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Dissertation
Neuropsychological functioning of children with sickle cell disease and varying stroke risk levels
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
May 2001
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00000595
Abstract
Among the serious complications of sickle cell disease (SCD) is cerebrovascular activity or stroke. To determine the effects of cerebrovascular interference on brain tissue, the present study explored the neuropsychological sequelae of SCD, while considering the influence of stroke risk level. Children with SCD (N = 25) between the ages of 6 and 16 were divided into a stroke or no stroke group, and were assessed prospectively in the following neuropsychological domains: general intellectual functioning, attention/concentration, memory, visual-perceptual ability, and achievement skills. At Time 1, it was hypothesized that the no stroke group would perform better on all neuropsychological measures when compared to the stroke group. A multivariate analysis of variance, however, revealed no significance for between group differences. Within group hypotheses proposed that test performance of the no stroke group would be inversely related to transcranial Doppler (TCD) readings, and that test performance of the stroke group would be associated with stroke location and time since stroke. Correlations showed no significance for the relationship between TCD readings and neuropsychological measures. However, correlations revealed a significant relationship for time since stroke and attention/concentration. An analysis of variance indicated no effect of stroke location on test performance. Hypotheses for Time 2 proposed that the no stroke group would continue to perform better than the stroke group on all neuropsychological measures. A repeated measures analysis of variance revealed no effect of group. However, a significant effect of time on intellectual functioning was found, as was a trend of time on visual perceptual skills. Additionally, the no stroke group was hypothesized to display maintained or changed functioning based on TCD readings, while the stroke group was hypothesized to display stable or improved functioning, dependent on treatment, time since stroke activity, and absence of recurring strokes. Correlations revealed no significance for either of these relationships, and an analysis of variance indicated no significance of stroke location on test performance. Information gained from this study is beneficial in addressing and developing preventive, treatment and educational interventions for children with sickle cell disease, and in understanding the neuropsychological functioning of this population based on stroke risk.
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Details
- Title
- Neuropsychological functioning of children with sickle cell disease and varying stroke risk levels
- Creators
- Lori A. Catania
- Contributors
- Lamia Barakat (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- viii, 95 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychology, Sociology, and Anthropology [Historical]; College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991014970212904721