title: Neurocognitive functions of pediatric kidney transplant recipients.
abstract: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) in children is associated with impaired neurocognitive function and development. However, data on factors associated with neurocognitive dysfunctions in children with kidney transplants are limited.
  
  
  
  We conducted a cross-sectional analysis comparing cognitive functions (using the Woodcock-Johnson International Edition, WJIE) in 35 kidney transplant and 35 healthy control children. Data on laboratory measurements, comorbidities, and social characteristics were collected.
  
  
  
  Transplant children had significantly worse scores on the intelligence quotient (IQ) test compared with controls [Full Scale IQ score 85 (26) vs 107 (10), p <0.001]. Lower maternal education level was significantly associated with lower WJIE cognitive test scores; however, no association was found between laboratory values and WJIE scores. Among children with kidney transplants, those with medical comorbid conditions had significantly lower Verbal Ability and Full Scale IQ scores. Earlier age of dialysis onset and a longer total time on dialysis (>9 months) were associated with lower test scores. Age-standardized duration of hospitalization was inversely correlated with IQ (r = -0.46, p <0.01) and was an independent significant predictor (Beta = -0.38, p = 0.02) of IQ scores in transplanted children.
  
  
  
  Child kidney transplant recipients have neurocognitive function impairments that are associated with markers of socioeconomic status (SES) and factors related to disease severity.
authors.affiliation: Institute for the Psychology of Special Needs, Faculty of Special Education, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary. marta.molnar@barczi.elte.hu.|Special Education Institute of Atypical Behaviour and Cognition, Faculty of Special Education, ELTE University, Ecseri Street 3, 1097, Budapest, Hungary. marta.molnar@barczi.elte.hu.
authors.forename: Marta
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-9366-0726
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Molnar-Varga
authors.affiliation: Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.|Department of Psychiatry, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Novak
authors.affiliation: First Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.|MTA-SE, Pediatrics and Nephrology Research Group, Budapest, Hungary.
authors.forename: Attila J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Szabo
authors.affiliation: First Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
authors.forename: Kata
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kelen
authors.affiliation: Division of Nephrology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Elani
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Streja
authors.affiliation: Department of Transplantation and Surgery, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Remport
authors.affiliation: Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.|Division of Nephrology, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: Istvan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Mucsi
authors.affiliation: Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA.
authors.forename: Miklos Z
authors.initials: MZ
authors.lastname: Molnar
authors.affiliation: First Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.|MTA-SE, Pediatrics and Nephrology Research Group, Budapest, Hungary.
authors.forename: Gyorgy
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Reusz
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D003072:Cognition Disorders; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence; D007361:Intelligence Tests; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D006435:Renal Dialysis
keywords: Hospitalization; Intellectual functioning; Kidney transplant