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Quantitative Meta-analyses of Cognitive Abilities in Children With Pediatric-onset Multiple Sclerosis
Elena S Lysenko1, Mariia D Bogdanova2,3, Marie Arsalidou1,4
1Neurobiological Foundations of Cognitive Development - Neuropsy Lab, HSE University, 101000, Myasnitskaya st.-20, Moscow, Russian Federation.
Insights
Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) significantly impacts children's cognitive functions, particularly overall intelligence quotient (IQ). This meta-analysis reveals altered cognitive performance in children with POMS, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Neuropsychology
Background:
- Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) affects individuals under 18.
- A significant proportion of children with POMS exhibit cognitive deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively meta-analyze the effect size of cognitive performance differences in children with and without POMS.
- To assess impacts on overall intelligence quotient (IQ), information processing speed, and language functions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review using PRISMA guidelines.
- Quantitative meta-analysis of 14 studies involving 1283 children.
- Analysis focused on cognitive categories with five or more studies.
Main Results:
- Significant cognitive differences were found across all assessed categories.
- The strongest effect was observed for overall IQ.
- Moderate effects were noted for information processing speed, with small effects for verbal fluency and memory.
Conclusions:
- Children with POMS exhibit distinct cognitive profiles.
- Improved understanding of these cognitive alterations can inform better clinical and educational interventions.
- Targeted remediation tools can enhance outcomes for children with POMS.
Abstract:
Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS), is the manifestation of multiple sclerosis in individuals before 18 years of age. About a third of children with POMS show some form of lower cognitive performance. The purpose of this study is to examine using quantitative meta-analyses the effect size of altered performance between children with and without POMS on overall intelligence quotient (IQ), information processing speed, and language functions. We searched the literature for studies that reported scores on cognitive tests administered to children with and without POMS. Studies were systematically reviewed using PRISMA guidelines. We analyzed data from 14 studies that examined 1283 children with and without POMS when cognitive categories consisted of five or more studies. Effect sizes, publication bias and potential confounds were considered. Significant cognitive differences are revealed for all categories with the strongest effect observed for overall IQ. A moderate effect is observed for information processing speed, and small effects for verbal fluency and verbal memory. Cognitive abilities present differently in children with POMS and a better understanding of this manifestation will inform intervention and remediation tools that can improve clinical and educational practice for the benefit of children with POMS.
