[Atypical growth of an intracranial lipoma]. / Crecimiento atípico en un lipoma intracraneal.

TITLE: Crecimiento atípico en un lipoma intracraneal.

Optic neuritis in paediatric patients: Experience over 27 years and a management protocol. / Neuritis óptica en pediatría: experiencia en 27 años y protocolo de actuación.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: In this article, we present our experience on optic neuritis (ON) and provide a diagnostic/therapeutic protocol, intended to rule out other aetiologies (particularly infection), and a fact sheet for parents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a descriptive, retrospective study of patients with ON over a 27-year period (1990-2017). A review of the available scientific evidence was performed in order to draft the protocol and fact sheet. RESULTS: Our neuropaediatrics department has assessed 20,744 patients in the last 27 years, of whom 14 were diagnosed with ON: 8 had isolated ON, 1 had multiple sclerosis (MS), 1 had clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), 3 had acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, and 1 had isolated ON and a history of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis one year previously. Patients' age range was 4-13 years; 50% were boys. Eight patients were aged over 10: 7 had isolated ON and 1 had MS. Nine patients had bilateral ON, and 3 had retrobulbar ON. MRI results were normal in 7 patients and showed involvement of the optic nerve only in 2 patients and optic nerve involvement + central nervous system demyelination in 5. Thirteen patients received corticosteroids. One patient had been vaccinated against meningococcus-C the previous month. Progression was favourable, except in the patient with MS. A management protocol and fact sheet are provided. CONCLUSIONS: ON usually has a favourable clinical course. In children aged older than 10 years with risk factors for MS or optic neuromyelitis (hyperintensity on brain MRI, oligoclonal bands, anti-NMO antibody positivity, ON recurrence), the initiation of immunomodulatory treatment should be agreed with the neurology department. The protocol is useful for diagnostic decision-making, follow-up, and treatment of this rare disease with potentially major repercussions. The use of protocols and fact sheets is important.

Correction to: Stingray spear injury to the pediatric spinal cord: case report and review of the literature.

The original version of this article unfortunately contained an error in the spelling of the last name of one of the co-authors. The corresponding author did not notice that the last name of one of the co-authors, Nathan Shlobin, was misspelled as "Schlobin". The correct spelling of his last name is "Shlobin". Given in this article is the corrected author name.

[Atypical presentation of early childhood epileptic encephalopathy associated with the gene KCNT1]. / Presentación atípica de encefalopatía epiléptica infantil precoz asociada al gen KCNT1.

TITLE: Presentación atípica de encefalopatía epiléptica infantil precoz asociada al gen KCNT1.

Stingray spear injury to the pediatric spinal cord: case report and review of the literature.

Stingray injuries are rare, mostly causing injuries to the lower extremities but occasionally fatal if there is direct puncture of the thorax, abdomen, or neck. Direct combined stingray injury to the central nervous system has not been reported in the literature. Herein we present the case of a 12-year-old boy who, while wading at the seashore of the Costa Rica's Pacific Ocean, sustained a combined oblique penetrating injury to the C6 vertebra caused by a Stingray. He initially presented to the hospital with a complete asymmetric right C6/left T1 ASIA A examination, priapism, and loss of anal sphincter tone. Imaging revealed fracture of the posterior elements of C6 with an oblique trajectory into the left radicular foramen. T2W images did not reveal anatomical section but rather edema and minor bleeding in the epidural space. The patient underwent medical management and serial imaging. During the next 3 months, there was recovery of sensation on the right hemi body, bilateral paresthesias and asymmetric progressive improvement in strength on both legs. Acute care management and midterm term follow up are provided, along with a review of the literature for salient management considerations when evaluating and treating combined penetrating and envenomation injuries caused by stingrays. To our knowledge, this is the first report of such injury to the spine.

[Familial MECP2 duplication syndrome]. / Síndrome de duplicación MECP2 familiar.

TITLE: Síndrome de duplicación MECP2 familiar.

[Neurofibromatosis 1 and multiple familial cavernomatosis in an infant with episodic profuse sialorrhoea]. / Neurofibromatosis 1 y cavernomatosis multiple familiar en un lactante con sialorrea profusa episodica.

TITLE: Neurofibromatosis 1 y cavernomatosis multiple familiar en un lactante con sialorrea profusa episodica.

Efficacy of Ologen matrix implant in Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation.

To determine the efficacy and safety of the Ologen collagen matrix adjunctive to Ahmed valve surgery. A randomized prospective multicentre clinical trial involving 58 patients that were followed for one year. Conventional surgery with Ahmed valve was performed in 31 eyes (Control group/CG) and in 27 Ologen (Ologen group/OG) was placed over the valve's plate. Baseline data: age, corneal thickness, intraocular pressure(IOP) and antiglaucoma medications.Postoperative data (days 1, 7 and months 1, 3, 6 and 12): IOP, antiglaucoma medications, visual acuity and complications were recorded. Frequency of hypertensive phase, complete and qualified success and survival rate were studied. No differences were found between CG and OG in the baseline data. The only difference between groups was a significantly lower IOP at day 1. No other differences were found in the follow-up between groups. Hypertensive phase (56%CG and 55%OG, p = 0,947), complete success 28,6%CG and 30,4%OG (p = 0,88) and qualified success 96,4% and 95,9%(p = 0,794). Survival rates at 1 year were 76,7%(CG) and 69,2%(OG)(p = 0,531). 38,7% of patients in the CG suffered some complication during follow-up and 61,5% in OG(p = 0,086). Ologen does not increase safety or efficacy in Ahmed valve surgery at one-year follow-up. This is the first study that shows no benefit of Ologen adjunctive to this surgery.

[Myths and evidence on the use of botulinum toxin: neuropharmacology and dystonia]. / Mitos y evidencias en el empleo de la toxina botulinica: neurofarmacologia y distonias.

INTRODUCTION: Botulinum toxin type A (BTA) is a bacterial endotoxin, whose therapeutic use has had a dramatic impact on different neurological disorders, such as dystonia and spasticity. AIM: To analyze and summarize different questions about the use of BTA in our clinical practice. DEVELOPMENT: A group of experts in neurology developed a list of topics related with the use of BTA. Two groups were considered: neuropharmacology and dystonia. A literature search at PubMed, mainly for English language articles published up to June 2016 was performed. The manuscript was structured as a questionnaire that includes those questions that, according to the panel opinion, could generate more controversy or doubt. The initial draft was reviewed by the expert panel members to allow modifications, and after subsequent revisions for achieving the highest degree of consensus, the final text was then validated. Different questions about diverse aspects of neuropharmacology, such as mechanism of action, bioequivalence of the different preparations, immunogenicity, etc. were included. Regarding dystonia, the document included questions about methods of evaluation, cervical dystonia, blepharospasm, etc. CONCLUSION: This review does not pretend to be a guide, but rather a tool for continuous training of residents and specialists in neurology, about different specific areas of the management of BTA.

TITLE: Mitos y evidencias en el empleo de la toxina botulinica: neurofarmacologia y distonias.Introduccion. La toxina botulinica de tipo A (TBA) ha supuesto una verdadera revolucion terapeutica en neurologia, y en la actualidad es el tratamiento rutinario en las distonias focales y la espasticidad. Objetivo. Plantear, revisar y responder cuestiones controvertidas en relacion con la neurofarmacologia de la TBA y su uso en las distonias en la practica clinica habitual. Desarrollo. Un grupo de expertos en trastornos del movimiento reviso una lista de temas controvertidos relacionados con la farmacologia de la TBA y su uso en las distonias. Revisamos la bibliografia e incluimos articulos relevantes especialmente en ingles, pero tambien, si su importancia lo merece, en castellano y en frances, hasta junio de 2016. El documento se estructuro como un cuestionario que incluyo las preguntas que podrian generar mayor controversia o duda. El borrador inicial del documento fue revisado por los miembros del panel y se realizaron las modificaciones necesarias hasta alcanzar el mayor grado de consenso. Incluimos preguntas sobre diferentes aspectos de la neurofarmacologia, especialmente el mecanismo de accion, la bioequivalencia de los diferentes preparados y la inmunogenicidad. En relacion con el subapartado de las distonias, se incluyeron aspectos sobre la evaluacion y el tratamiento de las distonias focales. Conclusiones. Esta revision no pretende ser una guia, sino una herramienta practica destinada a neurologos y medicos internos residentes interesados en esta area, dentro de diferentes ambitos especificos del manejo de la TBA.

Lifestyles guide and glaucoma (i). Sports and activities. / Guía de estilos de vida y glaucoma (i). Deporte y actividades.

PURPOSES: The increase in quality and life expectancy, often leads to many patients asking the glaucoma specialist whether some sports, activities or hobbies would affect their illness. The aim of this article is to establish guidelines for patients, based on the scientific evidence of published papers. METHODS: Review of all published articles on glaucoma and sports or other activities. The papers were classified according to the level of scientific evidence based on the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine classification. RESULTS: Aerobic sports are beneficial for the patient. Yoga indoor sports or relaxation techniques should be avoided if Valsalva manoeuvres are performed or the head is placed very low. Also, the patients must avoid sudden changes in height. Intense heat does not seem to lead to progression of glaucoma, but intense cold can affect patients with vascular dysregulation. Activities using the near vision slightly reduce the intraocular pressure. The use of wind instruments may raise intraocular pressure, depending on the technique used. CONCLUSIONS: Certain sports and activities may have an influence on the onset or progression of glaucoma. Glaucoma specialists should have adequate information about the scientific evidence in the publications, in order to properly advise the patients.

Lifestyles guide and glaucoma (II). Diet, supplements, drugs, sleep, pregnancy, and systemic hypertension. / Guía de estilos de vida y glaucoma (II). Dieta, suplementos, drogas, sueño, embarazo e hipertensión arterial.

PURPOSE: To establish evidence based guidelines to advise patients on the relationship between habits, diet, certain circumstances, diseases and glaucoma. METHODS: Review of all published articles on glaucoma and sports or other activities. The papers were classified according to the level of scientific evidence based on the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine classification. RESULTS: The evidence on the relationship between diet or supplements and the incidence or progression of glaucoma is insufficient to make a general recommendation for glaucoma patients. Although some studies on normal tension glaucoma suggest that Gingko biloba could reduce glaucoma progression, the results do not allow a general recommendation for all these patients. Similarly, the evidence on the usefulness of vitamin supplements is not conclusive. The studies on smoking do not clearly demonstrate the relationship between this habit and incidence of glaucoma. Marihuana is not a useful treatment for glaucoma. Although the results on the relationship between sleep apnoea and glaucoma are heterogeneous, it is recommended that patients with moderate to intense apnoea are tested for glaucoma. Pregnancy does not influence the course of the disease, but several hypotensive drugs may be harmful for the foetus. Nocturnal systemic hypotension is a risk factor for glaucoma progression. CONCLUSIONS: Certain habits, circumstances, or diseases may have an influence on the onset or progression of glaucoma. It is important to have adequate information about the scientific evidence in the publications in order to properly advise patients.

[A study of the demand for health care in hereditary-metabolic diseases in a Spanish tertiary care hospital]. / Estudio de la demanda asistencial de las enfermedades metabolico-hereditarias en un hospital español de tercer nivel.

AIM: To determine the characteristics of the demand for health care in hereditary-metabolic diseases in a Spanish tertiary care hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study involving a review of the epidemiological data, reasons for visiting, diagnoses and complementary studies of the patients treated by a metabolic disease unit over a period of 6 years and 11 months. RESULTS: Altogether 1012 patients were evaluated. There was a predominance of males (52%) and of patients under the age of 1 year (42.09%). 71.44% of them were under 6 years old. Approximately half of the patients (50.3%) came from hospitals (wards, outpatients, neonatology, emergency department, neuropaediatrics and intensive care), followed by the neonatal screening programme (20.36%) and primary care (14.82%). The most frequent reasons for visiting and diagnoses can be seen in their respective tables. CONCLUSIONS: The study of the demand for health care in hereditary-metabolic diseases is useful as a means to detect needs in their field and to try to adapt care to meet them. Medical, scientific and social progress makes it necessary to have an expert in metabolism present in reference clinical units. As members of multidisciplinary teams alongside other specialists, they will contribute towards accomplishing a suitable presumptive diagnosis, diagnosis, management and follow-up. It is necessary to keep them constantly up-to-date and ensure adequate training of new experts in metabolism, since this is the best way to deliver optimal care for those with metabolic illnesses, which are usually rare diseases.

TITLE: Estudio de la demanda asistencial de las enfermedades metabolico-hereditarias en un hospital español de tercer nivel.Objetivo. Conocer las caracteristicas de la demanda asistencial de las enfermedades metabolico-hereditarias en un hospital español de tercer nivel. Pacientes y metodos. Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo en el que se revisan los datos epidemiologicos, los motivos de consulta, los diagnosticos y los estudios complementarios de los pacientes atendidos por la unidad de enfermedades metabolicas durante un periodo de 6 años y 11 meses. Resultados. Se valoraron un total de 1.012 pacientes. Hay un predominio de varones (52%) y de pacientes menores de 1 año (42,09%). El 71,44% son menores de 6 años. Los pacientes provienen en un 50,3% del ambito hospitalario (planta, consultas externas, neonatologia, urgencias, neuropediatria y cuidados intensivos), seguido del programa de cribado neonatal (20,36%) y de atencion primaria (14,82%). Conclusiones. El estudio de la demanda asistencial de las enfermedades metabolico-hereditarias es util para detectar necesidades en su campo y tratar de adecuar la asistencia a estas. Los avances medicos, cientificos y sociales hacen necesaria la existencia del experto en metabolismo en unidades clinicas de referencia, integrado en equipos multidisciplinares con otros especialistas, para una adecuada sospecha, diagnostico, manejo y seguimiento. Debe estar en continua actualizacion y garantizar la adecuada formacion de nuevos expertos en metabolismo, la mejor via para una optima atencion de los pacientes afectados de enfermedades metabolicas, habitualmente enfermedades raras.

Clinical, fundoscopic, tomographic and angiographic characteristics of dome shaped macula classified by bulge height. / Estudio de las características clínicas, fundoscópicas, tomográficas y angiográficas de la mácula en domo según la altura de protrusión macular.

OBJECTIVE: To classify dome shaped macula cases by their bulge height (BH). To analyse the characteristics associated with the groups formed by this classification. METHODS: Observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study on 15 selected eyes with dome shaped macula and high myopia. Using Caillaux method and optical coherence tomography images, 3groups were determined by their BH: low (50-350 µ), medium (351-650 µ), and high (>650 µ), and a study of visual acuity, axial length, presence of subfoveal serous detachment, and images by fluorescein angiography and optic coherence tomography, as main variables. The confidence interval was 95%. RESULTS: By using the chi-squared test, the study showed that a BH higher than 400 µ was associated with lower visual acuity, presence of subfoveal serous detachment, and greater atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium measured by disc diameters (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: The medium and high BH showed a positive correlation with the presence of foveal serous detachment and a lower visual acuity.

[Myths and evidence on the use of botulinum toxin: spasticity in adults and in children with cerebral palsy]. / Mitos y evidencias en el empleo de la toxina botulinica: espasticidad del adulto y del nintilde;o con paralisis cerebral.

INTRODUCTION: Spasticity is a medical problem with a high incidence that significantly impact on the quality of life of patients and their families. AIM: To analyze and to answer different questions about the use of botulinum toxin type A (BTA) in our clinical practice. DEVELOPMENT: A group of experts in neurology develop a list of topics related with the use of BTA. Two big groups were considered: spasticity in adults and in children with cerebral palsy. A literature search at PubMed for English, French, and Spanish language articles published up to June 2016 was performed. The manuscript was structured as a questionnaire that includes those questions that, according to the panel opinion, could generate more controversy or doubt. The initial draft was reviewed by the expert panel members to allow for modifications, and after subsequent revisions for achieving the highest degree of consensus, the final text was then validated. Different questions about diverse aspects of spasticity in adults, such as methods for evaluating spasticity, infiltration techniques, doses, number of infiltration points, etc. Regarding spasticity in children with cerebral palsy, the document included questions about minimum age of infiltration, methods of analgesia, etc. CONCLUSIONS: This review is a tool for continuous training for neurologist and rehabilitation specialist and residents of both specialties, about different specific areas of the management of BTA.

TITLE: Mitos y evidencias en el empleo de la toxina botulinica: espasticidad del adulto y del nintilde;o con paralisis cerebral.Introduccion. La espasticidad es un problema medico frecuente que impacta de forma significativa en la calidad de vida de los pacientes y sus familias. Objetivo. Analizar y dar respuesta a diferentes cuestiones en el uso de la toxina botulinica tipo A (TBA) en nuestra practica clinica habitual. Desarrollo. Un grupo de expertos en neurologia elaboro una lista de temas relacionados con el uso de la TBA. Se consideraron dos grandes bloques: espasticidad del adulto y del nintilde;o con paralisis cerebral. Se realizo una revision de la bibliografia que incluyo los diferentes articulos publicados en espantilde;ol, ingles y frances hasta junio de 2016. El documento se estructuro como un cuestionario que incluyo las preguntas que, segun el criterio del panel, podrian generar mayor controversia o duda. El borrador inicial del documento fue revisado por los miembros del panel y se realizaron las modificaciones necesarias hasta alcanzar el mayor grado de consenso. A continuacion, el texto final fue validado. Se incluyeron diferentes preguntas sobre diferentes aspectos de la espasticidad en adultos: evaluacion de la espasticidad, tecnicas de infiltracion, dosis, numero de puntos, etc. En cuanto a la espasticidad en los nintilde;os con paralisis cerebral, se analizaron preguntas como: edad minima de infiltracion, metodos de sedoanalgesia, etc. Conclusiones. Esta revision constituye una herramienta para neurologos, medicos rehabilitadores y residentes de ambas especialidades, dentro de diferentes ambitos especificos del manejo de la TBA.

Molecular aggregation of naphthalimide organic semiconductors assisted by amphiphilic and lipophilic interactions: a joint theoretical and experimental study.

Amphiphilic and lipophilic donor-acceptor naphthalimide-oligothiophene assemblies exhibiting almost identical intramolecular properties, but differing in their intermolecular interactions, have been synthesized. Here we analyze the effect of replacing the normally used lipophilic alkyl chains with hydrophilic ones in directing molecular aggregation from an antiparallel to a parallel stacking. This different molecular packing of the amphiphilic, NIP-3TAmphi, and lipophilic, NIP-3TLipo, systems is assessed by electronic spectroscopies, scanning electronic microscopy and DFT quantum-chemical calculations. Theoretical calculations indicate that the presence of amphiphilic interactions promotes a face-to-face parallel arrangement of neighbor molecules, which induces improved electronic coupling and therefore enhances the charge transport ability and photoconducting properties of this type of materials. Time of flight and photoconducting measurements are used to determine the impact of the amphiphilic and lipophilic interactions on their possible performance in optoelectronic devices.

Descriptive study of symptomatic epilepsy by age of onset in patients with a 3-year follow-up at the Neuropaediatric Department of a reference centre. / Estudio descriptivo de las epilepsias sintomáticas según edad de inicio controladas durante 3 años en una Unidad de Neuropediatría de referencia regional.

OBJECTIVE: We conducted a descriptive study of symptomatic epilepsy by age at onset in a cohort of patients who were followed up at a neuropaediatric department of a reference hospital over a 3-year period PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included all children with epilepsy who were followed up from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2010 RESULTS: Of the 4595 children seen during the study period, 605 (13.17%) were diagnosed with epilepsy; 277 (45.79%) of these had symptomatic epilepsy. Symptomatic epilepsy accounted for 67.72% and 61.39% of all epilepsies starting before one year of age, or between the ages of one and 3, respectively. The aetiologies of symptomatic epilepsy in our sample were: prenatal encephalopathies (24.46% of all epileptic patients), perinatal encephalopathies (9.26%), post-natal encephalopathies (3.14%), metabolic and degenerative encephalopathies (1.98%), mesial temporal sclerosis (1.32%), neurocutaneous syndromes (2.64%), vascular malformations (0.17%), cavernomas (0.17%), and intracranial tumours (2.48%). In some aetiologies, seizures begin before the age of one; these include Down syndrome, genetic lissencephaly, congenital cytomegalovirus infection, hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy, metabolic encephalopathies, and tuberous sclerosis. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of a universally accepted classification of epileptic syndromes makes it difficult to compare series from different studies. We suggest that all epilepsies are symptomatic because they have a cause, whether genetic or acquired. The age of onset may point to specific aetiologies. Classifying epilepsy by aetiology might be a useful approach. We could establish 2 groups: a large group including epileptic syndromes with known aetiologies or associated with genetic syndromes which are very likely to cause epilepsy, and another group including epileptic syndromes with no known cause. Thanks to the advances in neuroimaging and genetics, the latter group is expected to become increasingly smaller.

[A descriptive study of non-symptomatic epilepsy according to age at onset at a Neuropediatric Section of regional reference]. / Estudio descriptivo de las epilepsias no sintomaticas segun la edad de inicio en una unidad de neuropediatria de referencia regional.

AIM: A descriptive study of non-symptomatic epilepsy (idiopathic and cryptogenic), according to age at onset, monitored at a Neuropediatric Section of regional reference over a period of three years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A review of neuropediatric database medical records of children with non-symptomatic epilepsy supervised from Jan 1, 2008 till December 31, 2010. RESULTS: Of the 4595 children attended during the period, 605 were diagnosed with epilepsy (13.17%): 156 (25.79%) idiopathic epilepsies and 172 (28.43%) cryptogenic epilepsies. The average age at onset of the total was 4.78 years: 6.31 years in idiopathic epilepsies and 5.43 years in cryptogenic epilepsies. 26.12% of all the epilepsies began in the first year of life. Idiopathic epilepsy predominates in the startup group of 6-10 years and cryptogenic epilepsy in 3-6 years. Absence epilepsy and benign childhood epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes are the idiopathic epileptic syndromes most prevalent. CONCLUSIONS: Many differences exist among published epidemiological data on childhood epilepsy due to the difficulty of a syndromic diagnosis in children, caused by clinical and electroencephalographic variability. The absence of a universally accepted classification of epileptic syndromes makes it difficult to compare publications. All epilepsies are symptomatic as they have a cause, whether it be genetic or acquired. A useful classification would be etiological, with two groups: one large with established etiology or very likely genetic syndromes and another with no established cause. The age at onset indicates specific etiologies.

TITLE: Estudio descriptivo de las epilepsias no sintomaticas segun la edad de inicio en una unidad de neuropediatria de referencia regional.Objetivo. Estudio descriptivo de las epilepsias no sintomaticas (idiopaticas y criptogenicas), segun la edad de inicio, controladas en una unidad de neuropediatria de referencia regional durante tres años. Pacientes y metodos. Revision de historias de niños con epilepsia no sintomatica de la base de datos de neuropediatria controlados del 1 de enero de 2008 al 31 de diciembre de 2010. Resultados. De 4.595 niños atendidos en el periodo, se diagnosticaron de epilepsia 605 (13,17%), de las cuales 156 (25,79%) fueron idiopaticas, y 172 (28,43%), criptogenicas. La edad media de inicio del total fue de 4,78 años; 6,31 años en las idiopaticas y 5,43 años en las criptogenicas. El 26,12% del total de epilepsias se inicio en el primer año. Las epilepsias idiopaticas predominan en el grupo de inicio de 6-10 años, y las criptogenicas, en el de 3-6 años. La epilepsia de ausencias y la epilepsia benigna de la infancia con paroxismos centrotemporales son los sindromes epilepticos idiopaticos mas prevalentes. Conclusiones. Existen muchas diferencias de datos epidemiologicos publicados sobre epilepsia infantil por la dificultad que entraña un diagnostico sindromico en la edad pediatrica, debido a la variabilidad clinica y electroencefalografica. La ausencia de una clasificacion universalmente aceptada de los sindromes epilepticos dificulta comparaciones entre series. Todas las epilepsias son sintomaticas, puesto que tienen causa, sea genetica o adquirida. Una clasificacion util es la etiologica, con dos grupos: un gran grupo con las etiologias establecidas o sindromes geneticos muy probables y otro de casos sin causa establecida. La edad de inicio orienta a determinadas etiologias.

Effect of prematurity and low birth weight in visual abilities and school performance.

BACKGROUND: Prematurity and low birth weight are known risk factors for cognitive and developmental impairments, and school failure. Visual perceptual and visual motor skills seem to be among the most affected cognitive domains in these children. AIMS: To assess the influence of prematurity and low birth weight in visual cognitive skills and school performance. METHODS: We performed a prospective cohort study, which included 80 boys and girls in an age range from 5 to 13. Subjects were grouped by gestational age at birth (preterm, <37 weeks; term, 37-42 weeks) and birth weight (small for gestational age (SGA), <10th centile; appropriate weight for gestational age (AGA), ≥10th centile). Each child underwent full ophthalmologic assessment and standardized testing of visual cognitive abilities (Test of Visual Perceptual Skills and Test of Visual Analysis Skills). Parents completed a questionnaire on school performance in children. RESULTS: Figure-ground skill and visual motor integration were significantly decreased in the preterm birth group, compared with term control subjects (figure-ground: 45.7 vs 66.5, p=0.012; visual motor integration, TVAS: (9.9 vs 11.8, p=0.018), while outcomes of visual memory (29.0 vs 47.7, p=0.012), form constancy (33.3 vs 52.8, p=0.019), figure-ground (37.4 vs 65.6, p=0.001), and visual closure (43.7 vs 62.6 p=0.016) testing were lower in the SGA (vs AGA) group. Visual cognitive difficulties corresponded with worse performance in mathematics (r=0.414, p=0.004) and reading (r=0.343, p=0.018). CONCLUSION: Specific patterns of visual perceptual and visual motor deficits are displayed by children born preterm or SGA, which hinder mathematics and reading performance.