is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate an empirically-based functional definition of CVI.
  • To assess the utility of this definition in identifying visual and associated developmental issues.
  • To validate the definition against real-world functioning and support needs.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 105 VP/VLBW children and 67 controls underwent comprehensive assessments.
  • CVI was diagnosed based on oculomotor, visual sensory, and perceptive evaluations.
  • The CVI diagnosis was validated against daily life vision problems and broader developmental functioning.

Main Results:

  • 24% of VP/VLBW children met the criteria for CVI, versus 7% of controls (OR: 3.86).
  • VP/VLBW children with CVI exhibited lower performance IQ and confirmed daily life visual problems.
  • Behavioral and social functioning difficulties were most pronounced in VP/VLBW children diagnosed with CVI.

Conclusions:

  • A functional definition of CVI in VP/VLBW children correlates with intellectual, behavioral, and social impairments.
  • This operational definition of CVI is validated by its association with broader developmental deficits.
  • CVI in VP/VLBW infants may serve as an indicator for underlying developmental challenges.
Abstract

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