Relevance of Cognitive Rehabilitation amongst Survivor Children with Critical Illnesses – A Systematic Analysis

Cognitive Rehabilitation (CR) has been variously used in the research literature to represent non-pharmacological interventions that target the Cognitive impairments (CI). The need to address acquired cognitive impairments among children having any history of chronic illnesses like congenital heart disease (CHD), Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), Epilepsy disorder etc., is inevitable. Such impairments have to be forecasted and should be pointed out for planning CR at the earliest. Published brain imaging studies and findings emphasizing CI, especially Executive Function (EF) and related psycho-social aspects, could be identified and reviewed. Based on a systematic review of the literature from 2000 – 2021, increased risk of EF deficits and psychosocial impairments were commonly found in the 3 categories and has been briefly described. Eight databases were searched, resulting in 63 studies meeting inclusion criteria for review. Clinical and research gaps in the area are discussed. In India, a very limited number of brain imaging studies and neuropsychological studies have been done indicating the CI among school-aged survivor children. Preliminary evidence shows the post-effect of chronic illness has affected cognitive functions, behaviour, academic performances and other aspects in daily life events, which indeed affected their QOL. Many studies have emphasized the relevance and the need of implementing supportive interventions like CR among survivor children.