Cognitive assessment methods of patients with Apert and Crouzon syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: Bilateral Coronal Craniosynostosis implies a decrease in the Cranial Perimeter (CP) in the anteroposterior axis (Brachycephaly) and is frequently associated with an increase in the cephalocaudal (vertical height) axis of the skull (Turrycephaly); being one of the most common findings in Crouzon and Apert Syndromes (Syndromic Craniosynostosis). In this Scope Review study, among the Syndromic Craniosynostosis, Apert and Crouzon Syndromes will be of special interest. Objective: This study aimed to identify, analyze, and synthesize the appropriate cognitive assessment methods for monitoring the evolution of patients with syndromic craniosynostosis, in particular Apert's and Crouzon's syndromes. Method: This is a scope review. In order to formulate the research guiding question and the searching strategy, the Population [((Apert OR Crouzon) AND (Disease OR Syndrom*))], Concept [((cognit* OR neurobehavioral OR neurocognit* OR neuropsyc*) AND (evaluation OR evaluations OR assessment OR “test” OR tests OR status OR development OR disorder OR disorders OR impairment OR impairments OR impaired OR function OR functions))] and Context (in any context) strategy was used. The articles written in English, Portuguese, and Spanish in any period were included. The search was performed in the following databases: Embase, Scopus, National Library of Medicine (PubMed/MEDLINE), and in the BVS Salud network (PAHO, WHO, BIREME, LILACS). Results: many internationally validated cognitive assessment tests were applied to patients with Apert and Crouzon, but no standardization (protocol) was followed. Of the 75 types of Cognitive Tests applied, the Wechsler Intelligence Scale predominated, 50%. In the evaluated population, two age groups predominated: school children and adolescents. Children with Apert and Crouzon had worse scores on disorders of socialization, attention, and internalization when compared to the normative group, with the worst results found in Apert. Factors that interfere with cognitive development: intracranial pressure, brain malformations, genetics, age at surgical correction, institutionalization, family environment, caregiver education, and socioeconomic status. Conclusion: the results contributed to a better understanding of the cognitive profile of patients with these syndromes and only by knowing about the neuropsychomotor, cognitive, and psychosocial skills and difficulties of these patients with Apert and Crouzon that health, school, and caregiver teams will be able to understand the perceptive capacity in the learning process of these patients deeply and will be able to offer the most appropriate stimuli at the most opportune time.