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Published on: July 5, 2015
Impact of Childhood Leukemia Treatment on Attention Measured by the Continuous Performance Test Factor Structure
Kari M Koerner1, Kathleen C Insel1, Marilyn J Hockenberry2
1University of Arizona.
Insights
Central nervous system-directed treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) can negatively impact attention in childhood survivors. These attention deficits may affect academic performance.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatric Oncology
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors often undergo central nervous system-directed treatments.
- Neuropsychological effects, particularly on attention, can impact long-term outcomes.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for supportive care and academic success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of central nervous system-directed treatment on attention in childhood ALL survivors.
- To explore the relationship between attention deficits and academic outcomes in this population.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, longitudinal study followed 51 children with ALL.
- Attention was assessed using the Conners' Continuous Performance Test at remission, 2 years post-treatment initiation, and end of treatment.
- Attention measures were analyzed across focused attention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, sustained attention, and vigilance subdomains.
Main Results:
- Children treated for ALL demonstrated reduced focused attention, sustained attention, and vigilance compared to normative data.
- These attention deficits were observed during and at the conclusion of treatment.
Conclusions:
- Central nervous system-directed treatment for ALL is associated with significant attention impairments in survivors.
- Pediatric oncology nurses play a key role in identifying these neuropsychological challenges.
- Attention deficits pose a risk for diminished academic abilities, necessitating early intervention.
Objectives:
To describe the impact of central nervous system-directed treatment on attention and its relation to academic outcomes in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors.
Sample & Setting:
51 children diagnosed with ALL at two pediatric oncology treatment centers in the southwestern United States.
Methods & Variables:
A prospective, longitudinal design measured attention after a child was in remission, two years after the start of treatment, and at the end of treatment. Attention measures from the Conners' Continuous Performance Test were grouped into composite subdomains based on a factor structure describing focused attention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, sustained attention, and vigilance.
Results:
Children treated for ALL exhibited decreased focused attention, sustained attention, and vigilance during and at the end of treatment when compared to age- and gender-normed references.
Implications For Nursing:
Pediatric oncology nurses are in a position to ask patients and parents about neuropsychological difficulties during ALL treatment. Patients who experience these effects are at risk for decreased academic abilities after treatment.
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