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The prevalence of cerebral palsy in British Columbia, 1991-1995
Les Smith1, Karen D Kelly, Glenda Prkachin
1Northern Health, Prince George, BC, Canada.
Insights
The prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP) in British Columbia was 2.68 per 1000 live births. Birth weight and gestational age were significantly related to CP development.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health Epidemiology
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is a complex developmental disorder affecting movement and posture.
- Accurate prevalence data is crucial for resource allocation and intervention planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP) in British Columbia.
- To analyze the relationship between birth factors and CP development.
Main Methods:
- Population-based record linkage study of children born in British Columbia between 1991 and 1995.
- Case identification using ICD-9 code '343' and BC Medical Services Plan billing data.
Main Results:
- An aggregate CP prevalence of 2.68 per 1000 live births was found.
- A congenital CP rate of 2.57 per 1000 live births was calculated.
- Significant associations were observed between birth weight, gestational age, and CP.
Conclusions:
- This study provides essential CP prevalence data for British Columbia.
- Findings support the need for a provincial CP register.
- Understanding risk factors like birth weight and gestational age can inform prevention strategies.
Objective:
To quantify the prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP) in British Columbia within a four-year birth cohort.
Methods:
The study was a population-based record linkage study of a birth cohort of British Columbian children born between April 1, 1991 and March 31, 1995. Cases were identified by the presence of International Classification of Diseases, Version 9 (ICD-9) diagnostic code "343" recorded at three years of age or older or by having the ICD-9 diagnostic code "343" recorded prior to the third birthday with two confirmatory diagnoses within the first three years of life through a record search of the BC Medical Services Plan billing files for the fiscal years 1991 to 1995.
Results/Conclusion:
This research has provided an estimate of the prevalence of CP in the four-year birth cohort 1991 to 1995 in British Columbia. An aggregate prevalence rate of CP was measured as 2.68 per 1000 live births, and a congenital rate was measured at 2.57 for the same population. Birth weight and gestational age demonstrated a significant relationship with the development of CP. This study should lend credence to the establishment of a CP register in British Columbia.
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