Predictive validity of developmental screening in young children with sickle cell disease: a longitudinal follow-up study.

AIM: To assess the predictive validity of developmental screenings in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) for academic outcomes and stroke risk.

METHOD: Parent questionnaires and medical record data were collected for a cohort receiving developmental screenings between September 2004 and May 2008 as toddlers or early school age. Screening outcomes were dichotomized (positive, negative) by a priori criteria. Questionnaires assessed school and social functioning, services received, and quality of life. Medical record data assessed general SCD morbidity and stroke risk.

RESULTS: Forty-one toddlers (mean age 2y 5mo; 25 males, 16 females) and 49 early school-age children (mean age 6y 5mo; 26 males, 23 females) completed follow-up. The mean follow-up period was 8 years 6 months (range 6.1-10.8y). For toddlers, positive screenings for language delays predicted lower academic performance (p=0.023). For older children, positive screenings for cognitive delays predicted more frequent academic/attentional problems at school (p<0.001), grade retention (p=0.007), and lower academic performance (p=0.001). Positive screenings were associated with an earlier onset of school problems and lower quality of life. Positive screenings for language/cognitive delays predicted increased stroke risk (both p<0.05).

INTERPRETATION: Screening for language or cognitive development in young children with SCD predicts academic outcomes and stroke risk.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Developmental screening predicts academic outcomes in sickle cell disease. Children with concerning language/cognitive screenings have early-onset school difficulties. Developmental screenings may help predict cerebrovascular complications.