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Citation
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Babl FE, Dionisio D, Davenport L, Baylis A, Hearps SJC, Bressan S, Thompson EJ, Anderson V, Oakley E, Davis GA. Pediatrics 2017; 140(2): e2016-3258. |
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Affiliation
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Department of Neurosurgery, Austin Health and Cabrini Hospital, Malvern, Victoria, Australia. |
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Abstract
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BACKGROUND: The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool version 3 (SCAT3) and its child version (ChildSCAT3) are composite physical and neuropsychological scoring systems used to assess athletes after sport-related concussion. Based on limited validation data, we aimed to evaluate the ability of SCAT3 and ChildSCAT3 to differentiate children aged 5 to 16 years with concussion from controls.
METHODS: Prospective observational study of children in the emergency department with concussion (CONC group) and 2 control groups ([1] upper-limb injury [ULI] and [2] Well children) with equal-sized subgroups in 3 age bands of 5 to 8, 9 to 12, and 13 to 16 years. ChildSCAT3 was used for participants aged 5 to 12 years, and SCAT3 was used for participants aged 13 to 16 years. Differences between study groups were analyzed by using analysis of variance models, adjusting for age and sex.
RESULTS: We enrolled 264 children (90 CONC, 90 ULI, and 84 Well) in equal-sized age bands. The number and severity of child- and parent-reported symptom scores were significantly higher in the CONC group than either control group (P <.001). Mean double (ChildSCAT3 P <.001) and tandem stance errors (both P ≤.01) were also significantly higher, and immediate memory was significantly lower for the CONC group (P <.01). No statistically significant group differences were found for orientation and digit backward tasks. There were no significant differences between ULI and Well control groups.
CONCLUSIONS: Overall, SCAT3 and ChildSCAT3 can differentiate concussed from nonconcussed patients, particularly in symptom number and severity.
Copyright © 2017 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Language: en |