[P1-149] Neuropsychological Function and Parenting Stress in Pediatric Mitochondrial Disease
Introduction: Neuropsychological problems including Cognitive impairment are frequent features of mitochondrial diseases but has not been systematically investigated in pediatric patients with mitochondrial diseases (MD) or their parents. The present study aimed to delineate neurodevelopment and psychological comorbidity in children with MD in the pre-diagnostic and follow-up investigation for better intervention and prognoses, and improved QOL for both patients and parents. Methodolgy: Seventy children diagnosed with MD were neuropsychologically evaluated both at time of pre- and post-diagnosis. Neurocognitive (development, intelligence) and psychological (behavior, daily living function, maternal depression, parenting stress) functions were analyzed. Clinical variables including first symptom, epileptic classification, organ involvement, lactic acidosis, brain magnetic resonance imaging findings, muscle pathology, biochemical enzyme assay results, and syndromic diagnosis of MD were also reviewed. Results: Pre-diagnostic assessments indicated that cognitive function, psychomotor development, and general adaptive function were significantly delayed. Many children exhibited clinically significant levels of behavior problems, and mothers of children with MD exhibited significant increases in parenting stress relative to mothers of healthy children. At the post-diagnostic follow-up evaluation, neurocognitive and general adaptive function were deteriorated, whereas behavioral problems and parenting stress were improved. Conclusions: Better understanding of profiles of neurodevelopment and psychological comorbidity in children with MD in the pre-diagnostic and follow-up period is essential for adequate support and improved QOL of children with MD and their parents.