Intelligence Quotient Of Children Research Articles

Intelligence profiles and adaptive behaviors of high-functioning autism spectrum disorder and developmental speech and language disorders.

The present study was aimed at investigating the intelligence profiles and adaptive behaviors of children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD) and developmental speech and language disorders (DSLDs). We compared the similarities and differences of cognitive capabilities and adaptive functions and explored their correlations in the HFASD and DSLDs groups. 128 patients with HFASD, 111 patients with DSLDs and 114 typically developing (TD) children were enrolled into our study. Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-IV (WISC-IV) and Adaptive Behavior Assessment System-II (ABAS-II) were respectively applied to evaluate intelligence profiles and adaptive behaviors. Intelligence quotient (IQ) scores and adaptive functioning scores among the HFASD, DSLDs and TD groups were compared through one-way ANOVA. Pearson correlation coefficient was applied to examine the relationships between WISC indices and ABAS domains. Outcomes showed significantly poorer intelligence profiles and adaptive behaviors in HFASD and DSLDs groups. Both children with HFASD and DSLDs demonstrated impairments in verbal comprehension and executive functions. Processing speed and working memory were the predominant defects of children with HFASD and DSLDs in the field of executive functions, respectively. Whereas perceptual reasoning was a relative strength for them. Children with DSLDs had balanced scores of all the domains in ABAS-II; nevertheless, HFASD individuals demonstrated striking impairments in Social domain. Correlation analysis showed IQs of children with HFASD were positively correlated with all the domains and General Adaptive Composite (GAC) of ABAS-II. Additionally, IQs were positively correlated with Conceptual domain and GAC for children with DSLDs. Compared with DSLDs group, intelligence displayed stronger correlations with adaptive behaviors in HFASD group. Our study expanded insights regarding intelligence profiles and adaptive behaviors of children with HFASD and DSLDs. Moreover, this study made breakthroughs in discovering positive correlations between IQs and adaptive functions in the two neurodevelopmental disorders.

Sleep and neurocognitive outcome in primary school children with Robin Sequence.

To investigate neurocognitive and behavioral outcomes at primary school age in relation to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children with Robin sequence (RS) treated with the Tuebingen palatal plate in infancy and to assess the impact of OSA in these patients. Forty-two primary school-aged children (n = 21 with RS, n = 21 age- and sex-matched controls) underwent polysomnography, intelligence testing ("Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fifth Edition" [WISC-V]), and anthropometrics. Families completed a 7-day sleep diary and questionnaires on sleep and behavior (Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire [CSHQ] and the Child Behavior Checklist [CBCL]). In children with RS (17 non-syndromic, four syndromic; median age 9.7 [8.5-10.8] years), the obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (OAHI) was significantly higher than in controls (1.3 [0.4-2.7]/h vs. 0.4 [0.1-0.6]/h). Two syndromic children with RS were already on nocturnal respiratory support for OSA prior to our study, and one non-syndromic child was diagnosed with severe OSA (OAHI 57/h) despite an unremarkable medical history and questionnaire. The overall intelligence quotient in children with RS was within the normal range and did not differ between children with RS and healthy peers (102 vs. 108, p = .05). However, children with RS had values in the at-risk clinical range for externalizing behavior. These children with RS showed an increased risk of OSA and behavioral problems, suggesting regular screening for OSA throughout childhood. Neurocognitive scores in children with RS were within the normal range after adequate treatment of OSA during infancy.

Systematic Review-Meta Analysis Study the Effect of Cadmium and Copper Exposure on Children’s Cognitive

Abstract Childhood neurodevelopment could be affected by various factors, such as heavy metal cadmium and copper. The aim of this study was to analyze the scientific evidence published to date on the potential effects on cognitive development in children exposed to cadmium and copper by pooling the results of the different studies. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of original articles published from January 2012 until December 2020 in PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane which evaluate the effects on cognitive development due to pre or post-natal exposure to cadmium and copper in children. Meta-analysis was performed using Revman 5.3 and linear regression techniques were used to estimate the effect size. Publication bias was evaluated by Begg’s and Egger’s tests. Our search resulted in 6 articles that evaluated the effects of cadmium and copper on cognitive development met the inclusion criteria: 4 cadmium, 2 copper, and 1 both. Most studies evaluating cadmium exposure (4 of 5) reported a significant negative effect on cognitive development. Only two studies that evaluated exposure to copper found an association with neurodevelopment. The meta-analysis showed an increase of cadmium levels in urine would be associated with a 1.4 decrease in the full-scale intelligence quotient (IQ) (P =0.008) and a 1.03 decrease in verbal scale IQ of children (P =0.006). There were no enough studies of copper exposure to conduct a meta-analysis. Current evidence supports the finding that cadmium exposure has a detrimental effect on cognitive development in children but there is little information on copper. Keywords: Cadmium, Child, Cognitive, Copper, Neurodevelopment

The relationship between childhood blood lead levels below 5µg/dL and childhood intelligence quotient (IQ): Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The causal association between childhood lead (Pb) exposure and decrements in intelligence quotient (IQ) is well-established, and no safe blood lead level (BLL) in children has been identified. An international pooled analysis of seven prospective studies published by Lanphear et al. in 2005 quantified the relationship between childhood BLL and IQ. Further studies of Pb and IQ have been published more recently with mean BLLs generally lower than in the studies analyzed by Lanphear et al. In this article, we present the protocol for a systematic review to estimate an updated Pb-IQ relationship focusing on BLLs below 5µg per deciliter (µg/dL). What is the quantitative relationship between childhood BLLs and IQ at ages 3-17years at BLLs below 5μg/dL? A comprehensive search of the scientific literature will utilize citation mapping and key word searching. In the citation mapping approach, we will identify seed references that are relevant to our study question, and will then identify more recent references that have cited at least one of the seed references. The key word search will be conducted in the PubMed, Biosis Previews, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. We will also search electronic grey literature databases for conference proceedings, dissertations, and preprints. We will include studies that measured BLL in children at any age, assessed full-scale IQ of the same children (concurrent with or subsequent to BLL sample collection) at ages 3-17, and estimated a continuous quantitative relationship between BLL and IQ. We will consider only studies with a central tendency BLL<10µg/dL. The title and abstract of each record will be reviewed independently by two authors to determine whether the study in question satisfies the inclusion criteria. The full text of each article remaining after title-abstract screening will be reviewed independently by two authors to determine whether the study in question satisfies the inclusion criteria. Two authors will independently extract study characteristics and data from each included study. Studies meeting inclusion criteria will be evaluated for risk of bias (RoB) using the Navigation Guide method applied in a previous systematic review of neurodevelopmental effects (Lam et al., 2017), with adaptation to our study question. Each study will be independently evaluated by two review authors. We intend to conduct a random-effects meta-analysis to summarize the effects of children's exposure to Pb on IQ scores. Additionally, we plan to perform sensitivity analyses using sub-group analyses and/or meta-regression techniques to assess the impact of study design and study population characteristics to examine potential heterogeneity of results across studies. We will assign a confidence level rating (high, moderate, low, or very low) to the effect estimate from the meta-analyses/meta-regressions.

Effect of Mahjong on children's intelligence quotient.

This study investigated the effect of Mahjong, which is a table game played by three or four players and involves intellectual activity, on the intelligence quotient (IQ) of children. The participants were children between the age of 6 and 15 years, and their IQ was assessed immediately after enrolling in children's Mahjong classes and 1 year after the enrollment using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Fourth Edition (WISC-IV). Twenty children were included in the analysis. Their mean age at the time of the initial evaluation was 9 years and 6 months. In addition, we conducted a 1-year post-examination. The change in the IQ of this group was compared to that of a historical control group with a similar age range and test–retest interval. The mean overall full-scale IQ of the 20 children during the initial and post-1-year examinations was 106.05 and 113.75, respectively, and showed a statistically significant increase (p < 0.01). Based on the subscale index, the verbal comprehension index (VCI) and processing speed index (PSI) scores both showed a statistically significant increase from 100.6 to 106.75 and from 108.05 to 119.05 (p < 0.01), respectively. The PSI of the children included in the analysis showed a statistically significant increase compared to the historical control group. This study suggests that children who participate in Mahjong classes during their childhood have increased PSI scores of WISC-IV.

Do methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase, cyclohydrolase, and formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase 1 polymorphisms modify changes in intelligence of school-age children in areas of endemic fluorosis?

Background:Excessive exposure to fluoride can reduce intelligence. Methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase, cyclohydrolase, and formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase 1 (MTHFD1) polymorphisms have important roles in neurodevelopment. However, the association of MTHFD1 polymorphisms with children's intelligence changes in endemic fluorosis areas has been rarely explored.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in four randomly selected primary schools in Tongxu County, Henan Province, from April to May in 2017. A total of 694 children aged 8 to 12 years were included in the study with the recruitment by the cluster sampling method. Urinary fluoride (UF) and urinary creatinine were separately determined using the fluoride ion-selective electrode and creatinine assay kit. Children were classified as the high fluoride group and control group according to the median of urinary creatinine-adjusted urinary fluoride (UFCr) level. Four loci of MTHFD1 were genotyped, and the Combined Raven's Test was used to evaluate children's intelligence quotient (IQ). Generalized linear model and multinomial logistic regression model were performed to analyze the associations between children's UFCr level, MTHFD1 polymorphisms, and intelligence. The general linear model was used to explore the effects of gene-environment and gene-gene interaction on intelligence.Results:In the high fluoride group, children's IQ scores decreased by 2.502 when the UFCr level increased by 1.0 mg/L (β = −2.502, 95% confidence interval [CI]:−4.411, −0.593), and the possibility for having “excellent” intelligence decreased by 46.3% (odds ratio = 0.537, 95% CI: 0.290, 0.994). Children with the GG genotype showed increased IQ scores than those with the AA genotype of rs11627387 locus in the high fluoride group (P < 0.05). Interactions between fluoride exposure and MTHFD1 polymorphisms on intelligence were observed (Pinteraction < 0.05).Conclusion:Our findings suggest that excessive fluoride exposure may have adverse effects on children's intelligence, and changes in children's intelligence may be associated with the interaction between fluoride and MTHFD1 polymorphisms.

Intellectual Functioning of Children With Isolated PRS, PRS-Plus, and Syndromic PRS.

Describe the intelligence quotient (IQ) of children with Pierre Robin sequence (PRS). Prospective cohort study. Neurodevelopmental follow-up clinic within a hospital. Children with PRS (n = 45) who had been in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) were classified by a geneticist into 3 subgroups of isolated PRS (n = 20), PRS-plus additional medical features (n = 8), and syndromic PRS (n = 17) based on medical record review and genetic testing. Children with PRS completed IQ testing at 5 or 8 years of age with the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Third Edition (WPPSI-III) or Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV) or the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fourth Edition (WISC-IV) or Fifth Edition (WISC-V). IQ scores were more than 1 to 2 standard deviations below the mean for 36% of the overall sample, which was significantly greater compared to test norms (binomial test P = .001). There was a significant association between PRS subtype and IQ (Fisher's exact P = .026). While only 20% of children with isolated PRS were within 1 standard deviation below average and 35% of children with syndromic PRS were below 1 to 2 standard deviations, 75% of PRS-plus children scored lower than 1 to 2 standard deviations below the mean. PRS subgroups can help identify children at risk for cognitive delay. The majority of children with PRS-plus had low intellectual functioning, in contrast to the third of children with syndromic PRS who had low IQ and the majority of children with isolated PRS who had average or higher IQ.

Assessment of Intelligence Quotient in Children with Mucopolysaccharidoses

Assessment of Intelligence Quotient in Children with Mucopolysaccharidoses

Associations of Pre- and Postnatal Air Pollution Exposures with Child Behavioral Problems and Cognitive Performance: A U.S. Multi-Cohort Study.

Background:Population studies support the adverse associations of air pollution exposures with child behavioral functioning and cognitive performance, but few studies have used spatiotemporally resolved pollutant assessments.Objectives:We investigated these associations using more refined exposure assessments in 1,967 mother–child dyads from three U.S. pregnancy cohorts in six cities in the ECHO-PATHWAYS Consortium.Methods:Pre- and postnatal nitrogen dioxide () and particulate matter (PM) in aerodynamic diameter () exposures were derived from an advanced spatiotemporal model. Child behavior was reported as Total Problems raw score using the Child Behavior Checklist at age 4–6 y. Child cognition was assessed using cohort-specific cognitive performance scales and quantified as the Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (IQ). We fitted multivariate linear regression models that were adjusted for sociodemographic, behavioral, and psychological factors to estimate associations per 2-unit increase in pollutant in each exposure window and examined modification by child sex. Identified critical windows were further verified by distributed lag models (DLMs).Results:Mean and ranged from and , respectively, across pre- and postnatal windows. Average child Total Problems score and IQ were 22.7 [standard deviation (SD): 18.5] and 102.6 (SD: 15.3), respectively. Children with higher prenatal exposures were likely to have more behavioral problems [: 1.24; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.39, 2.08; per ], particularly in the first and second trimester. Each increase in at age 2–4 y was associated with a 3.59 unit (95% CI: 0.35, 6.84) higher Total Problems score and a 2.63 point (95% CI: , ) lower IQ. The associations between and Total Problems score were generally stronger in girls. Most predefined windows identified were not confirmed by DLMs.Discussion:Our study extends earlier findings that have raised concerns about impaired behavioral functioning and cognitive performance in children exposed to and in utero and in early life. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10248

Environmental lead exposure and its correlation with intelligence quotient level in children

BackgroundLead (Pb) is ubiquitous, naturally occurring heavy metal that has a neurotoxic effect on the CNS and causes a range of health problems in humans, including cognitive impairment. Its toxicity remains a worldwide health issue, especially in developing countries. In this study, we tend to investigate the relationship between Pb poisoning and sociodemographic status, intellectual and neurobehavioral capabilities of children. MethodsThe background characteristics of the research subjects were collected via questionnaire. The study involved 43 children, aged from 4 to 12 years. Blood lead (BL) levels were analysed by using anodic stripping voltammeter (ASV). Intelligence quotient (IQ) was another parameter that was assessed via using the Goodenough draw–A–person test in Pb exposed as well as control children. Although sociodemographic information was obtained in a questionnaire pattern from the parents. ResultsThe mean of BL level was 19.93 ± 9.22 μg/dL. BL levels were considerably higher with low social status (p < 0.05), maternal employment (p < 0.001) and the maximum time spent outdoors (p < 0.001). Source of water, age of subjects, type of house and kohl used by children was observed to be significantly correlated with BL levels i.e. (p < 0.05). IQ levels were decreased in a concentration dependent manner (p < 0.01). Negative correlations were found between BL levels and IQ levels (r = −0.963, <0.01). Girls were found to be higher IQ level than boys (p < 0.05). Moreover, higher socioeconomic status had a higher IQ level (p < 0.01) as compared to low. ConclusionBL levels were significantly associated with IQ levels. Sociodemographic characteristic was also found to be one of the risk factors that influenced the BL levels of children. Our investigations have demonstrated that the exposure of Pb severely affected the learning with memory, and the intelligence quotient of children, that is found inversely proportional in respect to BL levels.

Relationship between growth and intelligence quotient in children with Down syndrome.

The relationship between intelligence quotient (IQ) and somatic development, especially growth, has been demonstrated in various groups of children. Down syndrome (DS) is characterized by short stature, overweight, and cognitive impairment. The objective of our work was to assess whether anthropometric measurements [weight, height, body mass index (BMI)] of children with DS correlate with their IQ. The results of the study may be valuable for this population in the light of increasing access to growth hormone therapy (GHT) in various genetic syndromes with short stature. Based on previous studies on children, we hypothesized that a link exists between IQ and somatic development, particularly growth. This cross-sectional study included 40 children with DS, who were aged 9-18 years. The studied population was selected from the registry of the Genetic Clinic at the University Clinical Center in Gdańsk (Poland). Anthropometric measurements (weight and height) were taken for all the children, and their BMI was determined using these data. The obtained results were plotted on charts for children with DS. The IQ of the children was assessed using the Stanford Binet Intelligence Scale, Fifth Edition. The correlations between IQ and anthropometric data were analyzed using univariate correlation and multiple regression analyses. The results showed that full-scale, verbal, and nonverbal IQ correlated with height percentile (P=0.03, P=0.02, and P=0.04, respectively), but not with weight (P=0.26, P=0.19, and P=0.61, respectively) or BMI (P=0.6, P=0.5, and P=0.72, respectively). In multiple linear regression analysis, height percentile remained as an independent determinant of the IQ results after adjusting for birth weight, hypothyroidism with L-thyroxine replacement therapy, and congenital cardiac defect (β=0.48, P=0.018). The results of our study suggest an association between growth and IQ in children with DS. The presented findings may be valuable for improving access to GHT for populations with genetic syndromes characterized by short stature. However, these should be confirmed by further research with a longitudinal sample of children with DS.

Impact of Intelligence Quotient (IQ) on Dental Caries amongst Socially Handicapped Orphan Children and Children Living with Their Parents.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the IQ and dental caries status of socially deprived orphan children and compare with children living with their parents.Study designFor comparison, 100 children in age-group 7-11 years, were divided in two groups: 50 orphanage children (orphanage-group) and 50 school-going children living with their families were included (home group). Raven's colored progressive matrices test was used to record the intelligence quotient (IQ) and dental caries status of children was recorded using dmft Index.ResultsThere was statistically significant difference between children with different levels of IQ for both the groups. However, the majority of children who belong to below average IQ score had higher dental caries.ConclusionChildren with better IQ had less dental caries. There was no difference in IQ and DMFT/dmft score between both the genders. The overall DMFT/dmft was high in children living with their parents when compared to orphanage children.How to cite this articleAgarwalla S. The Impact of Intelligence Quotient (IQ) on Dental Caries amongst Socially Handicapped Orphan Children and Children Living with Their Parents. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(S-2):S230-S233.

Prenatal and early childhood predictors of intelligence quotient (IQ) in 7-year-old Danish children from the Odense Child Cohort.

Cognitive development measured as intelligence quotient can predict socioeconomic markers in adulthood. It is therefore of interest to determine predictors of childhood intelligence quotient. To assess intelligence quotient scores based on standardised Danish age-appropriate scores and to evaluate potential predictors of intelligence quotient. At 7 years of age children in the Odense Child Cohort completed an abbreviated version of the Wechsler intelligence scale for children 5th edition consisting of four subtests (vocabulary, similarities, block design and matrix reasoning) from which the full scale intelligence quotient and verbal comprehension index were estimated. Potential predictors from pregnancy through childhood were collected from questionnaires, birth records and clinical examinations. Intelligence quotient scores were investigated through descriptive statistics and linear regression models. The mean full scale intelligence quotient among 1375 children was 99.1 (95% confidence interval 98.5; 99.8) points. Higher full scale intelligence quotient scores were observed in girls 100.8 (95% confidence interval 100.0; 101.8) compared to boys 97.6 (96.7; 98.4), and in children of mothers with high and intermediate education 101.7 (100.4; 103.1) and 99.6 (98.7; 100.5), respectively, compared to low education 96.1 (94.9; 97.3). In linear regression analyses, longer maternal education and child sex (girls) remained strong predictors of intelligence quotient at age 7 years. In addition, paternal education, child head circumference and longer duration of breastfeeding were associated with higher intelligence quotient, whereas maternal overweight and obesity before pregnancy was associated with lower intelligence quotient. Mean intelligence quotient scores were comparable to the standardised mean intelligence quotient of 100 point of Danish peers. It is important to follow up these children to determine which predictors persist into adulthood.

Childhood Maltreatment, Educational Attainment, and IQ: Findings From a Multicentric Case-control Study of First-episode Psychosis (EU-GEI).

Evidence suggests that childhood maltreatment (ie, childhood abuse and childhood neglect) affects educational attainment and cognition. However, the association between childhood maltreatment and Intelligence Quotient (IQ) seems stronger among controls compared to people with psychosis. We hypothesised that: the association between childhood maltreatment and poor cognition would be stronger among community controls than among people with first-episode of psychosis (FEP); compared to abuse, neglect would show stronger associations with educational attainment and cognition; the association between childhood maltreatment and IQ would be partially accounted for by other risk factors; and the association between childhood maltreatment, educational attainment, and IQ would be stronger among patients with affective psychoses compared to those with nonaffective psychoses. 829 patients with FEP and 1283 community controls from 16 EU-GEI sites were assessed for child maltreatment, education attainment, and IQ. In both the FEP and control group, childhood maltreatment was associated with lower educational attainment. The association between childhood maltreatment and lower IQ was robust to adjustment for confounders only among controls. Whereas childhood neglect was consistently associated with lower attainment and IQ in both groups, childhood abuse was associated with IQ only in controls. Among both patients with affective and nonaffective psychoses, negative associations between childhood maltreatment and educational attainment were observed, but the crude association with IQ was only evident in affective psychoses. Our findings underscore the role of childhood maltreatment in shaping academic outcomes and cognition of people with FEP as well as controls.

Maternal smoking during pregnancy and intelligence quotient of offspring aged 18 and 30 years: Evidence from two birth cohorts in southern Brazil

Maternal smoking during pregnancy causes several harmful effects, including deficits in the intelligence quotient (IQ), a measure associated with academic achievements and higher socioeconomic position. We aimed to measure the association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and offspring's IQ in two birth cohorts from Pelotas, Brazil.Data from the 1982 and 1993 birth cohorts were analyzed. Smoking during pregnancy was ascertained at the perinatal follow-up, and IQ was measured at 30 years (1982) and 18 years (1993). Simple and multiple linear regressions were used for crude and adjusted analysis. Mediation analysis was performed using birth weight and breastfeeding as possible mediators. Data analysis was conducted in 2020.There were 3611 and 4050 participants from the 1982 and 1993 cohorts, respectively. After adjustment for potential confounders, the inverse association between smoking during pregnancy and children's IQ remained significant in both cohorts. Offspring of mothers who smoked during pregnancy had an average of 1.32 less IQ points (95%CI: −2.23, −0.242) in the 1982 cohort, and an average of 1.66 less IQ points (95%CI: −2.42, −0.90) in the 1993 cohort. Neither cohort showed association with paternal smoking (negative controls) after adjustment. Breastfeeding's mediated effects accounted for 26.2% and 23.9% of the association in the 1982 and 1993 cohorts, respectively, while birth weight's accounted for 6.8% and 30.1%, respectively; indirect effects were not significant.The inverse association between maternal smoking and IQ and the lack of association with paternal smoking reinforces our findings of a negative association between exposure and outcome.

Educational status, testosterone replacement, and intelligence outcomes in Klinefelter syndrome.

ABSTRACT.Most male hypergonadotropic hypogonadism associated with infertility can be attributed to a single genetic condition such as Klinefelter syndrome (KS). This disease's wide phenotypic variability is frequently associated with mosaic 47,XXY lineages and testosterone replacement. Early diagnosis and treatment have been associated with better cognitive and intellectual outcomes, but the scope of this influence requires further investigation.Objective:This study aimed to investigate the intelligence profile of a cohort of patients with KS, considering the influence of educational level and clinical variables.Methods:Twenty-nine (9–65 years) individuals were submitted to the measures of intelligence quotient (IQ) (Wechsler's Scales) and adaptive behavior (Vineland-II). Linear regression analysis included the participants’ educational level and clinical variables (i.e., comorbidities and use of testosterone) as predictors and intellectual performance and adaptive behavior as outcomes.Results:Scores varied from intellectual deficiency to average ranges (82.5+15.8). There were significant differences between adult's and children's IQ and between verbal and nonverbal indexes. The level of education predicted both IQ and adaptive behavior. Testosterone replacement therapy and absence of seizures predicted only adaptive behavior.Conclusions:The level of education and hormonal therapy can be selectively implicated in the intellectual variability in KS.

Prenatal Exposure to Ambient Pm2.5 and its Chemical Constituents and Child Intelligence Quotient at 6 Years of Age

Prenatal Exposure to Ambient Pm2.5 and its Chemical Constituents and Child Intelligence Quotient at 6 Years of Age

Nutritional Status and Intelligence Quotient of Preschool Children in Sunsari, Nepal

Introduction: Nutritional status has vital role on brain development of children during pregnancy and the first two years of life. Children who suffered from early childhood malnutrition have generally been found to have poorer IQ levels.&#x0D; Objective: To find out Nutritional Status and Intelligence Quotient of Preschool Children in Bhutaha VDC, Sunsari, Nepal.&#x0D; Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional design was used for the study. Proportionately 250 preschool children were selected. Data was collected by using self developed semi structured questionnaires for socio-demographic profiles, stadiometer and weighing scale for height and weight measurement respectively. Nutritional status was classified according to World Health Organization (WHO) standard. For an assessment of IQ, Indian Adaptation of Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS) and Developmental Screening Test (DST) scale were used. These scales provide an estimate of social quotient (SQ) and development quotient (DQ) and are designed to measure social maturation of age group 'below 15 years'. Data were analyzed using Pearson chi-square.&#x0D; Result: Among all, 51.2% of the children were male and most (80%) of the children were from Muslim ethnicity. Mean ± SD age of the children was 51.80±12.31 months. Almost all i.e., 98.4% of the children were delivered by normal vagina delivery and majority i.e., 78% of the children were delivered at home. Nearly equal proportions of children were from nuclear and non nuclear family. Prevalence of stunting and wasting were 28.4% and 8.4% respectively. Among 250 children, 11.6% had superior IQ, 52.4% had bright normal and 36% had average IQ. Mother’s education and malnutrition of children were significantly associated with IQ of children i.e., p=0.006, p=0.011 respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: Mother’s education has great impact on Intelligence Quotient of children. Intelligence is strongly related to nutritional status. Poor nutrition leads to poor IQ, which results in poor academic achievements. To prevent this, priority should be given for the prevention of malnutrition which ultimately improves the intelligence of children.

EFFECT OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA ON INTELLIGENCE QUOTIENT IN SCHOOL GOING CHILDREN OF PESHAWAR KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN

OBJECTIVE: To find the effect of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) on intelligence quotient (IQ) in school going children of Peshawar, Pakistan. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study a total of 153 children (male and female) of age 7-11 years were included. Socio-demographic questionnaire was designed for the collection of data. Blood specimens were collected in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and gel tubes. Complete blood count (CBC) was analyzed using fully automatic hematology analyzer (Model Sysmex XP-100, serial no.B2444) in EDTA blood. Ferritin levels were analyzed using chemistry analyzer (Model: Cobas e-6000), by Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) in serum. Raven Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM) was used for finding IQ of children. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS-22. RESULTS: Out of 153 children 66 (43.1%) were females and 87 (56.9%) were males. The prevalence of IDA was 11.7%. The mean IQ of nuclear family (57.3±37.33) was significantly higher than joint family children (34.8±34.53). The mean IQ of male (41.7±35.0) is bit higher than female (39.0±38.62). In 153 children, 66 (43.1%) were normal, 33 (21.6%) were obese and 54 (35.3%) were underweight. IQ of below average children with the average ones shows significant difference with hemoglobin and hematocrit (HCT). IQ of iron deficient anemic children was significantly lower than the normal children. The mean IQ, hemoglobin and ferritin levels for children having IDA were 9.1±8.01 (percentile), 11.2±0.33 (g/dl), and 9.6±1.2 (ng/ml) respectively. CONCLUSION: Intelligence of school going children is significantly affected with IDA and they have low IQ values as compared to normal children.

Association between Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy and Long-Term Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in the Offspring.

The long-term impact of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) exposure on offspring health is an emerging research area. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between a maternal diagnosis of HDP (gestational hypertension and preeclampsia) and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in the offspring. This was a secondary analysis of two parallel multicenter clinical trials of thyroxine therapy for subclinical hypothyroid disorders in pregnancy. Women with singleton nonanomalous gestations diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism or hypothyroxinemia were randomized to thyroxine therapy or placebo. The primary outcome was child intelligence quotient (IQ) at 5 years of age. Secondary outcomes included several neurodevelopmental measures, including the Bayley-III cognitive, motor, and language scores at 12 and 24 months, Differential Ability Scales-II (DAS-II) scores at 36 months, the Conners' rating scales-revised at 48 months, and scores from the Child Behavior Checklist at 36 and 60 months. Thyroxine therapy did not influence neurodevelopment in either of the primary studies. Associations between neurodevelopment outcomes and maternal HDP were examined using univariable and multivariable analyses. A total of 112 woman-child dyads with HDP were compared with 1,067 woman-child dyads without HDP. In univariable analysis, mean maternal age (26.7 ± 5.9 vs. 27.8 ± 5.7 years, p = 0.032) and the frequency of nulliparity (45.5 vs. 31.0%, p = 0.002) differed significantly between the two groups. Maternal socioeconomic characteristics did not differ between the groups. After adjusting for potential confounders, there were no significant differences in any primary or secondary neurodevelopment outcome between offspring exposed to HDP and those unexposed. However, when dichotomized as low or high scores, we found higher rates of language delay (language scores <85: -1 standard deviation) at 2 years of age among offspring exposed to HDP compared with those unexposed (46.5 vs. 30.5%, adjusted odds ratio = 2.22, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.44-3.42). In this cohort of pregnant women, HDP diagnosis was associated with language delay at 2 years of age. However, other long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring were not associated with HDP. · No differences were found in neurodevelopment between offspring exposed to HDP and controls.. · Higher rates of language delay at 2 years of age were found in offspring exposed to HDP.. · The results did not differ when analysis was stratified by preterm birth..