Intellectual Performance Of Children Research Articles

The Risk Factors of Anaemia among Children of 6 Months to 59 Months – An Observational Study

Introduction: Anemia is a common problem in childhood; especially children aged 6months to 59 months old. In Bangladesh overall, 68 % of children aged 6-59 months are anemic. Anemia impairs normal development, decreases physical exercise tolerance & intellectual performance in children which may lead to a slowdown of growth in children. It constitutes a major public health problem in young children in the developing world with wide social & economic implications. Aim of the Study: The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors of anaemia in children of 6 months to 59 months. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study and was conducted in the Department of Neonatology of Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from November, 2020 to February, 2021. Result: In total 50 patients completed the study. In our study we found majority were male 28(56%) and female 22 (44%) and 6-24 months of age were 52% (26), 24-36 months of age were 26% (13), 36-59 months of age were 22% (11). accordingly, the mean hemoglobin level was about 11.48 (±1.53) g/dL which ranged from 5.5 g/dL to 14.5 g/dL,(37.3%), were anemic and only 1 (5%) of them were found to be severely anemic, whereas male 28.5 % and female 26.3% were moderately anemic and (29%) were mildly anemic. most of the respondents given colostrum 38 (76%), exclusive breastfeeding were 38%, mixed feeding at 52% respectively, low birth weight or premature birth 31 (62%), prolonged breastfeeding were 24%,early weaning at 36% and socioeconomic status were 16% respectively. Conclusion: A large proportion of hospitalized children under five years of age were found anaemic, among them iron deficiency anaemia was most common. The study result emphasizes the importance of identifying the risk factors of anaemia in this age group. Raising awareness of the problem and providing health and nutrition education will be the key interventions to prevent and control this huge public ........

The effect of motion games on improving the psychomotor and intellectual performance of children with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities

Introduction. Depressive states and anxiety are common symptoms of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The persons with intellectual disabilities show problems related to the development of basic motor skills, having learning problems compared to normal ones, imbalances between the processes of arousal and inhibition, limited motor ability, difficult understanding of language and motor tasks, difficult concentration, mechanical assimilation etc. Objectives. The study analyzes the effectiveness of structures and motion games, applied in specific activities for children with intellectual disabilities (ID) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Material and Methods. The research involved an experimental group of 5 children with one of these disabilities or their combination (age 10-11 years), included in a training process at the Ion Teodorescu Special Vocational School in Slobozia / Ialomița / Romania and comparing their results with a control group (6 normal children, with an average age of 10 years), between 20.09.2020-10.03.2021. The assessment of the level of psychomotor and intellectual development was made by the Cutout Test, the Cohs Cube Test (light task configurations) and an Attention Flexibility Test (movement to the corners of the room/field depending on the assigned color, counting successful attempts and mistakes). Results and discussion. The obtained results confirm the working hypothesis, so the use of the structures and games proposed in the program contributes to a significant improvement of the psychomotor and intellectual performances of students with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum. Conclusion. espite all these improvements, they cannot approach or equal the reference values of children without problems, falling into the same age category. Keywords: psychomotor skills, adapted physical activities, recovery, children, learning disabilities,

Molecular, clinical and neuropsychological study in 31 patients with Kabuki syndrome and KMT2D mutations.

Kabuki syndrome (KS-OMIM 147920) is a rare developmental disease characterized by the association of multiple congenital anomalies and intellectual disability. This study aimed to investigate intellectual performance in children with KS and link the performance to several clinical features and molecular data. We recruited 31 children with KMT2D mutations who were 6 to 16 years old. They all completed the Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children, fourth edition. We calculated all indexes: the Full Scale Intellectual Quotient (FSIQ), Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI), Perceptive Reasoning Index (PRI), Processing Speed Index (PSI), and Working Memory Index (WMI). In addition, molecular data and several clinical symptoms were studied. FSIQ and VCI scores were 10 points lower for patients with a truncating mutation than other types of mutations. In addition, scores for FSIQ, VCI and PRI were lower for children with visual impairment than normal vision. We also identified a discrepancy in indexes characterized by high WMI and VCI and low PRI and PSI. We emphasize the importance of early identification and intensive care of visual disorders in patients with KS and recommend individual assessment of intellectual profile.

Prevalence of Anemia in Children Aged Six Months to Thirty Six Months - A Hospital Based Study

Background: Anemia is a common problem in childhood, especially children aged 6months to 24 months old. In Bangladesh overall, 68 % of children aged 6-59 months are anemic. Anemia impairs normal development, decreases physical exercise tolerance & intellectual performance in children which may lead to a slowdown of growth in children. It constitutes a major public health problem in young children in the developing world with wide social & economic implications.Objective: To see the prevalence of anemia among hospitalized children aged 6 months to 36 months.Methodology: Children 6 months –36 months aged who were admitted in Dhaka Shishu (Children) hospital due to some acute illness, were enrolled from 1st June, 2010 to 30th August, 2010. Children were classified as anemic when Hb level was <11gm/dl. On the values of MCV and morphology of RBC anemic babies were further classified as microcytic anemia, normocytic anaemia and macrocytic anaemia. Again in children with microcytic hypochromic RBC, serum ferritin, Hb electrophoresis, stool R/E and c-reactive protein were done to find out the cause.Results: Among 331 admitted children, 201(61%) children had anemia (Hb <11gm/ dl), Male was 123(61.2%) and female was 78(38.8%). Mean hemoglobin concentration was 9.2±1.2 gm/dl. Mild, moderate, severe anemia were19%, 39.3% and 2.4% respectively. The most affected age group was 6-23 months(76%). Microcytic anemia, macrocytic anemia, and normocytic anemia were present in 101(50.2%), 10(5%) and 90(44.8%) cases respectively. Among the microcytic hypochromic anemia, IDA was found in 60(59.4%), which was 29.85% among total anemic children.Conclusion: A large proportion of hospitalized children under 3 years were found anemic. Raising awareness of the problem and providing health care education in this group will be the key strategies to prevent and control this huge public health problem in Bangladesh.Bangladesh J Child Health 2016; VOL 40 (2) :98-102

Association between breastfeeding duration and cognitive development, autistic traits and ADHD symptoms: a multicenter study in Spain.

Several studies have related longer breastfeeding duration to better intellectual performance in children. By contrast, few studies have investigated the potential protective effects of breastfeeding against behavioral problems such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, and even fewer on autism spectrum disorders (ASD) traits. We examined the association between breastfeeding duration and cognitive development, attention, ADHD symptoms, and autistic traits using data from the INMA Project, a Spanish multicenter birth-cohort study, and taking into account the intensity of breastfeeding. Duration of any, predominant, and exclusive breastfeeding was documented during infancy through maternal questionnaires. Children (N = 1,346; mean age = 4.9 y) were assessed using the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities, Conners' Kiddie Continuous Performance Test, criteria of the DSM-ADHD symptoms form list, and the Childhood Autism Spectrum Test. After adjustment for several confounders, longer duration of breastfeeding was independently associated with better cognitive development and with fewer autistic traits. This study provides further evidence of a positive association of breastfeeding with cognitive function apart from socio-environmental factors, and also suggests a protective role against autistic traits. Results are in agreement with recommendations for prolonged breastfeeding duration to promote child development.

Comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation of children and adolescents with sickle cell anemia: a hospital-based sample.

BackgroundIndividuals with sickle cell anemia may suffer symptomatic or silent cerebral infarcts leading to neurocognitive complications. This study investigated the cognitive and intellectual performance of children and adolescents with sickle cell anemia.MethodsThe socioeconomic status, clinical aspects and behavioral profile of 15 young individuals with sickle cell anemia were evaluated. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, the Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment Test, and the Child Behavior Checklist were applied.ResultsParticipants with a history of stroke had lower intelligence quotient (IQ) scores. Alterations were found in attention and executive functioning, language, verbal and visual memory, visuospatial processing and sensorimotor skills. These alterations were found both in the children and adolescents who had had a cerebral infarction and in those who apparently had not. In the majority of cases, there were learning difficulties, a history of repeating school years and a need for specialist educational support. The most common additional diagnoses in accordance with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV were depressive disorder, anxiety disorder and somatic disorder, as well as conditions associated with physical and psychosocial repercussions of sickle cell anemia.ConclusionAs sickle cell anemia is considered a progressive cerebral vasculopathy, it is a potential risk factor for neurocognitive and psychosocial development. Therefore, periodic neuropsychological and behavioral evaluations of children and adolescents with sickle cell anemia may represent a useful measure to reduce long-term biopsychosocial repercussions.

Dental fluorosis and urinary fluoride concentration as a reflection of fluoride exposure and its impact on IQ level and BMI of children of Laxmisagar, Simlapal Block of Bankura District, W.B., India.

There has been growing public concern about intellectual performance of children at high levels of fluoride exposure. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Simlapal Block of Bankura District, West Bengal, to find out the relationship between fluoride (F) exposure as exposure dose (ED) with dental fluorosis (DF), urinary fluoride concentration (UF), intelligence quotient (IQ) and body mass index (BMI). Fifty groundwater samples were collected from the target area. One hundred forty-nine children belonging to age group 6 to 18years were considered for this study. Experimental results reveal that mean F(-) concentration of that area is 2.11mg/L (±SD 1.64). On the basis of F concentration in groundwater and water consumption pattern, ED was calculated to explore the impact of F(-) on DF, UF, IQ, and BMI. Paired t test results suggest that exposure rate of F does not show any significant differences (<0.05) among the children of 12 different places. As a result of F exposure, DF cases are mostly found in the order of moderate > severe > mild > very mild > questionable > normal conditions. The highest UF concentration was recorded as 17mg/L, but the status of DF in the affected children was recorded as moderate. The results also reveal that ED has a positive correlation with DF (r = 0.299, P < 0.01) and UF (r = 0.513, P < 0.01) and a negative correlation with IQ (r = -0.343, P < 0.01) along with BMI (r = 0.083, non-significant). Therefore, from this study, it may be concluded that UF and DF concentration could act as a biomarker of fluoride toxicity.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Children admitted in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Bangladesh

Introduction: Anaemia is a common problem in childhood. In Bangladesh, overall 68% of children aged 6-59 months are anaemic. Anaemia impairs normal growth and development, decreases physical exercise tolerance and intellectual performance in children. The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence and risk factors for iron deficiency anaemia in hospitalized children aged 6 to 36 months.Materials and Methods: Eligible children admitted in Dhaka Shishu (Children’s) Hospital due to any acute illness, were enrolled from 1st June 2010 to 30th August 2010. Anaemia (Hb &lt;11gm/dl) was classified as microcytic, normocytic or macrocytic. Peripheral blood film, serum ferritin, haemoglobin electrophoresis, serum C-reactive protein and stool microscopy were done. Risk factors were looked for in cases of iron deficiency anaemia.Results: Among 331 enrolled children, 201 (61%) had anaemia, among them 63 (31%) had iron deficiency anaemia. Lower the socioeconomic status, higher was the rate of anaemia. Prematurity and low birth weight was significantly associated with anaemia. Poor feeding practices including colostrum rejection, non-exclusive breastfeeding, early/late weaning and inappropriate weaning diet were important risk factors. Gender was not found as a risk factor.Conclusion: A large proportion of hospitalized children under three years of age were found anaemic, among them iron deficiency anaemia was most common. The study result emphasizes the importance of identifying the risk factors of anaemia in this age group. Raising awareness of the problem and providing health and nutrition education will be the key interventions to prevent and control this huge public health problem in Bangladesh.J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2015;35(1):38-43

Association of Pulsatility Index in the Middle Cerebral Artery with Intelligence Quotient in Children with Sickle Cell Disease

The aim of this study was to explore whether intellectual performance in children with Sickle Cell Disease and with low risk of stroke as determined with conventional transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) criteria was associated with hemodynamic parameters in imaging TCD, when controlling for hematological and socio-economical variables and presence of silent infarcts. We performed neuropsychological testing with Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (K-BIT-IQ) and imaging TCD examinations to measure blood flow velocities and pulsatility indexes (PI) in the middle cerebral arteries (MCA) In 46 children with homozygous HbSS (mean age 108±34 months, range limits: 47-166 months; 24 females), without a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack, with no stenosis on magnetic resonance angiography and with velocities below 170 cm/s in screening conventional TCD. Mean K-BIT IQ Composite and Vocabulary scores (91±13 and 86±14 respectively) were significantly below the average scores of 100 for the age-matched population (one sample t-test=5.21, p<0.001). Using univariate and multivariate regression models, we found that lower PI in the right MCA was associated with lower K-BIT-IQ Composite and Vocabulary scores. Furthermore, we found that interhemispheric differences in PIs were even more strongly associated with neuropsychological performance, whereas flow velocities were not associated with the K-BIT-IQ score. Using a model of chronic anemia, we found that cognitive functioning was associated with cerebral hemodynamics.

Lead and Copper Levels in Tea Samples Marketed in Beijing, China

Next to water, tea is the most widely consumed beverage (Marcos et al., 1998) because of its taste aroma and health benefits. On the basis of extensive animal experiments and some epidemiologic data, tea is considered to have numerous beneficial effects on the prevention of many diseases, including skin cancer (Katharine, 2001), Parkinson’s disease (Richard, 2001), myocardial infarction (Cheng, 2003), and coronary artery disease (Hirano et al., 2003). Tea is produced from the leaves of the tropical evergreen Camellia sinensis, which is indigenous to China. In China, tea sipping is an integral part of the culture. In the world, China is a major tea producer, supplying 23.3% of the world’s tea. However, the rapid industrialization of China over the past two decades has caused increased contamination to the environment, which inevitably has brought contamination to tea. During the growth period of the tea plant and during tea processing, tea itself can be contaminated by heavy metals, such as lead and copper, which might increase the metal body burden in humans. Lead is a physiologic and neurologic toxin that can affect almost every organ and system in the human body. It can reduce cognitive development and intellectual performance in children and damage kidneys and the reproductive system. Copper is an essential element, with both deficiencies and excesses associated with impaired health. Copper deficiency is known to cause various physiologic disorders such as anemia and bone abnormalities (Uauy et al., 1998) resulting from decreased activity of the copper-requiring enzymes. Copper excess can cause hepatic and kidney damage, hemolytic anemia (Evans, 1973), and methaemoglobinemia (Chugh et al., 1975). Therefore, after the pesticide contamination issue, heavy metal contamination in teas has become another noteworthy issue because it is related directly to heath and disease. The current study aimed to determine the lead and copper concentrations in tea samples collected from the Beijing market, and to give an overview of the current safety situation of teas marketed in Beijing, host of the Olympic Games in the year 2008.

Cognitive effects of seizures

We aimed to review recent prospective and cross-sectional studies regarding the gradual and chronic effects of (cumulative) seizures on cognition. In contrast with the increasing evidence of structural changes in the brain associated with repeated seizures, its functional repercussions remain unclear. Methodological difficulties of cross-sectional and prospective studies are addressed. It appears that all but one of the prospective studies available on children are limited to measures of intelligence. Most studies revealed no significant adverse effects, although there appears to be a subgroup of about 10-25% of children that shows a clinically significant intellectual decline. Children with generalized symptomatic epilepsies, frequent seizures, high antiepileptic drug use, and early onset of epilepsy appear at risk, although psychosocial factors may also play an important role. Five of the six prospective studies on adults report evidence of a mild decline in cognition in patients with a (longstanding) history of pharmacoresistant epilepsy. The adverse effect on cognitive abilities, memory in particular, seems somewhat more robust than that on measures of intelligence. A significant association between cognitive decline and seizure related variables is rarely substantiated in prospective research and cross-sectional studies show contradicting results. Taken together, the data suggest a mild but measurable decline of intellectual performance in children and adults. Decline of specific cognitive abilities in children is impossible to evaluate given the very little data available. In adults, memory appears to be the most vulnerable cognitive function. Due to many confounding variables, the effect of seizures per se is difficult to estimate, but appears limited.

Effects of Stimulant Medication on Cognitive Performance of Children with ADHD

The effect that treatment with stimulant medication has on the intellectual performance of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was examined. Thirty-one children diagnosed with ADHD were given a WISC-III before any treatment was implemented. At least 1 year later, children were retested. At this time, 24 of the children were taking stimulant medications. Children receiving medications had significant increases in IQ scores, but no changes were found for those not taking medications. Changes in IQ scores were moderately related to parents' perceived efficacy of the medication and parent-reported compliance with medication but were not strongly related to changes in parent-reported ADHD symptoms.

Receptive language performance as an estimator of verbal intellectual performance in children with head injuries

Receptive language performance as an estimator of verbal intellectual performance in children with head injuries

Influence of Low Birth Weight on the Intellectual Performance of Children at Entry to First Year of School

Influence of low birth weight (LBW) on children at entry to school was studied by comparing a group of LBW children with a group of normal birth weight (NBW) children. A wide variety of study instruments was used to obtain required information and steps were taken to ensure quality of data. Influence of LBW on competency at entry to school was examined while accounting for the possible confounders of the relevant association. LBW group was found to have a lower level of intellectual performance at the time of school entry. The significant factors influencing this association were: poor socio-economic status, lower duration of pre-school education, lack of availability of reading material and lower nutritional status. However the influence of LBW on performance at entry to school remained significant once the above confounders were controlled. This highlights the need to prevent LBW and to maximize the intellectual ability of LBW survivors by appropriate interventions.

New instrumental methods for assessment of higher cortical functions in the diagnosis of impaired intellectual performance in children

New instrumental methods for assessment of higher cortical functions in the diagnosis of impaired intellectual performance in children

Intellectual performance of children with maple syrup urine disease

The intellectual performance of 22 children aged 3-16 years with maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) was assessed and compared to a group of early treated phenylketonuria (PKU) children and normal subjects matched by age, sex, nationality, and socio-economic status. All subjects were tested by one examiner only using the age related versions of the non-verbal Snijders-Oomen intelligence test. The mean IQ (+/- SD) score was 74 +/- 14 (range 50-103) in patients with MSUD, 101 +/- 12 (range 87-125) in early treated PKU patients, and 107 +/- 9 (range 90-122) in normal subjects. Intercorrelations indicated that length of time after birth that plasma leucine concentration remained > 1 mmol/l and quality of long-term metabolic control have important influences on IQ.

Points: Intellectual performance of children after whooping cough

Points: Intellectual performance of children after whooping cough

Intellectual performance in children of alcoholics.

Alcoholics tend to show some cognitive deficits relative to nonalcoholics. The present study of a sample from a Danish birth cohort examined whether these deficits might be present in children at high risk for later alcoholism. The subjects were tested at age 12 with a Danish translation of the Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children. Risk status for later alcoholism was defined by parental alcoholism as determined by interview and medical records. Results suggest that Performance IQ deficits may be consequential to alcoholism whereas Verbal deficits (characteristic of the high risk children) may be antecedent to alcoholism.

Intellectual performance in children with tongue-thrust swallow

Intellectual performance in children with tongue-thrust swallow

Intellectual performance in children after circulatory arrest with profound hypothermia in infancy.

38 children were assessed 22 months to 6 years after open heart surgery using circulatory arrest with deep hypothermia. The mean IQ of the group was 99.2 (SD 19.5). No correlation was found between IQ and the age or weight at operation or the duration of circulatory arrest. The results suggest that the technique gives effective protection to the brain during periods of circulatory arrest for up to 60 minutes.