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Early, Accurate Diagnosis and Early Intervention in Cerebral Palsy: Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment
Iona Novak1, Cathy Morgan1, Lars Adde2
1Cerebral Palsy Alliance, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Insights
Early diagnosis of cerebral palsy (CP) is possible before 6 months corrected age using a combination of neuroimaging and standardized assessments. Prompt intervention optimizes neuroplasticity and function in infants with CP.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Developmental Medicine
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common childhood physical disability, affecting 1 in 500 live births.
- Historically diagnosed between 12-24 months, diagnosis is now possible earlier, before 6 months corrected age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the best evidence for early and accurate diagnosis of cerebral palsy (CP).
- To summarize evidence on CP-specific early interventions that optimize neuroplasticity and function following early diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library (1956-2016).
- Inclusion of systematic reviews, diagnostic accuracy studies, and evidence-based clinical guidelines.
- Reporting according to PRISMA statement and AGREE II instrument.
Main Results:
- Six systematic reviews and two guidelines met inclusion criteria, all with high methodological quality.
- Predictive tools for CP risk before 5 months corrected age include MRI (86-89% sensitivity), General Movements assessment (98% sensitivity), and Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (90% sensitivity).
- After 5 months corrected age, MRI, Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination, and Developmental Assessment of Young Children are key predictive tools.
Conclusions:
- Early cerebral palsy (CP) diagnosis involves medical history, neuroimaging, and standardized neurological/motor assessments.
- Prompt referral to early intervention is crucial for optimizing infant neuroplasticity, preventing complications, and supporting caregivers.
Importance:
Cerebral palsy describes the most common physical disability in childhood and occurs in 1 in 500 live births. Historically, the diagnosis has been made between age 12 and 24 months but now can be made before 6 months' corrected age.
Objectives:
To systematically review best available evidence for early, accurate diagnosis of cerebral palsy and to summarize best available evidence about cerebral palsy-specific early intervention that should follow early diagnosis to optimize neuroplasticity and function.
Evidence Review:
This study systematically searched the literature about early diagnosis of cerebral palsy in MEDLINE (1956-2016), EMBASE (1980-2016), CINAHL (1983-2016), and the Cochrane Library (1988-2016) and by hand searching. Search terms included cerebral palsy, diagnosis, detection, prediction, identification, predictive validity, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. The study included systematic reviews with or without meta-analyses, criteria of diagnostic accuracy, and evidence-based clinical guidelines. Findings are reported according to the PRISMA statement, and recommendations are reported according to the Appraisal of Guidelines, Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument.
Findings:
Six systematic reviews and 2 evidence-based clinical guidelines met inclusion criteria. All included articles had high methodological Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS) ratings. In infants, clinical signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy emerge and evolve before age 2 years; therefore, a combination of standardized tools should be used to predict risk in conjunction with clinical history. Before 5 months' corrected age, the most predictive tools for detecting risk are term-age magnetic resonance imaging (86%-89% sensitivity), the Prechtl Qualitative Assessment of General Movements (98% sensitivity), and the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (90% sensitivity). After 5 months' corrected age, the most predictive tools for detecting risk are magnetic resonance imaging (86%-89% sensitivity) (where safe and feasible), the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (90% sensitivity), and the Developmental Assessment of Young Children (83% C index). Topography and severity of cerebral palsy are more difficult to ascertain in infancy, and magnetic resonance imaging and the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination may be helpful in assisting clinical decisions. In high-income countries, 2 in 3 individuals with cerebral palsy will walk, 3 in 4 will talk, and 1 in 2 will have normal intelligence.
Conclusions And Relevance:
Early diagnosis begins with a medical history and involves using neuroimaging, standardized neurological, and standardized motor assessments that indicate congruent abnormal findings indicative of cerebral palsy. Clinicians should understand the importance of prompt referral to diagnostic-specific early intervention to optimize infant motor and cognitive plasticity, prevent secondary complications, and enhance caregiver well-being.
