Association between surgical procedures under general anesthesia in infancy and developmental outcomes at 1 year: the Japan Environment and Children's Study

BACKGROUND@#The neurotoxicity of general anesthesia to the developing human brains is controversial. We assessed the associations between surgery under general anesthesia in infancy and development at age 1 year using the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS), a large-scale birth cohort study.@*METHODS@#In the JECS, 103,062 pregnancies and 104,065 fetuses were enrolled between January 2011 and March 2014. Of the 100,144 registered live births, we excluded preterm or post-term infants, multiple births, and infants with chromosomal anomalies and/or anomalies of the head or brain. Data on surgical procedures under general anesthesia in infancy were collected from self-administered questionnaires by parents at the 1-year follow-up. Developmental delay at age 1 year was assessed using the Japanese translation of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition (J-ASQ-3), comprising five developmental domains.@*RESULTS@#Among the 64,141 infants included, 746 infants had surgery under general anesthesia once, 90 twice, and 71 three or more times. The percentage of developmental delay in the five domains of the J-ASQ-3 significantly increased with the number of surgical procedures. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the risk of developmental delays in all five domains was significantly increased in infants who had surgery under general anesthesia three times or more (adjusted odds ratios: for communication domain 3.32; gross motor domain 4.69; fine motor domain 2.99; problem solving domain 2.47; personal-social domain 2.55).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Surgery under general anesthesia in infancy was associated with an increased likelihood of developmental delay in all five domains of the J-ASQ-3, especially the gross motor domain at age 1 year. The neurodevelopment with the growth should be further evaluated among the children who had surgery under general anesthesia.@*TRIAL REGISTRATION@#UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (number: UMIN000030786 ).

Validez del Ages & Stages questionnaires para predecir el desempeño cognitivo en los primeros años de educación escolar / Predictive value of Ages & Stages Questionnaires for cognitive performance at early years of schooling

El Ages and Stages questionnaires (ASQ) fue validado en nuestro país para el tamizaje del desarrollo psicomotor. El objetivo es evaluar la validez del ASQ para predecir un menor rendimiento cognitivo en los primeros años de educación escolar. Pacientes y Método: Estudio de pruebas diagnósticas en una muestra de niños de nivel socioeconómico medio alto evaluados previamente con ASQ a los 8, 18 y/o 30 meses, y luego con la Escala de inteligencia para niños de Wechsler-tercera edición (WISC-III) entre los 6 y 9 años de edad. Cada evaluación con ASQ se contabilizó en forma independiente. La Escala de WISC-III fue estandarizada para la muestra, considerando rendimiento bajo cuando el puntaje total estaba bajo una desviación estándar de la media. Resultados: Se incluyeron 123 niños, correspondientes a 174 evaluaciones ASQ (42 de 8; 55 de 18; 77 de 30 meses de edad). El área bajo la curva ROC fue 80,7%, siendo superior a los 8 meses (98,0%) que a los 18 y 30 meses (78,1 y 79,3%, respectivamente). Considerando distintos criterios de corte con ASQ se obtuvo sensibilidad baja (27,8% a 50,0%), pero especificidad elevada (78,8% a 96,2%); el valor predictivo positivo varió entre 21,4% y 45,5%, mientras que el valor predictivo negativo fue 92,0-93,2%. Conclusión: El ASQ tiene baja sensibilidad pero excelente especificidad para predecir un menor rendimiento cognitivo durante los primeros años de educación escolar, siendo una buena alternativa para monitorizar el desarrollo psicomotor de niños que se atienden en el sector privado de salud de nuestro país.

The Ages and Stages questionnaires (ASQ) has been recently validated in our country for developmental screening. The objective of this study is evaluate the validity of ASQ to predict low cognitive performance in the early years of schooling. Patients and Method: Diagnostic test studies conducted on a sample of children of medium-high socioeconomic level were evaluated using ASQ at least once at 8, 18 and/or 30 months old, and later, between 6 and 9 years old, reevaluated using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-third edition (WISC-III). Each ASQ evaluation was recorded independently. WISC-III was standardized, considering underperformance when the total score were under -1 standard deviation. Results: 123 children, corresponding to 174 ASQ assessments (42 of them were 8 months old, 55 were 18 months and 77 were 30 months of age) were included. An area under the ROC curve of 80.7% was obtained, showing higher values at 8 months (98.0%) compared to 18 and 30 months old (78.1 and 79.3%, respectively). Considering different ASQ scoring criteria, a low sensitivity (27.8 to 50.0%), but a high specificity (78.8 to 96.2%) were obtained; the positive predictive value ranged between 21 and 46%, while the negative value was 92.0-93.2%. Conclusion ASQ has low sensitivity but excellent specificity to predict a low cognitive performance during the first years of schooling, being a good alternative to monitor psychomotor development in children who attend the private sector healthcare in our country.

Validity of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires in Korean Compared to Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II for Screening Preterm Infants at Corrected Age of 18-24 Months for Neurodevelopmental Delay

This study aimed to evaluate the validity of the ages and stages questionnaire in Korean (ASQ 1st edition, Korean Questionnaires, Seoul Community Rehabilitation Center, 2000) for premature infants. The study population consisted of 90 premature infants born between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2011, who were tested using the ASQ (Korean) and Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID) (II) at a corrected age of 18-24 months. The validity of the ASQ (Korean) using cut-off values set at < -2 SD was examined by comparing it to the BSID (II) components, namely, the mental developmental index (MDI) or psychomotor developmental index (PDI), which were both set at < 85. The calculation of the sensitivities, specificities, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values of the ASQ (Korean) components revealed that they detected infants with neurodevelopmental delay with low sensitivity and positive predictive values, however, the communication domain showed moderate correlations with MDI. The failure in more than one domain of the ASQ (Korean) was significantly correlated with the failure in MDI. The ASQ (Korean) showed low validity for screening neurodevelopmentally delayed premature infants.

Aplicabilidad del Ages & Stages Questionnaires para el tamizaje del desarrollo psicomotor / Applicability of the Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) as a developmental screening tool for psychomotor delay

The screening and timely intervention of developmental psychomotor delay (DSM) has proven benefits for the child, families and society. In order to improve the efficiency in the identification of these disorders, many scientific groups recommend performing clinical monitoring during health controls and the use of standard evaluations at specific patient age or when delays are suspected. In recent years, screening instruments have been developed based on the report of parents or primary caregivers, which have the advantage of being inexpensive, require little application and interpretation time and involve the adults who are responsible for the care and stimulation of the child. One of these tools is the Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ), which has been widely used in the US and validated by several countries. This study describes the DSM assessment practices used in Chile and backs up the use of monitoring systems based on the report of parents/caregivers. ASQ validation experiences in other countries are discussed along with their psychometric characteristics for the Chilean population and consequent applicability.

La pesquisa e intervención oportunas de los trastornos del desarrollo psicomotor (DSM), tiene demostrados beneficios para el niño, su familia y la Sociedad. Con la finalidad de mejorar la eficacia en la identificación de las dificultades del DSM, distintas sociedades científicas recomiendan realizar una vigilancia clínica del desarrollo en los controles de salud y aplicar evaluaciones estandarizadas a edades específicas o frente a la sospecha de déficit. En los últimos años se han desarrollado instrumentos de tamizaje basados en el reporte de padres o cuidadores principales, los que cuentan con la ventaja de ser de bajo costo, demandan poco tiempo en su aplicación e interpretación e involucran a los adultos responsables del cuidado y estimulación del niño. Uno de estos instrumentos, el Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) ha sido ampliamente utilizado en USA y validado en varios países. En el presente manuscrito se describen las prácticas de evaluación del DSM que se utilizan en Chile y se fundamenta la implementación de un sistema de monitorización del desarrollo infantil basado en el reporte de padres/cuidadores a nivel nacional. Se revisan experiencias de validación del ASQ en otros países y sus características psicométricas para la población Chilena y las implicancias de su aplicabilidad clínica.

The Validity of Korean Ages and Stages Questionnaires (K-ASQ) in Korean Infants and Children

PURPOSE: As a preliminary study on the development of a new developmental screening tool, this study examined the validity of the Korean Ages and Stages Questionnaires (K-ASQ). METHODS: The clinical sample included a total of 218 Infants and children at 30, 36, 60 months of age, who were diagnosed with developmental disorders. Age- and sex-matched normal controls were selected from a national large-scale K-ASQ database. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were calculated in different age and diagnosis groups, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed as well. In addition, concurrent validity was analyzed for the clinical sample by comparing the K-ASQ with other reference scales. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the K-ASQ were above fair (0.82-0.96) overall, however they varied depending on age and diagnosis groups. Specifically, the sensitivity at 60 months was relatively low (0.65). Especially, the discrimination sensitivity for the language delay group was poor at 60 months (0.42). ROC analysis showed that the overall discrimination capacity was above fair in all 5 domains [area under the curve (AUC): 0.74-0.98]. However, there were some domains and age groups with relatively poor discrimination capacity. In terms of concurrent validity, the correlations between the K-ASQ domains and reference scale subscales were statistically significant overall, but weak in some domains. CONCLUSION: The overall discrimination capacity and concurrent validity of the K-ASQ were above fair, but there were some domains, age, and diagnosis groups in which the K-ASQ was not successful in identifying potentially developmentally challenged children. These findings suggested the need for the development of a new developmental screening test tool, which is suitable for Korean infants & children.

The Appropriateness of the Items of Korean Ages and Stages Questionnaires (K-ASQ) Developmental Screening Test in Korean Infants and Children

PURPOSE: Since National Health Screening Program for Infants and Children in Korea started from November, 2007, the need to design a new tool that can timely identify infants and chlildren with possible delayed development has been emphasized. The developmental screening devices currently used in Korea are mostly adapted from foreign tests and could be considered inappropriate for children growing in a different cultural background. Therefore, we assessed the appropriateness of Korean-Ages and Stages Questionnaires (K-ASQ) items in Korean infants and children, as a preliminary study to develop a new developmental screening test tool. METHODS: Data on K-ASQ tests that were performed in multicenters as a National Health Screening Program in Korea were analyzed to measure (1) the item difficulty and norm relevance (2) the goodness of fit for factor structure (3) the sensitivity of item for developmental evaluation. A total of 1,696 subjects, 877 boys (51.7%) and 819 girls (48.3%) were studied and with about 50 boys and 50 girls for each age of months, the sample was relatively evenly distributed. RESULTS: Analysis of K-ASQ data showed that (1) The subjects scored higher when compared to the K-ASQ's original criteria. (2) The suitability of confirmative factor structure was insufficient, especially problem solving [x2=41.063, P<0.01, CFI (Comparative Fit Index)=0.929, TLI (Turker-Lewis index)=0.834, RMSEA (Root Mean Square Error Approximation)=0.152] and personal-social domains (x2=55.208, P<0.01, CFI=0.817, TLI=0.573, RMSEA=0.182). (3) Some questions did not show significant difference in the sensitivity of item for developmental evaluation among monthly age groups. CONCLUSION: According to the analysis of previous K-ASQ data, the appropriateness of the questionnaires is good in general, but some questions of problem-solving and personal social domains are not appropriate. We suggested the development of a new developmental screening test tool, which is suitable for Korean infants and children.

Comparación de la evaluación tradicional del desarrollo psicomotor versus una prueba autoadministrada / Comparison of Traditional Psychomotor Development Evaluation versus a Self-Administered Test?

Introducción: El propósito del estudio fue evaluar la aplicabilidad de un cuestionario de autoreporte para el screening del desarrollo psicomotor (DSM) en atención primaria de salud (APS). Para ello se analizó el grado de acuerdo entre el cuestionario Ages and Stages (ASQ) y la Escala de Evaluación del Desarrollo Psicomotor (EEDP), que es el método empleado de rutina en APS. Además, se exploraron las percepciones y valoraciones comparativas de profesionales que participaron en la aplicación de dichos test. Metodología: Estudio cuanti-cualitativo, realizado entre noviembre 2008 y diciembre 2009. En 2 centros de Salud de la Región Metropolitana de Chile se reclutó lactantes nacidos de término, que acudieron a control sano. A los 8 y 18 meses se les solicitó a los padres o cuidadores principales completar el ASQ y un profesional de APS aplicó el EEDP. Se midió la correlación y concordancia entre ambos test. Se aplicaron entrevistas individuales y mini focus groups a los profesionales participantes en las evaluaciones. Resultados: Fueron reclutados 330 lactantes. La frecuencia de déficit del DSM fue 8,79% en EEDP y 12,73% en ASQ (p0,05). Hubo correlación entre ambas evaluaciones (r 0,5) y la concordancia en la pesquisa de déficit de DSM fue buena (kappa 0.576). En el análisis cualitativo destacó la valoración positiva del ASQ, tanto como instrumento de medición, como guía para promover el DSM. Para suplir las debilidades del ASQ, relacionadas con la modalidad de autoreporte, en grupos de mayor riesgo socio cultural o educacional, los centros de salud adoptaron diferentes estrategias. Conclusiones: El ASQ pesquisó significativamente más déficits del DSM que el EEDP, mientras que la correlación y concordancia entre ambas pruebas fueron adecuadas. Considerando las ventajas comparativas del ASQ en opinión de los profesionales, se propone que los centros de APS que deseen implementar ASQ, tomen una estrategia progresiva basada en la integración de los padres, madres y cuidadores en la observación del desarrollo de sus hijos.

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the applicability of a self-administered questionnaire in the screening of psychomotor development (PD) in a primary care setting (PC). For that purpose, the degree of concordance between the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) and a Psychomotor Development Evaluation Scale (Escala de Evaluación del Desarrollo Psicomotor-EEDP) currently utilized in PC was tested. In addition, perceptions and value judgment by professionals who participated in the study were explored. Methodology: This semi-quantitative study was performed between November 2008 and December 2009 in two PC centers of the Metropolitan Area of Chile on full-term newborns of the well-baby clinic. At age 8 and 18 months, parents or primary caretakers were asked to fill out the ASQ, and a PC professional completed the EEDP. Correlation and concordance between both tests was measured. Interviews and mini-focus groups were conducted with the participating professionals. Results: Three hundred and thirty newborns were recruited in the study. PD deficits were found on 8.79% of patients through the use of EEDP and in 12.73% through the use of ASQ (p = 0,05). Correlation between both evaluations was acceptable (r 0,5) as was concordance in deficit detection (kappa 0.576). The qualitative analysis showed appreciation of ASQ as a measuring tool as well as promoting awareness of PD. Staff of the PC settings utilized various strategies to overcome deficiencies of a self-administered test in populations of higher socio-educational and cultural risk. Conclusions: ASQ picked up significantly more PM deficits than EEDP, while correlation and concordance indices between both tests were adequate. Considering the subjective advantages expressed by staff in favor of ASQ, it is proposed that those PC centers that wish to implement the ASQ do so by progressively incorporating parents and caretakers into the observation of their children's development.

A Comparison of the Korean-Ages and Stages Questionnaires and Denver Developmental Delay Screening Test

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate concurrent validity between the Korean-Ages and Stages Questionnaires (K-ASQ) and the Denver Developmental Screening Test II (DDST II), and to evaluate the validity of the K-ASQ as a screening tool for detecting developmental delay of Korean children. METHOD: A retrospective chart review was done to examine concurrent validity of the screening potentials for developmental delay between the K-ASQ and the DDST II (n=226). We examined validity of the K-ASQ compared with Capute scale (n=141) and Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) (n=69) as a gold standard of developmental delay. Correlation analysis was used to determine the strength of the associations between tests. RESULTS: A fair to good strength relationship (k=0.442, p<0.05) was found between the K-ASQ and the DDST II. The test characteristics of the K-ASQ were sensitivity 76.3-90.2%, specificity 62.5-76.5%, positive likelihood ratio (PLR) 2.41-3.40, and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) 0.16-0.32. CONCLUSION: Evidence of concurrent validity of the K-ASQ with DDST II was found. K-ASQ can be used for screening of developmental delay.

Comparación de la evaluación tradicional del desarrollo psicomotor versus una prueba autoadministrada / Comparison of traditional psychomotor development evaluation versus a self-administe-red test

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the applicability of a self-administered questionnaire in the screening of psychomotor development (PD) in a primary care setting (PC). For that purpose, the degree of concordance between the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) and a Psychomotor Development Evaluation Scale (Escala de Evaluación del Desarrollo Psicomotor-EEDP) currently utilized in PC was tested. In addition, perceptions and value judgment by professionals who participated in the study were explored. Methodology: This semi-quantitative study was performed between November 2008 and December 2009 in two PC centers of the Metropolitan Area of Chile on full-term newborns of the well-baby clinic. At age 8 and 18 months, parents or primary caretakers were asked to fill out the ASQ, and a PC professional completed the EEDP. Correlation and concordance between both tests was measured. Interviews and mini-focus groups were con-ducted with the participating professionals. Results: Three hundred and thirty newborns were recruited in the study. PD deficits were found on 8.79 percent of patients through the use of EEDP and in 12.73 percent through the use of ASQ (p = 0,05). Correlation between both evaluations was acceptable (r 0,5) as was concordance in deficit detection (kappa 0.576). The qualitative analysis showed appreciation of ASQ as a measuring tool as well as promoting awareness of PD. Staff of the PC settings utilized various strategies to overcome deficiencies of a self-administered test in populations of higher socio-educational and cultural risk. Conclusions: ASQ picked up significantly more PM deficits than EEDP, while correlation and concordance indices between both tests were adequate. Considering the subjective advantages expressed by staff in favor of ASQ, it is proposed that those PC centers that wish to implement the ASQ do so by progressively incorporating parents and caretakers into the observation of their children's development.

Introducción: El propósito del estudio fue evaluar la aplicabilidad de un cuestionario de autoreporte para el screening del desarrollo psicomotor (DSM) en atención primaria de salud (APS). Para ello se analizó el grado de acuerdo entre el cuestionario Ages and Stages (ASQ) y la Escala de Evaluación del Desarrollo Psicomotor (EEDP), que es el método empleado de rutina en APS. Además, se exploraron las percepciones y valoraciones comparativas de profesionales que participaron en la aplicación de dichos test. Metodología: Estudio cuanti-cualitativo, realizado entre noviembre 2008 y diciembre 2009. En 2 centros de Salud de la Región Metropolitana de Chile se reclutó lactantes nacidos de término, que acudieron a control sano. A los 8 y 18 meses se les solicitó a los padres o cuidadores principales completar el ASQ y un profesional de APS aplicó el EEDP. Se midió la correlación y concordancia entre ambos test. Se aplicaron entrevistas individuales y mini focus groups a los profesionales participantes en las evaluaciones. Resultados: Fueron reclutados 330 lactantes. La frecuencia de déficit del DSM fue 8,79 por ciento en EEDP y 12,73 por ciento en ASQ (p0,05). Hubo correlación entre ambas evaluaciones (r 0,5) y la concordancia en la pesquisa de déficit de DSM fue buena (kappa 0.576). En el análisis cualitativo destacó la valoración positiva del ASQ, tanto como instrumento de medición, como guía para promover el DSM. Para suplir las debilidades del ASQ, relacionadas con la modalidad de autoreporte, en grupos de mayor riesgo socio cultural o educacional, los centros de salud adoptaron diferentes estrategias. Conclusiones: El ASQ pesquisó significativamente más déficits del DSM que el EEDP, mientras que la correlación y concordancia entre ambas pruebas fueron adecuadas. Considerando las ventajas comparativas del ASQ en opinión de los profesionales, se propone que los centros de APS que deseen implementar ASQ, tomen una estrategia progresiva basada en la integración de ...

Validación de un cuestionario autoadministrado para la evaluación del desarrollo psicomotor / Validation of a parent completed developmenal screening questiommaire

Introduction: Psychomotor Development (PMD) is an essential component of health care. Several authors have attempted to facilitate this evaluation through quick and inexpensive tools that do not prolong the time of consult. The "Ages and Stages Questionnaire" (ASQ) is a well-known and validated parent-directed survey. Objective: To evaluate the psychometric validity of ASQ, through comparison with Bayley's Scale of Infant Development (BSID), a universally accepted tool which measures similar parameters, and is administered by an expert. Patients and Methods: Children seen at an upper-middle class Private Clinic in Santiago, Chile were admitted to this study, with the exception of pre-term newborns, or children with known neurological, genetic or metabolic disease. Groups were formed at 8, 18 and 30 months of age. A sample of nearly 40 children per age Group was formed. After parents responded to the ASQ, an expert, blind to the results of the ASQ, evaluated each patient within two weeks. Results: Total number of children enrolled was 119. PMD deficit was scored in 19.3 percent of children according to ASQ, 14.3 percent according to BSID (not significant). While the results obtained with both tests were found to be correlated (r = 0.52), scores obtained through BSID were lower among children with deficit, compared to those rated through ASQ (p < 0.001). The sensitivity of ASQ was 58.8 percent and the specificity was 87.2 percent. Conclusions: Both tests are correlated. ASQ was found to be highly specific, suggesting its use as a screening tool in outpatient clinics, at least in a similar a population. These results should be reevaluated after national validation, to determine cutting points and test potency in all populations.

Introducción: La evaluación del desarrollo psicomotor (DSM) es un componente esencial en la supervisión de salud. Distintos investigadores han buscado formas de facilitar esta evaluación en forma rápida y económica, sin prolongar el tiempo destinado a la consulta pediátrica. El Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) es un cuestionario de auto-reporte de los padres, validado ampliamente para este fin. Objetivo: Evaluar las propiedades psicométricas del ASQ. Para eso se compara con la Escala de Bayley III de Desarrollo Infantil (BSID), el cual es universalmente aceptado, mide parámetros similares, y es administrado por un experto. Pacientes y Métodos: Estudio transversal analítico. En forma secuencial se enrolaron niños de 8, 18 y 30 meses, de nivel socio económico medio alto, que acudieron a control sano en una Clínica privada de Santiago de Chile. Se excluyeron los nacidos de pretérmino o con enfermedad neurológica, genética o metabólica conocida. Se obtuvo una muestra cercana a 40 niños por grupo etáreo. Tras responder el ASQ, los niños fueron evaluados con la BSID III, por un experto, ciego a los resultados ASQ. La latencia entre ambas evaluaciones no superó las dos semanas. Resultados: Participaron 119 niños. La frecuencia global de déficit de DSM fue de 19,3 por ciento de acuerdo al ASQ y 14,3 por ciento según el BSID (no significativo). El rendimiento promedio del BSID fue inferior en el grupo de niños con déficit según el ASQ comparado con el grupo con ASQ normal (p < 0,001). Se demostró correlación entre ambos test (r 0,52). La sensibilidad del ASQ fue 58,8 por ciento y la especificidad fue 87,2 por ciento. Conclusiones: Se demostró una adecuada correlación entre el ASQ y el BSID. El ASQ resultó altamente específico, por lo que odría ser usado como método de screening del DSM en la consulta pediátrica. Estos resultados deberían ser reevaluados luego de completar la validación nacional, para establecer los puntos de corte y real potencia del teste.