Risk factors, types, and neuroimaging findings in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Sabeen Abid Khan1, Sidra Talat2, Munir Iqbal Malik3
1Dr. Sabeen Abid Khan, Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, Shifa College of Medicine, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, H-8 Islamabad, Pakistan.
Insights
Cerebral palsy affects more males and is linked to maternal anemia, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and low birth weight. Addressing these modifiable risk factors can reduce cerebral palsy incidence in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Cerebral palsy is a significant cause of childhood neurodisability in Pakistan.
- Understanding risk factors is crucial for prevention and intervention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate risk factors, types, and neuroimaging findings in children diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
- To identify key maternal and perinatal factors associated with cerebral palsy in the Pakistani population.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 89 children aged 1-16 years diagnosed with cerebral palsy were enrolled.
- Data collected included demographics, birth details, consanguinity, and maternal antenatal history.
- Neuroimaging was performed on a subset of patients.
Main Results:
- The study included 69.7% males, with a mean age of 4.4 years.
- Birth asphyxia was the most common cause (42.7%).
- Significant maternal risk factors included anemia (14.6%), pregnancy-induced hypertension (9%), and infections (6%). Consanguinity was present in 62.9%.
Conclusions:
- Male gender and specific maternal factors like anemia and pregnancy-induced hypertension are associated with cerebral palsy.
- Low birth weight and birth asphyxia are critical contributors.
- Targeting modifiable risk factors such as maternal health during pregnancy can potentially decrease the incidence of cerebral palsy.
Objectives:
Cerebral palsy is a major cause of neurodisability in children in Pakistan. The study aims to evaluate the risk factors, types and neuroimaging findings in children with cerebral palsy.
Methods:
All children diagnosed with cerebral palsy, between 1-16 years presenting to Shifa community health center were enrolled from January 2020 to July 2021. Informed consent was taken from parents.
Results:
A total of 89 patients were included, 62 (69.7%) male and 27 (30.3%) females. Mean age was 4.4 ± 2.8 years. Majority of babies were born at term 74 (84%) and 15 were preterm (16%). Most of the patients were born in hospital 55 (62%), 13 (14%) were born at home. Mean birth weight was 2.3 ± 0.3. Consanguinity was present in 56 (62.9%). Birth asphyxia 38 (42.7%) was the most common cause of cerebral palsy. Maternal antenatal risk factors identified were anemia 13 (14.6%), PIH (9%) infections (6%) were significant risk factors (<0.05). Neuroimaging was done in 37 (38.7%) of the patients only.
Conclusion:
Male gender is more affected in our cohort. Maternal anemia, pregnancy induced hypertension and low birth weight are significant modifiable risk factors. Prevention of these can reduce the incidence of cerebral palsy.
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