Characteristics of children with ataxic cerebral palsy
Katina Pettersson1,2, Mette Johansen3, Reidun Jahnsen4,5
1Centre for Clinical Research, Uppsala University - Region Västmanland, Västerås, Sweden. katina.pettersson@med.lu.se.
Insights
Children with ataxic cerebral palsy (CP) show distinct characteristics and functional levels compared to other CP subtypes. This highlights the need for tailored assessments of motor skills, communication, and intellectual abilities in ataxic CP patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neurology
- Developmental pediatrics
- Rehabilitation medicine
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) encompasses diverse subtypes with varying clinical presentations.
- Ataxic CP, a specific subtype, warrants detailed comparison with other CP forms.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the characteristics, functional levels, and comorbidities of children with ataxic CP against those with other CP subtypes.
- To identify specific demographic and clinical profiles associated with ataxic CP.
- To inform individualized care strategies for children with ataxic CP.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study utilizing Scandinavian national CP registries (2000-2019).
- Data extracted for 7638 children with CP, including age, sex, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), Communication Function Classification System (CFCS), epilepsy, intellectual disability, and pain.
- Comparison between 302 children with ataxic CP and 7336 children with other CP subtypes.
Main Results:
- Children with ataxic CP showed significantly higher GMFCS II, MACS II, and CFCS II classifications compared to other subtypes.
- A greater proportion of children with ataxic CP were girls, school-aged, adolescents, and had intellectual disability.
- Prevalence of pain and epilepsy did not differ significantly between ataxic CP and other subtypes.
Conclusions:
- Ataxic CP presents with distinct characteristics and functional profiles compared to other CP subtypes.
- Children with ataxic CP often exhibit specific motor, communication, and cognitive challenges.
- Comprehensive evaluation of motor performance, communication, and intellectual disability is recommended for ataxic CP management.
Background:
To compare the characteristics, functional levels, and comorbidities of children with ataxic cerebral palsy (CP), with those of children with other CP subtypes.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study of children with CP born between 2000 and 2019 as reported in the Scandinavian national CP follow-up programmes and quality registries. Data for age, sex, levels of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), the Communication Function Classification System (CFCS), epilepsy, intellectual disability, and pain were extracted.
Results:
There were 302 children (3.9%) with ataxic CP and 7336 children (96.1%) with other subtypes. Children with ataxic CP differed significantly from other subtypes, with a greater proportion classified in GMFCS II (37.7% vs. 15%), MACS II (41.4% vs. 24.8%), and CFCS II (24.7% vs. 10.5%), more girls (50.7% vs. 41.7%), school-aged (47% vs. 41.6%), adolescents (33.4% vs. 25.4%), or had an intellectual disability (51.2% vs. 38.4%), but the prevalence of pain and epilepsy was similar between the subtypes.
Conclusions:
Children with ataxic CP have different characteristics and functional levels than children with other subtypes. We recommend a thorough examination of motor performance, communication, and intellectual disability to meet the individual needs of children with ataxic CP.
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