Monday, April 26, 2010

Cognitive functions in children with myelomeningocele without hydrocephalus

Lindquist B, Uvebrant P, Rehn E, Carlsson G. (2009) Cognitive functions in children with myelomeningocele without hydrocephalus. Child’s Nervous System. 2009 Aug;25(8):969-75.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the separate effects of myelomeningocele (MMC) and hydrocephalus on intelligence and neuropsychological functions in a population-based series of children.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Of the 69 children with MMC born in 1992-1999 in western Sweden, nine did not develop hydrocephalus. Eight of them participated in this study and were compared with age- and gender-matched children with MMC in combination with hydrocephalus and with controls.

RESULTS: Children with only MMC had an IQ of 103 compared with 75 in those with hydrocephalus added to the MMC and they had significantly better immediate and long-term memory and executive functions. When compared with controls, they had difficulty with learning and executive functions, but when the two children with an IQ of less than 70 were excluded, those with only MMC performed just as well as the controls.

CONCLUSION: Hydrocephalus rather than MMC in itself appeared to cause the cognitive deficits found in children with MMC.

PMID: 19263057

1 comment:

linda said...

Note - Other researchers believe it is the Chairi Malformation which is responsible for many of the cognitive issues in MMC.