Jeffrey Schatz1, Alyssa M Schlenz2, Kelsey E Smith1, Carla W Roberts3. 1. Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA. 2. Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA. 3. Department of Pediatrics, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.
Abstract
AIM: To assess the predictive validity of developmental screenings in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) for academic outcomes and stroke risk. METHOD: Parent questionnaires and medical record data were collected for a cohort receiving developmental screenings between September 2004 and May 2008 as toddlers or early school age. Screening outcomes were dichotomized (positive, negative) by a priori criteria. Questionnaires assessed school and social functioning, services received, and quality of life. Medical record data assessed general SCD morbidity and stroke risk. RESULTS: Forty-one toddlers (mean age 2y 5mo; 25 males, 16 females) and 49 early school-age children (mean age 6y 5mo; 26 males, 23 females) completed follow-up. The mean follow-up period was 8 years 6 months (range 6.1-10.8y). For toddlers, positive screenings for language delays predicted lower academic performance (p=0.023). For older children, positive screenings for cognitive delays predicted more frequent academic/attentional problems at school (p<0.001), grade retention (p=0.007), and lower academic performance (p=0.001). Positive screenings were associated with an earlier onset of school problems and lower quality of life. Positive screenings for language/cognitive delays predicted increased stroke risk (both p<0.05). INTERPRETATION: Screening for language or cognitive development in young children with SCD predicts academic outcomes and stroke risk. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Developmental screening predicts academic outcomes in sickle cell disease. Children with concerning language/cognitive screenings have early-onset school difficulties. Developmental screenings may help predict cerebrovascular complications.
AIM: To assess the predictive validity of developmental screenings in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) for academic outcomes and stroke risk. METHOD: Parent questionnaires and medical record data were collected for a cohort receiving developmental screenings between September 2004 and May 2008 as toddlers or early school age. Screening outcomes were dichotomized (positive, negative) by a priori criteria. Questionnaires assessed school and social functioning, services received, and quality of life. Medical record data assessed general SCD morbidity and stroke risk. RESULTS: Forty-one toddlers (mean age 2y 5mo; 25 males, 16 females) and 49 early school-age children (mean age 6y 5mo; 26 males, 23 females) completed follow-up. The mean follow-up period was 8 years 6 months (range 6.1-10.8y). For toddlers, positive screenings for language delays predicted lower academic performance (p=0.023). For older children, positive screenings for cognitive delays predicted more frequent academic/attentional problems at school (p<0.001), grade retention (p=0.007), and lower academic performance (p=0.001). Positive screenings were associated with an earlier onset of school problems and lower quality of life. Positive screenings for language/cognitive delays predicted increased stroke risk (both p<0.05). INTERPRETATION: Screening for language or cognitive development in young children with SCD predicts academic outcomes and stroke risk. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Developmental screening predicts academic outcomes in sickle cell disease. Children with concerning language/cognitive screenings have early-onset school difficulties. Developmental screenings may help predict cerebrovascular complications.
Authors: Donna Perazzo; Ryan Moore; Nadine A Kasparian; Megan Rodts; Tzipi Horowitz-Kraus; Lori Crosby; Brian Turpin; Andrew F Beck; John Hutton Journal: Pediatr Res Date: 2022-02-04 Impact factor: 3.953