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Published on: January 11, 2016
Prevalence and characteristics of children with cerebral palsy in Europe
Insights
Cerebral palsy (CP) affects 2.08/1000 births in Europe. Low birth weight significantly increases CP risk, with rates remaining stable in the late 1980s.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is a complex developmental disorder affecting movement and posture.
- Standardized definitions and classifications are crucial for epidemiological studies of CP.
- European collaborative efforts are essential for robust CP research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a central database for children with cerebral palsy (CP) across Europe.
- To determine the prevalence and trends of CP in defined European populations.
- To identify risk factors and associated conditions in children with CP.
Main Methods:
- A central database was created, collecting information on over 6000 children with CP.
- Data were gathered from 13 geographically defined populations in Europe.
- Epidemiological analysis was performed on CP rates between 1980 and 1990.
Main Results:
- The overall CP rate was 2.08 per 1000 live births (1980-1990).
- A significant association was found between low birth weight (<1500g) and increased CP risk (over 70 times higher).
- CP rates increased in the 1970s but stabilized in the late 1980s.
Conclusions:
- The study established a valuable infrastructure for monitoring CP trends and planning services.
- Birth weight is a critical factor influencing CP rates.
- Continued data collection and analysis are vital for understanding and addressing CP.
Abstract:
Following agreement on definitions and classification, a central database was set up to include information on over 6000 children with cerebral palsy (CP) from 13 geographically defined populations in Europe. The overall rate for the period 1980 to 1990 was 2.08/1000 live births (95% CI 2.02 to 2.14). One in five children with CP (20.2%) was found to have a severe intellectual deficit and was unable to walk. Among babies born weighing less than 1500 g, the rate of CP was more than 70 times higher compared with those weighing 2500 g or more at birth. The rate of CP rose during the 1970s, but remained constant during the late 1980s. Future analyses will include data from children born in the 1990s. This collaborative work provides a powerful means of monitoring trends in birthweight-specific rates of CP and an infrastructure for research and service planning.
