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Cognitive functions in children with myelomeningocele without hydrocephalus

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Abstract

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore the separate effects of myelomeningocele (MMC) and hydrocephalus on intelligence and neuropsychological functions in a population-based series of children.

Material and methods

Of the 69 children with MMC born in 1992–1999 in western Sweden, nine did not develop hydrocephalus. Eight of them participated in this study and were compared with age- and gender-matched children with MMC in combination with hydrocephalus and with controls.

Results

Children with only MMC had an IQ of 103 compared with 75 in those with hydrocephalus added to the MMC and they had significantly better immediate and long-term memory and executive functions. When compared with controls, they had difficulty with learning and executive functions, but when the two children with an IQ of <70 were excluded, those with only MMC performed just as well as the controls.

Conclusion

Hydrocephalus rather than MMC in itself appeared to cause the cognitive deficits found in children with MMC.

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Acknowledgements

Financial support was obtained from the Scientific Council and the Child Habilitation Centre, Province of Halland. We gratefully acknowledge the children and parents who were willing to participate.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Habilitation, Halmstad County Hospital, Halmstad, Sweden

    Barbro Lindquist

  2. The Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital/Sahlgrenska University Hospital, University of Gothenburg, 416 85, Gothenburg, Sweden

    Paul Uvebrant & Eva Rehn

  3. Department of Paediatrics, University of Schleswig-Holstein/Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany

    Göran Carlsson

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  1. Barbro Lindquist
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  2. Paul Uvebrant
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  3. Eva Rehn
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  4. Göran Carlsson
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Correspondence to Paul Uvebrant.

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Lindquist, B., Uvebrant, P., Rehn, E. et al. Cognitive functions in children with myelomeningocele without hydrocephalus. Childs Nerv Syst 25, 969–975 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-009-0843-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-009-0843-5

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