Impact of Comprehensive Dental Health Program on the Oral Health-related Quality of Life among Socially Handicapped Children.

Aim: Socially handicapped children face a number of challenges including limited access to basic health including oral healthcare. The aim of this study is to determine the oral health status and treatment needs of socially handicapped children and to assess the effectiveness of the Comprehensive Dental Health Program (CDHP) on their oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Materials and methods: A total of 97 children in the age-group of 7-14 years were enrolled in the study. Prior to the implementation of CDHP, the collection of baseline data including basic demographic data, dentition status, decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT), and treatment needs [World Health Organization (WHO) 1997] was done. CDHP was instituted based on their assessment and treatment needs. The evaluation of OHRQoL was done at baseline as well as a postintervention intervention at the end of 12 months. Statistical analysis: Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was applied to find normality. Paired t-test and Wilcoxon sign rank tests were applied for item analysis in the questionnaire. The value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean domain scores of OHRQoL at baseline and following CDHP showed a statistically significant difference. There was a consistent overall increase in the postintervention domain scores with respect to all the components. Conclusion: The oral health status of socially handicapped children was found to be fair requiring minimal dental treatment. CDHP instituted among them was beneficial in improving their OHRQoL. Clinical significance: Assessing the impact of oral diseases using a multidimensional constraint and planning appropriate interventional measures that improve the general well-being of socially handicapped children. How to cite this article: Babu BS, Sahana S, Vasa AAK, et al. Impact of Comprehensive Dental Health Program on the Oral Health-related Quality of Life among Socially Handicapped Children. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(3):260-264.

A study on the effectiveness of training in the operation of an electric mobility aid in severely mentally and physically handicapped children.

Hideshima Y, Asami T, Ichiba M, Matsuo K, Murata T. A study on the effectiveness of training in the operation of an electric mobility aid in severely mentally and physically handicapped children. Jpn J Compr Rehabil Sci 2024; 15: 8-16. Purpose: We examined whether operation training for children with severe mental and physical disabilities using recently developed electric mobility aids improves their skills in operating such aids and their daily activities. By doing so, we aimed to clarify the effectiveness of electric mobility aid operation training for children with severe mental and physical disabilities. Method: Operation training and normal training using an electric mobility aid were conducted for 42 school-aged children with severe mental and physical disabilities, aged 8-18 years old. The trainee children were randomly assigned to two groups: 21 to the intervention group to receive operation training and 21 to the control group to receive general training. The intervention lasted 20 minutes/training session, with three sessions/week over a period of eight weeks. The Powered Mobility Program (PMP) and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) were used for pre- and post-intervention assessments, and SPSS was used for two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: PMP scaled scores significantly increased (p = 0.001) in both groups, but there was no interaction effect. The PEDI scaled scores did not significantly increase in either of the two groups. Discussion: The effects of the intervention and use of the electric mobility aid on the operating skills of children with severe mental and physical disabilities were explicitly demonstrated. Future long-term studies are required to clarify the effects of training in the operation of electric mobility aids on the subsequent development of severely physically and mentally handicapped children.

The predictive role of psychological toughness and adaptability on the actual well-being of mothers with handicapped children.

Background and Aim: Handicapped children cause psychological problems for mothers. As mothers' actual well-being is so important in the family and society, the aim of this research was to predict the role of psychological toughness and adaptability on the actual well-being of mothers with handicapped children. Materials and Methods: The research was descriptive correlational study with volunteer mothers of handicapped children (n=150). Data collection tools were: Ahwaz Kiamarsi et al. (1998) psychological toughness questionnaire, Connor and Davidson adaptability scale (2003), Lyubomerisky and Leper actual well-being scale (1999) and Diener life satisfaction scale (2009). Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the data using SPSS 21 version. Results: The results showed that psychological toughness and its components (commitment, control, struggle) have a significant positive relationship with the actual well-being of mothers with handicapped children and its dimensions (actual well-being and life satisfaction) and is able to predict their well-being. Discussion: Therefore, it can be said that by promoting adaptability, mothers with handicapped children can resist and overcome stressors as well as factors that cause many psychological problems. By reducing psycho-emotional problems in mothers, mental well-being and life satisfaction are improved. Conclusion: The actual well-being of mothers with handicapped children can be predicted by their psychological toughness and adaptability.

Autism spectrum disorder in a boy with congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: In this case report, we described the past history, clinical manifestations, genetic characteristics and cognitive evaluation of a boy with congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (CIPA) who developed autism spectrum disorder (ASD). CASE PRESENTATION: The boy had an early onset of CIPA at the age of 48 months, and was later diagnosed with ASD at 5 years old. Developmental delays in communication, social skills and the presence of maladaptive behaviors were observed in the patient. Professional treatments significantly improved the developmental delays. CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrated that ASD may develop in children with CIPA, and pediatricians should be aware that if they suspect or identify a child with CIPA that they should also be screened for ASD using similar examination and diagnostic tools as shown in the present report. Moreover, therapeutic interventions for ASD was helpful for the remission of both diseases.

Prevalence of Oral Health Status and Needs in Institutionlized Physically Challenged Children.

BACKGROUND: Oral hygiene has significant effect on the overall health of an individual as it has vital role in human life, so it is necessary to protect oral hygiene of all children since childhood. OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to evaluate and compare the prevalence of dental caries and oral hygiene status in institutionalized physically challenged children of Bihar. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: A total of 700 (400 male and 300 female) children were included in the study that were physically handicapped and were institutionalized in various special schools. In this study, complete oral examination was done and was recorded by using Oral Hygiene Status-Simplified given by Greene and Vermillion, 1964, and all statistical analyses were done by using SPSS software. For statistical analysis, Chi-square test and ANOVA were used. RESULTS: Out of 700 children, 48.8% (342) had dental caries with mean Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index of 0.86 (standard deviation [SD] ±1.37) and mean dmft index of 0.36 (SD ± 0.98). In this study, orthopedic, blind, deaf and dumb, and compound students were examined. It was observed that the dental caries prevalence was high in the blind group (71%) compared to that of the deaf and dumb group (40.2%), while oral hygiene status was observed as good in 42.2%, fair in 46.9%, and poor in 10.9% of children. CONCLUSION: Every dental professional should be aware of his/her responsibilities and provide both comprehensive and incremental dental care to improve the overall oral hygiene condition of physically handicapped children.

Assessment of Have Problems and Care Burdens of Mothers with Handicapped Children in COVID-19 Pandemic.

In the study, it was aimed to evaluate the problems and care burden of mothers who have a handicapped child in the pandemic process. The population of the descriptive study consisted of the mothers of the children who came to the rehabilitation center (n = 230), and the sampling consisted of the mothers who wanted to participate in the study (n = 216). The research data were collected through social media and the data were analyzed using the mean, standard deviation, percentage and frequency measurements, independent sample t test, Oneway anova, Kruskal wallis tests in the SPSS program. In the study, Burden Interview Scale (BIS) scores of the mothers who stated that the educational status of their child was adversely affected in the pandemic, stated that they were worried that there would be someone to take care of my child if I died, stated that the child's health checks were interrupted, stated that they did not send their child to school due to the fear of COVID-19, and reported that they had a problem in reaching the health institution was determined were significantly higher than. Mothers with handicapped children stated that their children experienced difficulties in important situations such as health checks and educations during the pandemic period. In addition, it was found that the care burden of these mothers was higher. During the pandemic period, it is necessary to make and support new regulations in accordance with the disability of these special children with state policies as well as healthcare professionals.

Intensive intervention for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: comparison of three rehabilitation treatments.

INTRODUCTION: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a set of heterogeneous neurodevelopmental conditions, characterised by difficulties in social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviours and interests. There are several rehabilitative interventions for individuals with ASD but the evidence of their effectiveness is low or moderate overall. The transition phase of ASD individuals from adolescence to adulthood represents an important challenge. Adults with ASD struggle to access employment or independent living. METHODS: In our study, we evaluated the effect of three different high-intensity interventions, namely Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication-Handicapped Children (TEACCH) and Behavioural Educational Intervention (BEI), in 93 ASD (levels 2 and 3) adolescents (age range 12-18 years). RESULTS: Our results showed that all adolescents with ASD reported an improvement of core symptoms, regardless of the type of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: A high intensity intervention ameliorates the core symptoms of ASD, enriching evidence of effectiveness regarding adolescents with ASD.KEY POINTSIndividuals with ASD need lifespan support and they struggle to access employment, independent living and community inclusion.There are several rehabilitative interventions for individuals with ASD but the evidence of their effectiveness in adolescents is insufficient.The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible enhancement produced by three intensive interventions (ABA, TEACCH, BEI) of symptom severity and adaptive functions.Results show that independently of the treatment, individuals with ASD decrease in ASD severity.Individuals who were treated with the BEI and TEACCH programmes reported improvements in the adaptive domains.

Mothers with disabled children: needs, stress levels and family functionality in rehabilitation.

This study was planned to investigate the relationship between the needs, stress levels of mothers with disabled children and family functioning in rehabilitation. The study was conducted with 181 mothers in a private rehabilitation centre in eastern Turkey. The personal information form, 'Family Needs Assessment Tool (FNAT)', 'Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)' and 'Family Functioning Scale in Rehabilitation (FFSIR)' were used in the data collection. In the analysis of data number, percentage, mean score, standard deviations, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis tests and Spearman correlation were used. The mean score of the mothers on the whole FNAT was 67.49 ± 1.85; the mean score of them on the PSS was 24.99 ± 4.32; the mean score of them on the FFSIR was 153.98 ± 20.61. It was found that there was a positive correlation between the mean scores of the mothers on the FNAT and PSS while there was a negative correlation between the mean scores of them on the PSS and FFSIR (p < 0.05). There was a significant relationship between the socio-demographic characteristics of the mothers and the PSS and FFSIR (p < 0.05). It was determined that the mothers' information needs were high, they had moderate stress levels, and the family functionality was moderate in rehabilitation. It was concluded that the mothers' stress levels increased as the needs of them increased while their stress levels decreased as the functionality of them increased in rehabilitation.

A new laparoscopic triangle fixation technique for gastrostomy: a safe and effective procedure for reduction of the wound infection rate.

Gastrostomy is often performed with fundoplication in handicapped children. We devised a new laparoscopic triangle fixation technique for gastrostomy. In this study, 100 patients underwent gastrostomy with fundoplication between January 2008 and January 2016. We retrospectively reviewed the early postoperative results between the new laparoscopic procedure (NLP) group (n = 63) and conventional procedure (CP) group (n = 37). In the CP, the gastrostomy tube was inserted with a purse-string ligature at the gastric wall, and the gastric wall was sutured to the peritoneum under a small laparotomy. In NLP, three sutures were placed on the gastric wall, forming the three sides of a triangle, and the tube was inserted into the center of the triangle. The ends of each suture were pulled directly through the abdominal wall using a laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure needle to join the gastric wall and peritoneum. Both groups showed no significant differences in age, body weight, and external leakage rate. The wound infection rate was significantly lower in the NLP group. In conclusions, the NLP is straightforward and can achieve firm fixation between the stomach and abdominal wall by suturing in the form of a triangle. The NLP was associated with a lower complication rate, especially concerning infection.

Detection of early symptoms of cumulativetrauma disorders among mothers of handicapped children: a pilot study.

[Purpose] This study aimed to establish a scientific and clinical basis for the development of a method for the early diagnosis of cumulative trauma disorders experienced by mothers of disabled children. [Subjects and Methods] Ten volunteer mothers who came to a rehabilitation centre for the treatment of their children were included in this study. Surface electromyography measurements were taken during maximum isometric contraction through the extensor muscle motor point of the wrist of the mothers, and hand grip strength was measured. [Results] In the electromyography measurements, the mean electromyogram signal value obtained from the wrist extensor muscle motor point of the mothers of the healthy children was 0.3 ± 0.08 mV and the crude handgrip strength was 28.5 ± 2.08 kg. In mothers of rehabilitated children, the crude hand grip strength was 7.0 ± 1.1 kg, and the mean electromyogram signal value from the extender muscle motor point was 0.1 ± 0.02 mV. There was a significant difference between the mothers with healthy and disabled children with respect to handgrip strength and electromyography. [Conclusion] The result obtained may be important in the development of health protection programs. Further research may lead to the development of protective rehabilitation programs and the improvement of social rights for mothers with disabled children.

Association between Satisfaction with Assistive Technology Devices and Psychosocial Impact among Some Mentally or Physically Disabled Children / 農村醫學 地域保健

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to identify the association between satisfaction with assistive technology devices and psychosocial impact among some mentally or physically disabled children. METHODS: The study subjects were 120 disabled children and their primary caregivers who were using rental assistive technology devices in Gwangju and Jeollanam-Do. Data were collected by structured questionnaire composed of general characteristics of subjects, characteristics related with using assistive devices. Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology 2.0 (QUEST 2.0) and Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Device Scale (PIADS). The statistical analysis were performed by descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA and Pearson's correlational analysis. RESULTS: The total mean score for QUEST 2.0 was 4.08±0.66 (satisfaction with devices, 4.01±0.70; satisfaction with the assistive devices service, 4.14±0.90) and the mean of PIADS was 1.00±0.75 (ability, 0.99±0.78; adaptability, 1.04±0.86; self-respect, 0.99±0.74). The scores of PIADS was statistically significant difference according to usage time of assistive devices. The PIADS was significantly positive correlated with QUEST 2.0 CONCLUSIONS: The mentally or physically disabled children reported that the higher level of satisfaction and the more positive impact of psychosocial aspect with assistive technology devices. It would be necessary to perform further studies for addressing the effects of assistive technology devices.

A comparative study of the physical development and motor performance of mentally non-handicapped children and children with intellectual and development disabilities.

Several studies state that there might be a difference in the physical development and the motor performance of the mentally non-handicapped children and those with intellectual and development disabilities. The aim of our research was to compare the two groups from these aspects. The study included the assessment of the physical development and motor performance of altogether 225 primary school pupils (mentally non-handicapped and with intellectual and development disabilities) aged 8-11. The following indicators of physical development and build were examined: body height, body weight and body mass index (BMI), musculoskeletal plasticity index, biceps and triceps skinfold thickness. The motor tests included: 20 m dash, standing long jump, medicine-ball throwing, six minutes continuous running, obstacle race-test and a match test. We also examined the children's chronological (decimal) and morphological age. Data were analysed with SPSS programme. The differences between the averages were calculated with ANOVA and Fisher's LSD tests. The results show that the children with intellectual and development disabilities are in general less developed physically than non-handicapped children of the same age and sex. It is also concluded that in most motor tests the children with intellectual and development disabilities fall behind the non-handicapped ones.

Relationships between Gross Motor Abilities and Problematic Behaviors of Handicapped Children in Different Age Groups.

[Purpose] In this study, we examined problematic behaviors of independent-walking and non-independent-walking handicapped children in the infant, school child and adolescent development phases, using the Japanese version of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC-J) to determine if such behaviors relate to their gross motor abilities. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 86 handicapped children who were receiving physical therapy. The subjects were classified into three groups by age. Using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), each group was further divided into an independent-walking group and non-independent-walking group. Thirteen physical therapists and 8 occupational therapists, who were treating the subject children, rated the subjects using the ABC-J. [Results] Significant differences were observed between the independent-walking and the non-independent-walking groups in the stereotypy and lethargy scores of infants. [Conclusion] For schoolchildren and adolescents, no significant differences were observed between the independent-walking and the non-independent-walking groups in their problematic behavior scores.

Correlation of oral health status of socially handicapped children with their oral heath knowledge, attitude, and practices from India.

BACKGROUND: Information on oral health knowledge and practice in orphanage house children is essential for healthcare policy makers to promote oral health resources and address oral health needs of this unprivileged group of society. OBJECTIVES: To assess the source of information, level of knowledge, attitude, and practice toward oral hygiene and oral health among socially handicapped children from city of Mysore, Karnataka state, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 488 children of 12-14 years of age living in five different orphanage houses of Mysore district. Data regarding knowledge and practice were collected through structured questionnaire and oral health status by type III clinical oral examinations by two trained examiners. Decayed, Missing, Filled, Teeth (DMFT) and OH I-S was then correlated with the above information. Spearman's correlation test was used to measure the correlation. RESULTS: The final data analysis included 488 children, of which 216 (44.26%) were boys and 272 (55.74%) were girls. A total of 88.5% children showed one or more decayed teeth in their oral cavity, with an overall mean DMFT of 3.55. Among DMF, component D showed maximum value with mean 3.42, followed by components F and M. Correlation between source of information, knowledge, and attitude for oral health to oral hygiene index (OHI-S; P < 0.05) and gingival index (P < 0.001) showed highly significant negative values. Correlation between oral hygiene practice to OHI-S, DMFT, and gingival index (P < 0.001) showed highly significant (P < 0.001) negative values. CONCLUSIONS: Although children of orphanage have positive attitude toward oral health, knowledge and practice among children are still below the satisfactory level. The children did not receive appropriate information or, if informed, were not re-evaluated or reinforced for its practical application by the concerned authority. The findings of this study suggest that awareness on the importance of oral health needs to be enhanced among the orphanage children of Mysore.

The TEACCH program for children and adults with autism: a meta-analysis of intervention studies.

The intervention program for autism known as Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) is considered an emerging practice for autism. In the present study we used state-of-the-art meta-analytical procedures to examine the pooled clinical effects of TEACCH in a variety of outcomes. A total of 13 studies were selected for meta-analysis totaling 172 individuals with autism exposed to TEACCH. Standardized measures of perceptual, motor, adaptive, verbal and cognitive skills were identified as treatment outcomes. We used inverse-variance weighted random effects meta-analysis supplemented with quality assessment, sensitivity analysis, meta-regression, and heterogeneity and publication bias tests. The results suggested that TEACCH effects on perceptual, motor, verbal and cognitive skills were of small magnitude in the meta-analyzed studies. Effects over adaptive behavioral repertoires including communication, activities of daily living, and motor functioning were within the negligible to small range. There were moderate to large gains in social behavior and maladaptive behavior. The effects of the TEACCH program were not moderated by aspects of the intervention such as duration (total weeks), intensity (hours per week), and setting (home-based vs. center-based). While the present meta-analysis provided limited support for the TEACCH program as a comprehensive intervention, our results should be considered exploratory owing to the limited pool of studies available.

Caracterização da audição de crianças em um estudo de base populacional no município de Itajaí / SC / Characterization of hearing in children in a population base study in the city of Itajaí / SC

Introdução: A audição é o sistema sensorial que auxilia o ser humano na aquisição e desenvolvimento da linguagem oral, possibilitando sua inserção no ambiente sociocultural. Objetivo: Caracterizar a audição de crianças do nascimento até os 14 anos e 11 meses de idade, residentes em Itajaí. Método: Estudo prospectivo cuja população foi constituída por moradores da área urbana do Município de Itajaí, SC. Foram incluídos na avaliação audiológica todos os indivíduos residentes nas casas sorteadas, sendo excluídos domicílios coletivos, casas comerciais e desabitadas. As crianças com idade superior a quatro anos passavam pela avaliação do meato acústico, triagem audiológica nas frequências de 1.000, 2.000 e 4.000 Hz,pesquisa dos reflexos acústicos e timpanometria. Nas crianças com idade inferior a três anos e 11 meses era realizada avaliação comportamental e emissões otoacústicas transientes. Resultados: Das 119 crianças avaliadas, a ocorrência de algum tipo de deficiência auditiva foi de 16,84% nas crianças acima de quatro anos, analisando a melhor orelha. Não foi encontrado nenhum caso de deficiência auditiva incapacitante. Ao combinar os resultados da avaliação comportamental de crianças com idade até três anos e 11 meses com os resultados da timpanometria da pesquisa dos reflexos acústicos ipsilaterais e emissões otoacústicas transientes,constatou-se a ocorrência de 59,10% de alterações audiológicas, sendo que destas houve, predominantemente, alterações na timpanometria e reflexos acústicos,sugerindo problemas condutivos. Conclusão: Evidencia-se a importância de atuar na promoção e prevenção das perdas auditivas condutivas, buscando propiciar às crianças o desenvolvimento da linguagem e aprendizagem de forma integral e eficaz.

Introduction: Hearing is the sensorial system that helps mankind in the acquisition and development of the oral language and enables their insertion into the socio-cultural environment. Objective: To characterize the hearing of children since birth until 14 years and 11 months of age, living in Itajaí. Method: Prospective study whose population was composed by inhabitants of the urban region of the city of Itajaí, SC. All individuals living in the sorted houses were included in the audiological evaluation, and the collective, commercial and non-inhabited dwellings were excluded. The children older than 4 years old were evaluated as for the acoustic meatus, audiological selection in the frequencies of 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz, research of acoustic reflexes and tympanometry. In the children younger that 3 years and 11 months the behavioral and transient evoked otoacoustic emissions evaluations were carried out. Results: From the 119 children evaluated, the occurrence of some kind of auditory deficiency was of 16.84% in the children older than four years, in the analysis of the best ear. No case of incapacitating auditory deficiency was found. When we matched the behavioral evaluation results of children aged up to three years and 11 months with the results from the tympanometry of the research of ipsilateral acoustic reflexes and transient otoacoustic emissions, we confirmed the occurrence of 59.10% of audiological alterations, and from these there were alterations predominantly in the tympanometry and acoustic reflexes, which suggested conductive problems. Conclusion: This confirms the importance of acting for the promotion and prevention of conductive hearing losses, by attempting to provide the children with the development of language and learning fully and effectively.

Probe and Practice of Fitting the Education of Handicapped Children to Community-based Rehabilitation / 中国康复理论与实践

@#The education and development of the handicapped children has been regarded as part of the community-based rehabilitation now. Our purpose is to give those handicapped children opportunities to be educated, take part in social life, and come back to the society. The author summarized and analyzed some successful methods about community-based rehabilitation in western poverty region of China by international project, and suggest that great efforts has to be taken to improve the inclusive education of handicapped children by community-based rehabilitation.

Parents' attitude toward children with disabilities learning in regular class / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To investigate the parents' attitude toward the handicapped children learning in regular class.MethodsThe Questionnaire of the Parents' Attitude Toward Learning in Regular Class was used to measure the attitude of 240 parents of handicapped children and 480 of normal children. ResultsThe attitude of parents of handicapped children was much more positive than that of parents of normal children. The attitude of parents of deaf children is much more positive than that of parents of mental retarded (MR) children. The attitude of parents of normal children who were studying with the deaf children was much more positive than that of parents of normal children who were studying with the MR children. There was no significant difference among parents of different education levels, occupation and sex. ConclusionHandicapped children learning in regular class need more attention from parents.

Parents' attitude inventory for handicapped children learning in regular class / 中国康复理论与实践

@# ObjectiveTo workout a scale of parents' attitude towards handicapped children learning in regular class.MethodsQuestionnaire on the parents' attitude toward learning in regular class was designed and administered to 240 parents of handicapped children and 480 parents of normal children.ResultsThe questionnaire was consisted of 34 valid items and proved to be a reliable and valid instrument.ConclusionThis questionnaire is an innovation on testing attribute to some limitation, but the normal formulation has to be depended on future study.

Validación de la prueba nacional de pesquisa de trastornos de desarrollo psicomotor en niños menores de 6 años / Validation for screening test of detecting psychomotor development problems in children under six

Introducción. El uso de una prueba de pesquisa en los primeros años de vida permite la detección temprana de retrasos en el desarrollo psicomotor y su tratamiento oportuno. En la Argentina contamos con una Prueba Nacional de Pesquisa preparada en base a un estudio nacional. El objetivo del trabajo fue validar la prueba, comparando sus resultados con evaluaciones diagnósticas, realizadas en forma simultánea por varios servicios del Hospital Garrahan. Pacientes y métodos. Se seleccionó una muestra de 106 niños de 0 a 5,99 años que concurrían al área de bajo riesgo del Hospital. Se realizaron los siguientes estudios diagnósticos: evaluación del desarrollo psicomotor (Bayley II), examen neurológico, salud mental, coeficiente intelectual (Wechsler, Terman), conducta adaptativa (Vineland), lenguaje (prueba de Gardner receptiva y expresiva, ITPA), audición (emisiones otoacústicas, audiometría tonal, PEAT), examen visual. Se utilizó el DSM-IV como referencia de trastornos del desarrollo. Se evaluó la sensibilidad y especificidad obtenidas según la aplicación de diferentes puntos de corte (número de ítems fracasados). Resultados. El mejor punto de corte se estableció en un ítem tipo A o 2 tipo B, con una sensibilidad del 80%, especificidad: 93%, valor predictivo positivo: 94%, valor predictivo negativo: 77%, porcentaje de coincidencia: 85%. Fue inesperada la elevada prevalencia de problemas de desarrollo encontrada en la muestra: 57%. La prueba es capaz de detectar problemas en las cuatro áreas del desarrollo, incluidos trastornos del lenguaje. Conclusión. Los resultados confirman a la Prueba Nacional de Pesquisa como un instrumento válido para ser usado en el primer nivel de atención para el reconocimiento de niños con sospecha de sufrir trastornos del desarrollo. Asimismo, el trabajo de información permite establecer diferentes puntos de corte y constituye un instrumento útil para su aplicación en la práctica pediátrica.

The use of a screening test in the first years of life allows the early detection of delays of psychomotor development and its treatment, thus contributing to improve the prognosis of the child with special needs. In Argentina, a screening test for detecting developmental problems in children under 6, made with local children and data is available (PRUNAPE). A validation procedure for this test was carried out on 106 children attending at low risk outpatient clinic in Hospital Garrahan. The test was administered to the children together with a battery of diagnostic examinations and studies, performed by experienced specialists from different Hospital services: psychomotor development, neurology examination, mental health, intellectual quotient (Wechsler, Terman), adaptive behaviour (Vineland), language (Gardner expressive and receptive, ITPA), hearing (otoacustic emissions, audiometry, BERA), vision. The DSM ­IV was used as a reference for developmental problems. Using as a failure criterion to the PRUNAPE, the failure of performing correctly one type A item or two type B item, sensitivity of the test was 80%, specificity, 93%; positive predictive value, 95%; negative predictive value, 77%; overall agreement, 85%. A very high prevalence of developmental problems was found: 57%. PRUNAPE was found to be capable of detecting a wide range of problems. These results confirm PRUNAPE as a valuable instrument for early detection of developmental problems in paediatric practice at the primary care level.