Intelligence quotient in children with meningomyeloceles: a case–control study

• DOI: 10.3171/ped.2007.106.2.106
• Publication Date: 2008-01-24T13:04:50Z
• Authors: Farideh Nejat; Syed Shuja Kazmi; Zohreh Habibi; Parvin Tajik; Zahra Shahrivar
• Keywords: Raven's Progressive Matrices

Object Meningomyelocele (MMC) is a common central nervous system birth defect. As one of many problems facing patients with MMC, learning disabilities are often overlooked. The aim this study was to evaluate IQs in group children MMCs and determine if correlation exists between intelligence level the presence an MMC and/or its complications. Methods A case–control conducted at Children’s Hospital Medical Center Tehran, Iran, from December 2004 through 2005. patient included 50 5 12 years age who were referred authors’ institution for treatment complications or follow up after surgery closure. individually matched sex control hospital other reasons did not have neurological abnormalities. all evaluated using Ravens Progressive Matrices test. both groups similar socioeconomic status family (p = 0.347) educational father 0.117) mother 0.439). Patient time closure varied 1 day 96 months (mean 4.1 months). Only 20% could walk normal gait. Forty-six percent had undergone placement ventriculoperitoneal shunt, half these experienced shunt-related complications; 72% completely incontinent urine feces. IQ results obtained ranged 73 134 mean (± standard deviation) 96.62 ± 13.01. In range 70 128, 104.82 12.30. Compared there statistically significant having lower < 0.001, paired t-test). Conclusions Although average significantly than that group, it important note above-average IQ. contrast reported studies, earlier repair shunt complications, walking difficulty, spinal lesion correlate IQs. Therefore, reduced cognitive levels noted result disease process itself associated