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Selective approaches to basic neurobehavioral testing of children in environmental health studies
R W Amler1, M Gibertini, J A Lybarger
1US Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. rwa1@atsoaal.em.cdc.gov
Insights
The Pediatric Environmental Neurobehavioral Test Battery (PENTB) assesses neurotoxic effects in children near hazardous waste sites. It uses age-appropriate tests for cognitive, motor, and sensory functions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Neurotoxicology
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- Children living near hazardous waste sites are at risk for neurodevelopmental impacts.
- Existing neurobehavioral assessments may not be suitable for all pediatric age groups.
- The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) identified a need for a standardized testing battery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and describe the Pediatric Environmental Neurobehavioral Test Battery (PENTB).
- To provide a tool for identifying potential neurotoxic effects in children exposed to environmental hazards.
- To ensure assessments are age-appropriate and cover key neurobehavioral domains.
Main Methods:
- The PENTB includes informant- and performance-based assessments tailored to developmental stages.
- Children under 4 years receive four informant-based instruments to maximize functional evaluation.
- Children aged 4–16 years undergo 10 performance-based tests covering cognitive, motor, and sensory functions.
Main Results:
- The PENTB is designed for children aged 1–16 years.
- It incorporates age-specific testing strategies for different developmental stages.
- The battery aims to assess neurobehavioral functions potentially affected by neurotoxic chemicals.
Conclusions:
- The PENTB offers a structured approach to evaluating neurobehavioral outcomes in children.
- Age-appropriate assessment is crucial for accurately identifying neurotoxic effects in pediatric populations.
- Consideration of confounding variables like family and socioeconomic factors is essential for comprehensive evaluation.
Abstract:
To identify neurotoxic effects in children living near hazardous waste sites, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has designed a basic Pediatric Environmental Neurobehavioral Test Battery (PENTB) for children 1 through 16 years of age. It emphasizes tests appropriate to the stages of a child's development. These stages were fundamental factors in selecting tests for the PENTB, which includes both informant- and performance-based assessment procedures. Assessment of children under 4 years of age is restricted to four informant-based instruments, to evaluate as many functions as possible while minimizing testing time and the professional expertise needed in the test setting. The assessment of children 4 through 16 years of age includes 10 performance-based tests to evaluate key functions within the cognitive, motor, and sensory domains analogous to functions affected by neurotoxic chemicals in adults. In all age groups, it is crucial to also assess family, cultural, economic, and other potentially confounding variables.