Correlation between ICIDH handicap code and Gross Motor Function Classification System in children with cerebral...

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Neurology

Background:

• Cerebral palsy (CP) classification systems are crucial for understanding functional limitations.
• The International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities and Handicap (ICIDH) and the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) are widely used tools.
• Comparing these systems can refine assessment and management strategies for children with CP.

Purpose of the Study:

• To apply the ICIDH and GMFCS in parallel to a population-based series of children with CP.
• To evaluate the correlation and similarity in disability grading between the two classification systems.
• To determine the clinical utility and efficiency of each system in assessing children with CP.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective collection of data from 116 children with CP aged 5-6 years.
• Utilized birth characteristics, gross motor function data, and handicap levels from medical records.
• Applied both ICIDH and GMFCS to classify the severity of disability and handicap.

Main Results:

• Significant correlations were found between high handicap scores, GMFCS levels, and the presence of learning disability, epilepsy, and obvious CP etiology.
• A strong correlation (r = 0.95, p<0.0001) was observed between the ICIDH handicap code and GMFCS, particularly in mobility.
• A striking similarity in disability grading was noted between the ICIDH handicap code and GMFCS.

Conclusions:

• The GMFCS demonstrates a striking similarity to the ICIDH handicap code in grading disability for children with CP.
• GMFCS is considerably less time-consuming and suitable for retrospective evaluation.
• The ICIDH handicap code provides a more comprehensive profile but requires more detailed information.