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Attention difficulties and physical dysfunction common in children with complex congenital malformations: a study of
A-M Kassa1,2, M Dahl1, M Strinnholm3
1Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
Insights
Preschool children with VACTERL (vertebral defects, anorectal malformations, cardiac defects, tracheo-oesophageal fistula, renal and limb malformations) often experience attention difficulties and physical dysfunction, requiring school support.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Surgical Congenital Anomalies
Background:
- Limited knowledge exists regarding the neurodevelopmental and physical functioning of children diagnosed with VACTERL association.
- Early identification of potential challenges is crucial for providing timely support to affected children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the neurodevelopmental and physical function in Swedish preschool children with VACTERL association.
- To determine the need for additional educational support for these children upon school entry.
Main Methods:
- Children aged 5-7 with VACTERL association were recruited from a pediatric surgical center.
- Neurodevelopmental function was assessed using intelligence, attention tests, and psychological observation.
- Physical function was evaluated through parental interviews and examinations, with data extracted from medical records.
Main Results:
- All children assessed had intelligence within the normal range.
- Eight children exhibited attention difficulties, necessitating school adjustments; two were diagnosed with ADHD.
- All participants presented with physical dysfunctions impacting daily nutrition, bowel, or bladder functions.
Conclusions:
- Attention difficulties and physical dysfunction are prevalent in preschool-aged children with VACTERL association.
- These children require specific support and accommodations when transitioning to the school environment.
Aim:
Knowledge on the neurodevelopmental and physical function in children with vertebral defects, anorectal malformations, cardiac defects, tracheo-oesophageal fistula, renal and limb malformations (VACTERL) is scarce. We evaluated Swedish preschool children with VACTERL and identified whether they would need extra support in school.
Methods:
From 2015 to 2017, we recruited children aged 5-7 with VACTERL association from the paediatric surgical centre at the University Children's Hospital at Uppsala. Neurodevelopmental function was assessed by age-appropriate intelligence and visual and auditory attention tests, and the children's behaviour and attention were observed by an experienced psychologist. Physical function was evaluated through parental interviews and examinations. Data on patient characteristics, including any surgery and anaesthesia, were extracted from medical records.
Results:
Of the 13 eligible families, 10 agreed to participate. Intelligence was within the normal range for all children, but attention difficulties were found in eight of the children, requiring adjustments at school, and two of these were later diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. All children had physical dysfunctions that affected their daily nutrition, bowel or bladder functions.
Conclusion:
Attention difficulties and physical dysfunction were common in Swedish preschool children aged 5-7 with VACTERL and they would need support and adjustments when they started school.
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