Application of the CNS vital signs test and WISC-IV in the cognitive assessment of Chinese pediatric patients with intra-cranial space occupying lesion

A fast and reliable neurocognitive assessment tool is required for pediatric patients with an intracranial space-occupying lesion (ICSOL).

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 41 pediatric patients having ICSOL. Cognitive abilities were assessed using both WISC-IV and CNS Vital Signs (CNS VS). All domains are compared to the normative data. Spearman’s correlation analysis is performed between domains in two batteries.

In the WISC-IV, CPI, PSI, and WMI are significantly lower than the normative level. In the CNS VS, NCI, Memory domains, Reaction Time, Social Acuity, and Sustained Attention are significantly lower. Six domains in the CNS VS, including Complex Attention, Sustained Attention, Cognitive Flexibility, Executive Function, Processing Speed, and Social Acuity, positively correlate to the PSI or CPI in the WISC-IV. Sixty percent (9/15) of domains in the CNS VS negatively correlate to the size of ISCOL. The FSIQ in the WISC-IV is significantly associated with patients’ parent education level.

Compared to the WISC-IV, CNS VS takes less time, but measures more domains. CNS VS is more sensitive to the size of ICSOL but is not affected by patients’ parent education level. A healthy control group is warranted for interpreting the results in Chinese participants.