Cognitive deficits and psychopathological symptoms among children with medulloblastoma

Annamária Szentes1, Nikoletta Erős1, Zoltán Kekecs2

  • 12nd Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.

Insights

Children surviving medulloblastoma (MB) often experience cognitive deficits and psychopathological symptoms. These impairments, including lower IQ and increased anxiety disorders, can occur independently, impacting long-term quality of life.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Children with medulloblastoma (MB) are at high risk for cognitive sequelae.
  • Understanding these deficits and associated psychopathological symptoms is crucial for survivors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate cognitive deficits and psychopathological symptoms in medulloblastoma survivors.
  • To analyze the relationship between cognitive impairments and psychological conditions in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Administered the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI-KID) to 34 MB survivors.
  • Compared MB survivors' cognitive functioning and psychopathological symptom prevalence with control groups.

Main Results:

  • MB survivors exhibited lower global IQ and impaired functioning across all IQ subscales, particularly processing speed.
  • Higher radiation dose and high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue were linked to lower global IQ.
  • Prevalence of compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, and PTSD was significantly higher in MB survivors.
  • No significant correlation was found between cognitive deficits and psychopathological symptoms.

Conclusions:

  • Medulloblastoma survivors face significant cognitive and psychopathological impairments.
  • These cognitive and psychological issues may develop independently in medulloblastoma survivors.
  • Further research is needed to understand the independent trajectories of these impairments.

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