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Children with congenital colorectal malformations often require special education or remedial teaching, despite normal intelligence
Author(s) -
Hondel Desiree,
Aarsen Femke K.,
Wijnen Rene M.H.,
Sloots Cornelius E.J.,
IJsselstijn Hanneke
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
acta paediatrica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1651-2227
pISSN - 0803-5253
DOI - 10.1111/apa.13154
Subject(s) - medicine , intelligence quotient , remedial education , wechsler adult intelligence scale , quality of life (healthcare) , pediatrics , neuropsychology , special education , physical therapy , psychiatry , cognition , psychology , nursing , mathematics education
Aim This study prospectively evaluated neuropsychological functioning in 8‐year‐old patients with anorectal malformation ( ARM ) and Hirschsprung's disease ( HD ). Methods School functioning and behaviour were assessed in a standardised interview. Intelligence, attention, self‐esteem and quality of life were evaluated with validated tests and questionnaires. The following predictors were assessed: socio‐economic status, number of episodes of general anaesthesia, laxative treatment and premature birth. Severely intellectually disabled patients were excluded. Results In total, twelve of the 23 (52%) patients with ARM and 11 (55%) of the 20 patients with HD received special education or remedial teaching. The intelligence quotient was normal: mean (standard deviation or SD ) was 98 (17) and 96 (17), respectively. However, sustained attention was below the norm: mean ( SD ) Z‐score was −1.90 (1.94) and −1.43 (1.98) for ARM and HD patients; both p < 0.01. Self‐esteem was normal: mean ( SD ) Z‐score was 0.10 (1.29) and −0.20 (1.11) for ARM and HD patients. Quality of life was normal in ARM patients and slightly impaired in HD patients. No predictors for neuropsychological outcome were identified. Conclusion Despite normal intelligence, more than half of these patients received special education or remedial teaching. In addition, problems with sustained attention were found. These findings are important for long‐term care.