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Is thrombophilia a factor in the development of hemiplegic cerebral palsy?
R A Smith1, M Skelton, M Howard
1York District Hospital, UK. Robert.A.Smith@EXCHA.YHS_TR.NORTHY.NHS.UK
Insights
This study investigated thrombophilia in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP). Researchers found no significant association, suggesting other factors may cause CP. Further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Hematology
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder.
- The etiology of hemiplegic CP is multifactorial.
- Thrombophilic tendencies have been proposed as a potential contributing factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between thrombophilic tendencies and the aetiology of hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP) in a population-based cohort.
- To determine if inherited thrombophilia is a risk factor for hemiplegic CP.
Main Methods:
- A population-based study of children diagnosed with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.
- Ascertainment of 38 children with hemiplegic CP; 27 provided consent for inclusion.
- Screening for thrombophilic abnormalities in study participants.
Main Results:
- Seven thrombophilic abnormalities were identified in six children.
- Five of these abnormalities were considered equivocal and unlikely to represent true clinical thrombophilia.
- No significant association was found between thrombophilia and hemiplegic CP in this population-based study.
Conclusions:
- The study did not demonstrate an association between thrombophilia and hemiplegic CP.
- Findings contrast with previous non-population-based studies.
- Further research, including maternal investigations, is recommended to fully explore the complex etiology of hemiplegic CP.
Abstract:
A population-based study of children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP) was performed to investigate whether thrombophilic tendencies are implicated in the aetiology of the condition. Thirty-eight children (23 males, 15 females; mean age 8.7 years, SD 4.1 years) with hemiplegic CP were ascertained. Twenty-seven children(18 males, nine females; mean age 8.4 years, SD 4.3) gave consent for inclusion. The non-study group comprised five males and six females; mean age 9.4 years, SD 4.1. In six children, seven thrombophilic 'abnormalities' were identified. Five of these abnormalities were of an equivocal nature and probably did not represent true clinical thrombophilia; reasons for this interpretation are discussed. Contrary to other published non-population-based studies, we have not shown an association between thrombophilia and hemiplegic CP. More studies, including maternal studies, are required to explore this complex subject further.