Zaccariello, Michael

Introduction Subjectively experienced cognitive difficulties are common in youth with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. The pathophysiological and psychological contributions of these cognitive impairments remain unclear. Method Participants were 96 adolescents and young adults diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and admitted to an intensive pain treatment program. Participants completed cognitive assessment and measures of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome symptoms, pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, anxiety, depression, and functional disability. Results Self-reported autonomic symptom intensity, but not severity of heart rate change, was associated with cognitive performance. Symptoms of depression were associated with decreases in most measures of cognitive functioning. Pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, and depression but not cognitive scores and physiological measures, were significant predictors of disability. Conclusion Depression appears to be a significant contributor to the cognitive difficulties in youth with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. These findings highlight the importance of assessing and treating affective symptoms in this population along with medical and lifestyle approaches to treating postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome symptoms.

AbstractObjectiveImprove data‐driven research to inform clinical decision‐making with pediatric epilepsy surgery patients by expanding the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Consortium Epilepsy Surgery (PERC‐Surgery) Workgroup to include neuropsychological data. This article reports on the process and initial success of this effort and characterizes the cognitive functioning of the largest multi‐site pediatric epilepsy surgery cohort in the United States.MethodsPediatric neuropsychologists from 18 institutions completed surveys regarding neuropsychological practice and the impact of involvement in the collaborative. Neuropsychological data were entered through an online database. Descriptive analyses examined the survey responses and cognitive functioning of the cohort. Statistical analyses examined which patients were evaluated and if composite scores differed by domain, demographics, measures used, or epilepsy characteristics.ResultsPositive impact of participation was evident by attendance, survey responses, and the neuropsychological data entry of 534 presurgical epilepsy patients. This cohort, ages 6 months to 21 years, were majority White and non‐Hispanic, and more likely to have private insurance. Mean intelligence quotient (IQ) scores were below to low average, with weaknesses in working memory and processing speed. Full‐scale IQ (FSIQ) was lowest for patients with younger age at seizure onset, daily seizures, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities.SignificanceWe established a collaborative network and fundamental infrastructure to address questions outlined by the Epilepsy Research Benchmarks. There is a wide range in the age and IQ of patients considered for pediatric epilepsy surgery, yet it appears that social determinants of health impact access to care. Consistent with other national cohorts, this US cohort has a downward shift in IQ associated with seizure severity.

Abstract Introduction: This case illustrates the feasibility, benefit, and putative enhanced ecological validity of performing internet-parent–child interaction therapy (I-PCIT) in the parent–child dyad's home for the treatment of behavior problems in medically ill children in the context of a global pandemic. Patient concerns: Parents of a 5-year-old girl initially presented with concerns regarding inattentiveness, physical and verbal fighting with her siblings, and getting kicked out of daycare for hitting another child. Patient also had difficulties sleeping at night. Diagnoses: Patient was diagnosed with electrical status epilepticus in sleep, frontal lobe executive function deficit, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Interventions: Patient received a course of I-PCIT. Equipment included a cell phone with video capabilities connected to a videotelephony software program and set-up in the child's home by the parents. The treatment course included 8, 1-hour, weekly teaching/coaching sessions (7 of which were performed using I-PCIT) plus 1 follow-up booster session 6 months later. Outcomes: Home-based I-PCIT implementation greatly improved disruptive behaviors in a young child with electrical status epilepticus in sleep and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Conclusion: A combination of I-PCIT and methylphenidate allowed her to be successful at home and in a school setting. More research is needed on PCIT adaptations, such as home-based and internet-based PCIT, for medically ill children as well as treatment protocols for combined therapies.