Article

The aim of the study was to assess associations between minor neurological
dysfunction (MND) and behaviour, with specific attention to sex differences.
METHOD: This was an observational cohort study in which 341 9-year-old children
(177 male, 164 female) without perinatal risk were neurologically assessed, with
attention to severity and type of MND. Eight domains of dysfunction were
distinguished, including posture and muscle tone, fine manipulative ability and
coordination. Severity of MND was based on the number of dysfunctional domains.
Behaviour was assessed by parents and teachers using the Child Behavior Checklist
and Teacher's Report Form (TRF); outcomes were internalizing and externalizing
behaviour and total score of behavioural problems. RESULTS: Females with complex
MND or dysfunctional posture and muscle tone had increased risk for externalizing
behavioural problems (OR 4.52, 95% CI 1.01-20.2, and OR 4.05, 95% CI 1.06-15.5,
respectively). In males, these associations were absent. However, males with
simple MND had an increased risk for behavioural problems indicated by the total
TRF-score (OR 7.52, 95% CI 1.36-41.4). INTERPRETATION: In children without
perinatal risk, associations between MND and behaviour are sex-specific. In
females, dysfunction of complex neural networks, including the cerebellum, is
associated with externalizing behaviour. In males, neurobehavioural relationships
are limited, suggesting a larger role of psychosocial factors in the genesis of
behavioural problems.
CI - (c) 2013 Mac Keith Press.

Langue : ANGLAIS