Screening tool identifies developmental risks in young children with SCD: Study

A neurodevelopmental screening tool may identify toddlers and preschool children with sickle cell diseaseexternal link, opens in a new tab (SCD) who are at risk for long-term academic difficulties, a study shows.

The tool, called the Ages and Stages Questionnaireexternal link, opens in a new tab (ASQ), is based on parent-reported acquisition of developmental milestones across fine and gross motor skills, communication, problem-solving, and personal-social skills. In preschool children, the tool may also predict later risk for stroke.

These findings highlight “the utility of developmental screening for the early detection of persistent developmental difficulties,” researchers wrote. “Early detection has important implications for accessing intervention before elementary school that can mitigate academic difficulties.”

The study, “Academic and cerebrovascular outcomes after neurodevelopmental screening in sickle cell disease: A longitudinal cohort studyexternal link, opens in a new tab,” was published in Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology by a team of U.S. researchers.

Children with SCD may experience growth and developmental delays

SCD is causedexternal link, opens in a new tab by genetic mutations that result in the production of a faulty version of hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells, leading to cells acquiring a sickle-like shape. Faulty cells tend to get stuck in blood vessels, blocking blood flow and hastening their destruction, which can lead to a shortage of red blood cells.

Children with SCD may experience growth and developmental delays, caused by a shortage of oxygen and nutrient supply to tissues that can be the result of inflammation and events like stroke.

However, “long-term implications of developmental delay among young children with SCD are not well understood,” the researchers wrote.

In a previous developmental screening study, the team of researchers found that toddlers and early school-age children with SCD and developmental delays had lower parent-reported academic performance than those without developmental delays.

However, only the older children with developmental delay also had higher rates of academic attainment issues (such as failing a grade) and a greater need for developmental support services.

Now, the same team wanted to assess the long-term validity of ASQ, a widely used developmental screening tool, in predicting subsequent academic outcomes and cerebrovascular disease in children with SCD.