Open AccessNeurodevelopmental and Cognitive Outcomes in Children With Intestinal Failure
Author(s) -
Chesley Patrick M.,
Sanchez Sabrina E.,
Melzer Lilah,
Oron Assaf P.,
Horslen Simon P.,
Bennett F. Curt,
Javid Patrick J.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.206
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1536-4801
pISSN - 0277-2116
DOI - 10.1097/mpg.0000000000001067
Subject(s) - medicine , cerebral palsy , cognition , pediatrics , univariate analysis , cognitive impairment , comorbidity , multivariate analysis , physical therapy , psychiatry
Objectives: Recent advances in medical and surgical management have led to improved long‐term survival in children with intestinal failure. Yet, limited data exist on their neurodevelopmental and cognitive outcomes. The aim of the present study was to measure neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with intestinal failure. Methods: Children enrolled in a regional intestinal failure program underwent prospective neurodevelopmental and psychometric evaluation using a validated scoring tool. Cognitive impairment was defined as a mental developmental index <70. Neurodevelopmental impairment was defined as cerebral palsy, visual or hearing impairment, or cognitive impairment. Univariate analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon rank‐sum test. Data are presented as median (range). Results: Fifteen children with a remnant bowel length of 18 (5–85) cm were studied at age 17 (12–67) months. Thirteen patients remained dependent on parenteral nutrition. Twelve (80%) subjects scored within the normal range on cognitive testing. Each child with cognitive impairment was noted to have additional risk factors independent of intestinal failure including cardiac arrest and extreme prematurity. On univariate analysis, cognitive impairment was associated with longer inpatient hospital stays, increased number of surgical procedures, and prematurity ( P < 0.02). In total, 4 (27%) children demonstrated findings consistent with neurodevelopmental impairment. Conclusions: A majority of children with intestinal failure demonstrated normal neurodevelopmental and cognitive outcomes on psychometric testing. These data suggest that children with intestinal failure without significant comorbidity may be at low risk for long‐term neurodevelopmental impairment.