Developmental Outcomes in Children with Infantile Tremor Syndrome

In this prospective, study, children with Infantile tremor syndrome (ITS) were assessed at diagnosis and at follow-up using the Developmental Assessment Scale for Indian Infants (DASII). Of the 53 children enrolled (25 children had tremor, mean age: 13.1 ± 4.9 mo), 45 (84.9%) had developmental delay and 17 (32.8%) had development regression. The mean Motor-Developmental quotient (DQ) at baseline was 39.1 ± 15.6 (no-tremors group) and 22.2 ± 12.6 (tremor group) and mean Mental-DQ at diagnosis was 29.9 ± 15.2 (no-tremors group) and 14.5 ± 10.6 (tremor group) respectively. Forty-four children were assessed at follow-up (median- 216 d). The mean Motor-DQ on follow-up was 66.2 ± 22.1 (no tremors) and 55.9 ± 15.6 (tremors); and the mean Mental-DQ was 54.3 ± 23.0 (no tremors) and 45.6 ± 11.6 (tremors) respectively. Only seven (16%) children had a follow-up mental DQ more than 70. Mental abilities are more affected than motor abilities in children with ITS and those with tremors fare poorly. Despite gains, very few children have abilities in normal range at follow-up.