Invited Symposium 3: Pediatric Neuropsychology Medical Advances and Life Span Outcomes

Abstract

Abstract & Learning Objectives:Medical advances continue to improve the outlook for pediatric patients with a variety of acquired and congenital medical conditions. Such critical advances have an impact on lifespan outcomes for affected individuals. Neuropsychology plays a critical role in evaluating outcomes and informing clinical care for pediatric patients, with an increasing role in prevention. Neuropsychologists are essential members of interdisciplinary teams and ongoing medical management. Our symposium will present examples of the latest progress made over the last decade in the areas of sickle cell disease, demyelinating disorders, congenital heart disease, and cancer. Highlights include recent research on neurocognitive surveillance for pediatric patients with sickle cell disease including identification of risk and resilience factors and ways to reduce cognitive decline; discovery of the anti-MOG antibody in patients with demyelinating disorders and associated neuropsychological outcomes; advances in the understanding of congenital heart disease, the latest initiatives in the field, and discussion of neuropsychology’s role in the care of these patients; and advances in targeted therapies for childhood cancer, risks associated with cancer and its treatment into adulthood, and an application of a developmental, lifespan approach in the care of childhood cancer survivors. Following each presentation, there will be an opportunity for discussion and questions. Upon conclusion of this course, learners will be able to: 1.Describe recent advances in medical care for pediatric sickle cell disease, demyelinating disorders, congenital heart disease, and cancer2.Explain long-term neuropsychological outcomes in pediatric medical disorders3.Assess the role of neuropsychology in advancing the field across pediatric medical disorders