ID #726 Communication and language profiles of children treated for posterior fossa tumors
Zara Sved, Jennie Cusiter, Meghan Hesse, Annabel Webb, Kimberley DockingAbstract
Background
Cognitive and language deficits are commonly reported long-term consequences of posterior fossa brain tumors (PFBT). These impairments often have a delayed emergence, limiting timely identification and early intervention, with significant implications for quality of life. This study aimed to characterise the language profiles of children treated for posterior fossa brain tumors who were referred to outpatient speech pathology services, and to identify early indicators and predictive factors associated with later language outcomes.
Procedure
A retrospective cohort study and file audit were conducted using medical records, speech pathology, and neuropsychological assessment data from 21 patients (≤18 years) diagnosed with and treated for a primary PFBT between 2008 and 2021. Standardised scores were extracted and grouped into language and neuropsychological domains. General and mixed-effects linear models were used to examine changes in assessment outcomes over time and to evaluate the influence of child, tumor, and treatment-related variables.
Results
Of 117 children diagnosed with a PFBT during the study period, 21 met the inclusion criteria. Narrative and pragmatic skills were the weakest language domains at the initial post-treatment assessment across the cohort. Although declines were observed across all language domains, these changes were not statistically significant. Significant associations were identified between larger tumor size (p = 0.018) and extent of tumor resection (p = 0.041) with declines in semantic performance.
Conclusions
The absence of clear language deficits at the initial post-treatment assessment, alongside trends toward increasing difficulties over time, highlights the need for ongoing monitoring. Assessment of narrative and pragmatic abilities should be prioritised. Larger prospective studies are recommended.