Cognitive and academic outcomes after pediatric liver transplantation: Functional Outcomes Group (FOG) results.

Publication Type
Journal Article
Year of Publication
2011
Authors
Sorensen, L G; Neighbors, K; Martz, K; Zelko, F; Bucuvalas, J C; Alonso, E M; Studies of Pediatric Liver Transplantation (SPLIT) and Functional Outcomes Group (FOG)
Secondary
Am J Transplant
Volume
11
Pagination
303-11
Date Published
2011 Feb
Keywords
Child; Child, Preschool; Cognition; Cognition Disorders; Cohort Studies; Educational Status; Executive Function; Female; Humans; Intelligence Tests; Learning Disabilities; liver transplantation; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Psychometrics; Registries; United States
Abstract

This multicenter study examined prevalence of cognitive and academic delays in children following liver transplant (LT). One hundred and forty-four patients ages 5-7 and 2 years post-LT were recruited through the SPLIT consortium and administered the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, 3rd Edition (WPPSI-III), the Bracken Basic Concept Scale, Revised (BBCS-R), and the Wide Range Achievement Test, 4th edition (WRAT-4). Parents and teachers completed the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF). Participants performed significantly below test norms on intelligence quotient (IQ) and achievement measures (Mean WPPSI-III Full Scale IQ = 94.7 ± 13.5; WRAT-4 Reading = 92.7 ± 17.2; WRAT-4 Math = 93.1 ± 15.4; p < 0001). Twenty-six percent of patients (14% expected) had 'mild to moderate' IQ delays (Full Scale IQ = 71-85) and 4% (2% expected) had 'serious' delays (Full Scale IQ ≤ 70; p < 0.0001). Reading and/or math scores were weaker than IQ in 25%, suggesting learning disability, compared to 7% expected by CDC statistics (p < 0.0001). Executive deficits were noted on the BRIEF, especially by teacher report (Global Executive Composite = 58; p < 0.001). Results suggest a higher prevalence of cognitive and academic delays and learning problems in pediatric LT recipients compared to the normal population.