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Prevalence of cerebral palsy in The Netherlands (1977-1988)
M J Wichers1, Y T van der Schouw, K G Moons
1Groot Klimmendaal Rehabilitation Centre, Arnhem, The Netherlands. mjwich@knmg.nl
Insights
The prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP) in the Netherlands was estimated at 1.51 per 1,000 children born between 1977 and 1988. CP prevalence significantly increased during this period.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Children with cerebral palsy (CP) require extensive diagnostic, therapeutic, and social support services.
- Accurate prevalence data for CP in the Netherlands is outdated, hindering effective service planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the population prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP) in the Netherlands.
- To analyze trends in CP prevalence over a defined birth cohort.
Main Methods:
- A population-based study was conducted in a Dutch region with 1.2 million inhabitants.
- Children born between 1977 and 1988 were identified through medical records, parent organizations, and media outreach.
- Expert examination confirmed 127 definite CP cases out of 170 suspected cases.
Main Results:
- The crude average prevalence of CP was 0.74 per 1,000 inhabitants.
- The adjusted population prevalence of CP for the 1977-1988 birth years was 1.51 per 1,000 inhabitants.
- A significant increasing trend in CP prevalence was observed, rising from 0.77 (1977-1979) to 2.44 (1986-1988) per 1,000.
Conclusions:
- The study provides updated prevalence data for cerebral palsy in the Netherlands.
- The rising trend in CP prevalence highlights the need for further investigation into contributing factors and service adaptation.
- These findings are crucial for improving diagnostic, therapeutic, and social support systems for children with CP and their families.
Abstract:
Children with cerebral palsy (CP) and their families often make strong demands on diagnostic, therapeutic, technical and social facilities. Prevalence estimates are needed to improve treatment and services. As recent Dutch data are not available, the present study aimed to assess the population prevalence of CP in the Netherlands. A representative Dutch area with 1.2 million inhabitants of which 172,000 were born between 1977 and 1988 was studied. To ascertain the children with CP from these birth years, medical practices (such as rehabilitation centres, paediatric and child neurological departments) were consecutively asked to contact their (supposed) CP cases. Next, a parents' organisation and finally regional news media assisted in the ascertainment. In total, 170 'supposed' CP cases underwent an expert examination. Of these 170, 127 children proved to be definite CP-cases, yielding a 'crude' average prevalence of 0.74 per 1,000 inhabitants (95% CI: 0.61-0.87). Under-ascertainment was recognised and quantified. Accordingly, the population prevalence of CP over the birth year period 1977-1988 was calculated as 1.51 per 1,000 inhabitants (average over the 12 birth years). The calculated CP prevalence rose significantly over time: from 0.77 (1977-1979) to 2.44 (1986-1988). This trend is in accordance with other studies.