Neurodevelopmental outcome of ECMO survivors at five years of age: The potential for academic and motor difficulties

This study examined areas of cognitive and motor functioning in survivors o f neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) at age 5. Fifty-two E nglish-speaking ECMO survivors were seen for follow-up evaluations of cogni tive, physical, and motor status, using the WPPSI-R, PPVT-R, PDMS, VABS, Ac henbach CBCL, and physical examination. Children were assigned to groups of "normal," "at risk," and "delayed" on the basis of their functional outcom e. Profile analyses were done on the verbal and performance intelligence qu otients of the WPPSI-R and the developmental motor quotient subtests of the PDMS. A higher number of children than expected (10%) were diagnosed with mental retardation, while an additional 12% presented other disabilities. I n addition, a pattern of specific vulnerabilities in cognitive and gross mo tor abilities was present for many children, including difficulties with fi ne motor and motor planning using paper and pencil. ECMO survivors are at g reater risk than would be expected for academic difficulties and gross moto r deficits, suggesting that many children may require special education ser vices. Evaluation in second or third grade, when learning disabilities can be more easily identified, is indicated for ECMO survivors.