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Your search keyword '"Harila-Saari, A. H. (Arja H.)"' showing total 2 results
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2 results on '"Harila-Saari, A. H. (Arja H.)"'

1. Neurocognitive impairment, employment, and social status in radiotherapy-treated adult survivors of childhood brain tumors

Author

Remes, T. M. (Tiina M.), Hovén, E. (Emma), Ritari, N. (Niina), Pohjasniemi, H. (Heli), Puosi, R. (Riina), Arikoski, P. M. (Pekka M.), Arola, M. O. (Mikko O.), Lähteenmäki, P. M. (Päivi M.), Lönnqvist, T. R. (Tuula R. I.), Ojaniemi, M. K. (Marja K.), Riikonen, V. P. (V. Pekka), Sirkiä, K. H. (Kirsti H.), Winqvist, S. (Satu), Rantala, H. M. (Heikki M. J.), Harila, M. (Marika), and Harila-Saari, A. H. (Arja H.)

Subjects
radiation, employment, neurocognitive impairment, brain tumor, social status
Abstract

Background: Little is known of the cognitive functions, employment, and social status in adult survivors of childhood brain tumor (BT). We aimed to determine the long-term neurocognitive profile of radiotherapy-treated adult survivors of childhood BT and the relationship between cognitive functions and employment and social status. Methods: Neurocognitive profiles of survivors were assessed in a Finnish national cohort of 71 radiotherapy-treated survivors of childhood BT (median follow-up time: 21 years [range: 5–33 years]) using a cross-sectional design. Neurocognitive outcomes were compared to control (n = 45) and normative values. Tumor- and treatment-related data were collected from the patient files. Information on employment and social status was gathered. Results: Survivors’ (median age: 27 years [range: 16–43 years]) median verbal and performance intelligence quotient (IQ) was 90 (range: 49–121) and 87 (range: 43–119), respectively. The cognitive domains with the greatest impairment were executive functions (median z score, −3.5 SD [range: −25.0 to 1.3 SD]), and processing speed and attention (median z score, −2.5 SD [range: −24.9 to 0.5 SD]). Executive functions were associated with employment, educational level, living independently, having an intimate relationship, and having a driving license. Processing speed and attention were related to educational level, living independently, having an intimate relationship, and having a driving license. Performance IQ was associated with educational level and employment status. Working memory was associated with educational level and living independently. Conclusions: Radiotherapy-treated adult survivors of childhood BT experience significant neurocognitive impairment, which is associated with difficulties related to employment and social status.

Published
2021

2. Radiation-induced accelerated aging of the brain vasculature in young adult survivors of childhood brain tumors

Author

Remes, T. M. (Tiina Maria), Suo-Palosaari, M. H. (Maria Helena), Koskenkorva, P. K. (Päivi K. T.), Sutela, A. K. (Anna K.), Toiviainen-Salo, S.-M. (Sanna-Maria), Arikoski, P. M. (Pekka M.), Arola, M. O. (Mikko O.), Heikkilä, V.-P. (Vesa-Pekka), Kapanen, M. (Mika), Lähteenmäki, P. M. (Päivi Maria), Lönnqvist, T. R. (Tuula R. I.), Niiniviita, H. (Hannele), Pokka, T. M. (Tytti M-L.), Porra, L. (Liisa), Riikonen, V. P. (V. Pekka), Seppälä, J. (Jan), Sirkiä, K. H. (Kirsti H.), Vanhanen, A. (Antti), Rantala, H. M. (Heikki M. J.), Harila-Saari, A. H. (Arja H.), Ojaniemi, M. K. (Marja K.), Remes, T. M. (Tiina Maria), Suo-Palosaari, M. H. (Maria Helena), Koskenkorva, P. K. (Päivi K. T.), Sutela, A. K. (Anna K.), Toiviainen-Salo, S.-M. (Sanna-Maria), Arikoski, P. M. (Pekka M.), Arola, M. O. (Mikko O.), Heikkilä, V.-P. (Vesa-Pekka), Kapanen, M. (Mika), Lähteenmäki, P. M. (Päivi Maria), Lönnqvist, T. R. (Tuula R. I.), Niiniviita, H. (Hannele), Pokka, T. M. (Tytti M-L.), Porra, L. (Liisa), Riikonen, V. P. (V. Pekka), Seppälä, J. (Jan), Sirkiä, K. H. (Kirsti H.), Vanhanen, A. (Antti), Rantala, H. M. (Heikki M. J.), Harila-Saari, A. H. (Arja H.), and Ojaniemi, M. K. (Marja K.)

Abstract

Background: Cranial radiotherapy may damage the cerebral vasculature. The aim of this study was to understand the prevalence and risk factors of cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) in childhood brain tumors (CBT) survivors treated with radiotherapy. Methods: Seventy CBT survivors who received radiotherapy were enrolled in a cross-sectional study at a median 20 years after radiotherapy cessation. The prevalence of and risk factors for CVD were investigated using MRI, MRA, and laboratory testing. Tumors, their treatment, and stroke-related data were retrieved from patients’ files. Results: Forty-four individuals (63%) had CVD at a median age of 27 years (range, 16–43 years). The prevalence rates at 20 years for CVD, small-vessel disease, and large-vessel disease were 52%, 38%, and 16%, respectively. Ischemic infarcts were diagnosed in 6 survivors, and cerebral hemorrhage in 2. Lacunar infarcts were present in 7, periventricular or deep WMHs in 34 (49%), and mineralizing microangiopathy in 21 (30%) survivors. Multiple pathologies were detected in 44% of the participants, and most lesions were located in a high-dose radiation area. Higher blood pressure was associated with CVD and a presence of WMHs. Higher cholesterol levels increased the risk of ischemic infarcts and WMHs, and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein and higher waist circumference increased the risk of lacunar infarcts. Conclusions: Treating CBTs with radiotherapy increases the risk of early CVD and WMHs in young adult survivors. These results suggest an urgent need for investigating CVD prevention in CBT patients.

Published
2020

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