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Published on: August 9, 2024
[Children with cerebral palsy referred to a multidisciplinary habilitation unit]
Kjersti Ramstad1, Unni Sandaker Blom
1Seksjon for habilitering, Barneavdelingen, Akershus universitetssykehus, 1474 Nordbyhagen. kjersti.ramstad@ahus.no
Insights
A multidisciplinary team for neurologically impaired children saw underrepresentation of mild cerebral palsy cases. Associated impairments, excluding epilepsy, were also diagnosed less frequently than anticipated.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Context:
- A multidisciplinary team was established at Akershus University Hospital to support neurologically impaired children.
- The study focuses on the initial operational phase of this specialized team.
Purpose:
- To determine the number of children with cerebral palsy referred to the new team.
- To assess if referrals led to the identification of associated diagnoses.
- To evaluate the team's effectiveness in diagnosing co-occurring conditions in children with cerebral palsy.
Summary:
- 182 children diagnosed with cerebral palsy were included in the study.
- Only 36% of children aged 6-14 with cerebral palsy could walk unaided.
- After two years, 80 children lacked diagnoses beyond cerebral palsy, indicating potential underdiagnosis of associated conditions.
Impact:
- Highlights potential underdiagnosis of associated impairments in children with cerebral palsy.
- Suggests a need to refine referral criteria and diagnostic practices for mild motor impairments.
- Informs the development of comprehensive care strategies for pediatric neurological conditions.
Background:
At Akershus University Hospital a new multidisciplinary team was set up to serve neurologically impaired children. We investigated how many children with cerebral palsy were referred to the team and whether referral resulted in an associated diagnosis.
Material And Methods:
All children with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy referred up until the end of the team's first year of full service were included. Data on birth weight and mobility were retrieved from patient files. Additional diagnoses were registered at inclusion date and two years later and compared to prevalence studies.
Results:
182 children had a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. 41 out of 114 children (36%) in the age bracket 6-14 were described as walking without using aids. After a minimum of two years' follow-up, 80 children had no neurological or psychiatric diagnosis (except cerebral palsy).
Interpretation:
Children with mild motor impairment were underrepresented, and associated impairments, except epilepsy, were diagnosed less often than expected.
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