Article

Children in a vegetative state (VS) and a minimally conscious state (MCS)
experience severe limitations as a consequence of nervous system deficits and
require consistent environmental support. However, disability in VS and MCS
children has never been described following a model that accounts for the
presence of the symptoms, limitations and the support required. Therefore, the
aim of this paper is to describe the functioning and disability of children in VS
and MCS using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and
Health - version for Children and Youth (ICF-CY). VS and MCS children were
enrolled in postacute settings and at home. ICF-CY questionnaires were filled in
using information available from clinical documentation, direct observation and
from children's parents. ICF-CY categories were considered as relevant if used in
at least one-third of the children. In total, 36 children and adolescents (22 in
VS, 25 males) were enrolled. The majority developed VS and MCS following a
nontraumatic event; the mean age was 114.8 months and the mean duration of
condition was 50.1 months. A total of 94 ICF-CY categories were reported as
relevant: 26 were from body functions, mostly from mental functions and mobility
chapters; nine from body structures, 32 from activities and participation, mostly
from learning, mobility and self-care chapters; and 27 from environmental
factors. The use of ICF-CY enables to obtain a specific profile of functioning
for each child that can be coupled with known issues, such as loss of brain
functions and provision of life-sustaining interventions.

Langue : ANGLAIS