Psychological functioning in children with hydrocephalus: a scoping review

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurology
• Child Psychology
• Quality of Life Research

Background:

• Hydrocephalus in children can significantly affect cognitive and emotional development.
• Existing literature on psychological outcomes requires comprehensive assessment to identify research gaps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of literature on psychological outcomes and quality of life in pediatric hydrocephalus.
• To identify key themes, trends, and knowledge gaps in current research.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of multiple databases (SCOPUS, PubMed, PsycINFO, PsycArticles) using specific keywords.
• Screening and data extraction of 44 relevant articles, followed by descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Main Results:

• Neuropsychological deficits (intelligence, memory, attention) and behavioral/emotional problems (internalizing behaviors) are prevalent in pediatric hydrocephalus.
• Diminished quality of life is reported, influenced by factors like hydrocephalus severity and treatment type.
• Key outcome areas include neuropsychological (56%), behavioral/emotional (32%), academic (13.6%), and developmental (11.4%).

Conclusions:

• Children with hydrocephalus face significant neuropsychological, behavioral, and emotional challenges, affecting their quality of life.
• There is a need for standardized follow-up protocols to facilitate systematic reviews.
• Further research should investigate the impact of medical factors and treatment on long-term outcomes, guiding targeted interventions.