Natural history of cerebral visual impairment in children with cerebral palsy

• DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.16096
• Publication Date: 2024-09-24T19:09:47Z
• Authors: Jessica Galli; Erika Loi; Stefano Calza; Serena Micheletti; Anna Molinaro; Alessandra Franzoni; Andrea Rossi; Francesco Semeraro; Lotfi B. Merabet; Elisa Fazzi
• Keywords: Visual Impairment

Abstract Aim To longitudinally evaluate the natural history of cerebral visual impairment (CVI) in children with palsy (CP) and identify which early signs or symptoms are associated cognitive disorders (CVDs) at school age. Method Fifty‐one individuals CP CVI underwent an ophthalmological, oculomotor, basic function evaluation three time points: T0 (6–35 months old); T1 (3–5 years T2 (≥6 old). We also performed a T2. Logistic regression fitted using generalized estimation equation (binary) cumulative link models (ordinal) were used to model outcomes interest. Results Ophthalmological deficits stable over time, except for ocular fundus abnormalities (T1–T0, p = 0.01; T2–T1, 0.02; T2–T0, < 0.01) strabismus, whose frequency increased age (T2–T0, 0.02 T2‐T0, 0.05). Conversely, fixation 0.01), smooth pursuit (T2–T1, saccades as well acuity, contrast sensitivity, field all improved time. Early oculomotor dysfunction was CVD Interpretation Although diagnosis confirmed each point, several time; some cases, they reached complete recovery These results emphasize ‘permanent’ but ‘not unchanging’ nature during development.