The lot of shaken baby syndrome (SBS) cases: Follow‐up of visual outcome and congnitive function

Abstract

Abstract Purpose To study long‐term outcome of SBS on visual and cognitive functions. Methods Case series of 10 children (7 M, 3 F) with confirmed SBS has been examined and followed‐up. All chldren underwent a fundus evaluation by indirect ophtalmoscopy and wide‐field digital ophtalmic camera (RetCam II) in the acute phase and until retinal hemorrhage resorption. The assessment was repeated at follow‐up combined with ocular motility evaluation, visual field (BEFIE test), visual acuity by preferential looking tecnique (teller acuity cards), refractometry, cognitive‐behavioural evaluations (Griffiths scales, Child Behaviour Check List), and family stress measurement (Parenting Stress Index). Results Mean age at acute episode of SBS: 6 months (range 2‐20). Mean age at last follow‐up evaluation: 27.6 months (range 4.5‐41). At last follow‐up evaluation: 1 out of 6 had a decreased visual acuity (cortical visual impairment), 3 out of 6 had mild‐severe visual field deficits, 3 out of 6 has strabismus. None of the cases showed significant refractive errors. Due to age or severity of impairment and delay in global development, in any of the cases we were able to perform a recognition acuity test by symbols or E‐charts. Cognitive and behavioural assessment demonstrated global delay and impaiments in speech/language development and attention problems. Conclusion SBS is characterized by severe long‐term sequelae both in visual and cognitive function. Several visual impairments are observed, mainly related to cortial injury of visuo‐spatial area. Although follow‐up is difficult due to family history, there is strong indication for global assessment until scholar age where other impairments are demonstrated.