Abstract 64: Screening For Psychosocial Health In Pediatric Stroke

Introduction: Impaired psychosocial health after stroke in adults is well established, with high prevalence of post-stroke anxiety and depression. Behavioral health following pediatric stroke is less well described. Early data suggest that pediatric stroke patients may experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, ADHD and PTSD. Early detection and treatment of behavioral health concerns can lead to improved psychosocial outcomes. However, screening measures to assess psychosocial functioning in pediatric stroke patients have not yet been explored. Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study (COMIRB 21-3536) examined behavioral health following pediatric stroke using the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC-17) at an outpatient stroke clinic. The PSC-17 screens for a broad range of behavioral health symptoms including internalizing, externalizing, and attention concerns. This dataset included patients with a diagnosis of ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, CSVT, or periventricular venous infarction (PVI) between 0-18 years of age. Comparison data included all children seen at general outpatient pediatric appointments. Chi-square goodness of fit tests were performed to compare elevated PSC-17 score proportions in children with stroke to proportions found in the general pediatric population. Results: We identified 65 pediatric stroke patients with a parent-reported PSC-17. Global, internalizing, and externalizing scores were higher among pediatric stroke patients compared to the general pediatric population, but there was no statistically significant difference in attention measures. Conclusions: The PSC-17 identifies a higher prevalence of psychosocial health concerns among children who have experienced a stroke as compared to the general pediatric population. The PSC-17 may serve as an effective screening tool to identify pediatric stroke patients who may benefit from further psychosocial evaluation.