An Exploratory Study of the Cognitive, Academic, and Behavioral Functioning of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Transplant Recipients

Abstract

On measures of cognitive functioning, 46% showed significant delays (> 2 SD below the normative population). Of those eligible for academic testing, 78% fell within the average range (within 1 SD of the normative population) for reading and spelling, and 57% fell within the average range for math. Twenty-seven percent of mothers, 11% of fathers, and 17% of teachers rated subjects as having significant behavioral concerns. Results highlight the need for close contact between transplant teams and school personnel to optimize outcomes. In addition, patients and families may benefit from psychological intervention after transplantation as there are ongoing concerns regarding life expectancy and quality of life.

Quality of life in pediatric heart transplant recipients: A comparison with children with and without heart disease

“…The findings of Serrano-Ikkos et al 3 suggest that older age has a negative effect on long-term psychosocial functioning; however, psychosocial outcomes were not related to age or time since transplant according to other reports. 4,17,18 Wray et al 2 assessed heart transplant recipients at 12 months and 3 years after transplant and found stability in psychologic functioning over time. Although psychosocial QOL was significantly correlated with symptoms, symptoms were uncommon in our study.…”

“…[21][22][23] Interestingly, the observed trouble solving math problems in our study is also consistent with objective measurement of arithmetic scores in heart transplant recipients reported by others. 2,17 Identification of developmental or cognitive deficits after transplant is important to design interventions to optimize school functioning.…”

The New Normal: A Bourdieusian Examination of Living Into Young Adulthood Being a Paediatric Heart Transplant Recipient

“…A study conducted in the US implemented standardized measures to evaluate cognitive, academic and behavioural function in individuals who underwent a paediatric cardiothoracic transplant and compared participants' scores to same age normative samples (Brosing et al, 2006). Results for cognitive functioning confirmed that typically individuals fell within the low average to average score.…”

“…All the children miss school and for some this can amount to months of education, which has been observed in decreased academic performance (Brosing et al, 2006). In previously conducted research assessing psychological function and social development, factors such as physical limitations, living with a progressive terminal condition, school absenteeism and the lack of social interaction have not been taken into account.…”

“…Additionally, 27% of mothers and 11% of fathers reported that their child or teenager experiences some form of behavioural problems being expressed through episodes of anxiety, depression or aggression. The research team highlighted that the existence of cognitive and academic concerns was also related to socioeconomic status, whereas the presence of behavioural problems did not show any relation with socioeconomic status (Brosing et al, 2006).…”