Validation of a screening tool for attention and executive functions (EpiTrack Junior) in children and adolescents with absence epilepsy

Abstract

Objective: Our prospective study aimed at the validation of EpiTrack Junior, a neuropsychological screening tool for attention and executive functions in children with epilepsy.

Methods: Twenty-two children with absence epilepsy aged 8-17 years underwent comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation including EpiTrack Junior and measures of intelligence, verbal and nonverbal memory, word fluency and visuoconstructive organization. Concurrent and discriminant validity of EpiTrack Junior subtests and total score as well as sensitivity and specificity of the total score were analyzed.

Results: EpiTrack Junior total score was impaired in 59% of participants. Concurrent validity was demonstrated in 4/6 subtests and for the total score. Discriminant validity was shown with respect to verbal and nonverbal long-term memory. Sensitivity was higher than specificity and highest for the "working memory index".

Conclusion: EpiTrack Junior is recommended as a sensitive and time-efficient screening tool for attention and executive functions in children with epilepsy. Impaired results should be followed up with detailed evaluation including information from the parents and school as well as counseling where indicated.

Keywords: Absence epilepsy; Attention; Cognition; Cognitive functions; Concurrent and discriminant validity; Executive functions; Neuropsychological screening for children; Neuropsychology; Specificity and sensitivity; Validation.