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Development of Cognitive Functions in Children With Craniosynostosis With and Without Surgical Treatment
Agnieszka Rożek1, Dawid Larysz1,2, Patrycja Larysz1
1Department of Head and Neck Surgery for Children and Adolescents, University of Warmia and Mazury.
Insights
Children with craniosynostosis often have cognitive impairments, with complex and untreated cases showing higher risks. Early assessment of intelligence quotient and cognitive functions is crucial for these patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Congenital Malformations
Background:
- Craniosynostosis involves premature fusion of cranial sutures, leading to abnormal skull shape.
- Associated neurodevelopmental and cognitive disorders are common in affected children.
- Understanding cognitive profiles is vital for managing craniosynostosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess intelligence quotient (IQ) and cognitive functions in children with craniosynostosis.
- To compare cognitive abilities between surgically treated and untreated groups.
- To analyze cognitive disorders based on craniosynostosis type.
Main Methods:
- 365 patients (4-15 years) with single-suture and complex craniosynostosis were evaluated.
- Cognitive disorders assessed using Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales, Fifth Edition (SB-5).
- Comparison groups included surgically treated (n=240) and untreated (n=125) children.
Main Results:
- 27.40% of patients scored below average on Full Scale IQ.
- 15.06% exhibited mild to moderate intellectual impairment or delay.
- Complex and surgically untreated craniosynostosis correlated with higher cognitive disorder occurrence.
Conclusions:
- Craniosynostosis impacts cognitive development, with significant IQ deficits observed.
- Surgical treatment status and complexity of craniosynostosis influence cognitive outcomes.
- Further research into targeted interventions for cognitive deficits is warranted.
Objective:
Craniosynostosis is a congenital malformation caused by premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures, leading to an abnormal skull shape. Children with craniosynostosis may experience various neurodevelopmental and cognitive disorders. The study's first aim was to examine intelligence quotient and the level of cognitive functioning such as working memory, fluid reasoning, visual-spatial functions, counting, and the scope of knowledge in children with craniosynostosis. The second goal was to compare the level of cognitive abilities of the group of children who were surgically treated with the group of children who did not undergo surgery. Another purpose was to compare cognitive disorders depending on the type of craniosynostosis.
Patients And Method:
A group of 365 patients (255 boys and 110 girls) aged between 4 and 15 years old ( M =7.5; SD=2.2), including 275 treated for single-suture (133 metopic, 116 sagittal, 26 unicoronal) and 90 for complex craniosynostosis, were examined for cognitive disorders. A total of 240 children in the group had skull surgery, while 125 had not been surgically treated. Intellectual and cognitive abilities were assessed with the standardized Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales, Fifth Edition (SB-5). The test was performed using both nonverbal and verbal scales.
Results:
In all, 27.40% (n=100) of patients covered by the study showed significantly lower scores than normative population averages on Full Scale IQ, including 15.06% (n=55) of children with mild to moderate impaired or delayed. Complex and surgically untreated craniosynostosis is associated with an increased occurrence of cognitive disorders.
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