General cognitive, executive and memory function in children with hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) who underwent hypothermia treatment

Abstract

Background and Aims: Despite the introduction of hypothermia treatment (HT), children with neonatalhypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) HIE are at increased risk of severe neuromotor impairment (Cerebral Palsy, CP) and developmental impairment.Information on school-age outcomes in the substantial proportion who survive without CP is limited. Here we report preliminary findings.
Method:Thirty-one children admitted to University Hospital Southampton for HT who survived without major neuromotor impairment were assessed at 4 years(y) 9 months(m) - 6y and 8m (mean age 5y4m, SD: 0.37m); mean gestational age 40.20 weeks (SD 1.20), mean birthweight 3465g (SD 704.83).General cognition was assessed using Wechsler Preschool & Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPSSI-IV). Executive Functions (EF) by the Auditory Attention and Inhibition (AAI) NEPSY tasks, and everyday memory with the Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test Children (RBMT-C).
Results: Mean FSIQ for the HIE children was within the norm (Mean 95 SD=13.7). However, 38.4% had FSIQ score below average. AAI mean scores were in the average range ;- but 20.8% were at borderline and below expected level. Over 50% were borderline or impaired on RBMT-C (Mean=14.3, SD=2.9).
Conclusion: Children with a history of neonatal HIE without CP are understudied, and frequently discharged from follow-up at 2 years. Most studies focus on early developmental outcomes. Our preliminary results indicate they are at risk for clinically significant difficulties in areas important for school readiness and learning, particularly everyday memory.

More information

Identifiers

ORCID for Rina Cianfaglione: orcid.org/0000-0001-8739-0598

ORCID for Brigitte Vollmer: orcid.org/0000-0003-4088-5336

Catalogue record

Export record