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The California Cerebral Palsy Project
J K Grether1, S K Cummins, K B Nelson
1California Birth Defects Monitoring Program, California Department of Health Services, Emeryville 94608.
Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology
|July 1, 1992
Summary
The California Cerebral Palsy Project found a prevalence of 1.23 per 1000 children aged 3. This study highlights cerebral palsy epidemiology in the San Francisco Bay area.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Congenital cerebral palsy (CP) presents a significant public health challenge.
- Population-based studies are crucial for understanding CP prevalence and risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of moderate to severe congenital cerebral palsy in a defined population.
- To investigate potential associations between birthweight and CP severity or associated disabilities.
Main Methods:
- The California Cerebral Palsy Project (CACP) identified 192 children born 1983-1985 in four Bay Area counties.
- Case ascertainment utilized agency records, with final status confirmed by clinical examination or record review.
- Prevalence was calculated at age 3 years among survivors.
Main Results:
- The 3-year prevalence of CP was 1.23 per 1000 survivors.
- Twins exhibited a higher prevalence (6.7 per 1000).
- No significant association was found between birthweight and CP severity or associated disabilities.
Conclusions:
- The CACP reported a lower CP prevalence than other studies, potentially due to stringent inclusion criteria.
- Findings contribute to the epidemiological understanding of cerebral palsy in a specific population cohort.