Treatment factors associated with outcomes in children less than 3 years of age with CNS tumours.
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to document cognitive outcomes in children treated for brain tumours with surgery and/or chemotherapy before the age of 3 years and to investigate the relationship between treatment factors and cognitive outcome.


METHODS
Participants were 31 children aged 7-14 years who had been diagnosed and treated for brain tumours under the age of 3 years. Neuropsychological assessment included tests of cognitive functioning (WASI), memory (CMS) and executive functioning (BADS-C).


CONCLUSIONS
IQ and memory functioning scores were within the normal range but executive function was significantly below the expected level. Lower socio-economic status, younger age at treatment, having undergone more than one surgical intervention, motor problems and speech and language difficulties were found to be related to cognitive functioning. Although this group of children have good outcomes in terms of IQ and memory they have significant difficulties with executive functioning.


CONCLUSIONS
Further research in this area is needed to allow for development of appropriate support packages for those who are most at risk.
Ward
Catherine
C
University College London, London, UK.
Phipps
Kim
K
de Sousa
Carlos
C
Butler
Stephen
S
Gumley
Dianne
D
D000367:Age Factors; D001254:Astrocytoma / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003071:Cognition; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D019988:Children with Disabilities; D004806:Ependymoma / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007360:Intelligence; D007361:Intelligence Tests; D007806:Language Disorders / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D009069:Movement Disorders / Q000150:complications; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D020288:Papilloma, Choroid Plexus / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000150:complications