Neurocognitive and psychosocial function in children with benign external hydrocephalus (BEH)-a long-term follow-up study

作者：Mikkelsen Rebecka; Rodevand Linn Nilsen; Wiig Ulrikke Straume; Zahl Sverre Morten; Berntsen Torhild; Skarbo Anne Britt; Egge Arild; Helseth Eirik; Andersson Stein; Wester Knut^*

来源：Child's Nervous System, 2017, 33(1): 91-99.

DOI：10.1007/s00381-016-3267-z

• Benign external hydrocephalus (BEH)
• Cognition
• Neuropsychology
• Psychosocial function
• Quality of life

Long-term impact of benign external hydrocephalus (BEH) on cognition is largely unknown, and indication for neurosurgical CSF diversion procedure is debated. This study reports neuropsychological and psychosocial function in operated and non-operated BEH children.
Eighty-six children (76 males) between 8 and 18 years (mean 13.9) diagnosed with BEH before 12 months were included, of whom 30.2 % were operated. Participants completed neuropsychological tests and questionnaires covering quality of life (PedsQL) and executive BRIEF).
Both operated and non-operated BEH children performed significantly below normative means on several neuropsychological tests. The children scored themselves higher than the norm average on PedsQL; however, the parents reported life quality comparable to other children.
Operated children performed poorer compared with non-operated children on tests of psychomotor speed, attention span, executive function, motor speed and coordination, and on the BRIEF subscale Monitoring. Operated children, but not their parents, reported more problems on PedsQL subscale School than non-operated children.
Children with BEH display long-term subtle neurocognitive difficulties. Non-operated children performed significantly better on some neuropsychological measures and reported less psychosocial problems. This difference may be caused by a selection bias: neurosurgical intervention was more likely in children with clinically more pronounced symptoms.

• 出版日期2017-1