Cognitive functions in children with myelomeningocele without hydrocephalus.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to explore the separate effects of myelomeningocele (MMC) and hydrocephalus on intelligence and neuropsychological functions in a population-based series of children.


METHODS
Of the 69 children with MMC born in 1992-1999 in western Sweden, nine did not develop hydrocephalus. Eight of them participated in this study and were compared with age- and gender-matched children with MMC in combination with hydrocephalus and with controls.


RESULTS
Children with only MMC had an IQ of 103 compared with 75 in those with hydrocephalus added to the MMC and they had significantly better immediate and long-term memory and executive functions. When compared with controls, they had difficulty with learning and executive functions, but when the two children with an IQ of <70 were excluded, those with only MMC performed just as well as the controls.


CONCLUSIONS
Hydrocephalus rather than MMC in itself appeared to cause the cognitive deficits found in children with MMC.
Lindquist
Barbro
B
Department of Habilitation, Halmstad County Hospital, Halmstad, Sweden.
Uvebrant
Paul
P
Rehn
Eva
E
Carlsson
Göran
G
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003071:Cognition; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology*; D007360:Intelligence; D007361:Intelligence Tests; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D008570:Memory, Short-Term; D008591:Meningomyelocele / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011340:Problem Solving