Risk factors for spastic cerebral palsy: a retrospective cross-sectional study and literature review
Xing Wang1, Xiao-Gang Du1, Siew Hoon Teh2
1Famous TCM Expert Heritage Studio, Xi'an Encephalopathy Hospital Affiliated to Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
Insights
Spastic cerebral palsy (CP) risk factors include neonatal issues like asphyxia and prematurity. Improved prenatal care and reduced maternal exposure to toxins are key for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a common lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder.
- Spastic CP accounts for 70% of all CP cases, primarily affecting young children.
- Understanding spastic CP risk factors is crucial for developing effective clinical strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the risk factors associated with spastic Cerebral Palsy (CP).
- To analyze demographic and clinical data of spastic CP patients.
- To review existing literature on spastic CP etiology to inform prevention and management.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 231 spastic CP patients (aged 4-14) records.
- Data collection from Xi'an Encephalopathy Hospital (October 2021-September 2022).
- Statistical analysis of demographic data and risk factors, supplemented by a literature review.
Main Results:
- Key risk factors identified include neonatal asphyxia (63.20%), premature birth (49.78%), and low birth weight (49.35%).
- Other significant factors: maternal prenatal illnesses, cesarean delivery (32.90% in preterm), and environmental pollutants.
- Patient demographics: 55.41% male, 52.84% urban residents; peak age at diagnosis around 4 years old.
Conclusions:
- Findings highlight the importance of addressing neonatal complications and prenatal factors.
- Recommendations include enhanced prenatal care, infection control, and minimizing maternal exposure to toxins, alcohol, and medications.
- Early, personalized interventions are supported for at-risk infants to mitigate spastic CP development.
Background:
Cerebral Palsy (CP), a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder, primarily manifests in early childhood, with spastic CP constituting 70% of cases. This study investigates spastic CP risk factors through a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of medical records and literature review to guide clinical strategies for reducing its incidence.
Methods:
The study analyzed the records of patients with spastic CP from Xi'an Encephalopathy Hospital affiliated to Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, between October 2021 and September 2022, aged 4-14 years old. Demographic and risk factor analysis was conducted among 231 patients, utilizing count data and percentages. Additionally, recent literature on spastic CP risk factors was reviewed.
Results:
Among the 231 cases, 55.41% were male, and 52.84% were urban residents. Age distribution was most concentrated at 4 years old (18.18%), followed by 5 years old (11.69%), and 8 years old (11.26%). Disease duration ranged from less than 3 months (10.82%) to 12-24 months (30.30%). Identified risk factors included neonatal diseases such as neonatal asphyxia (63.20%), premature birth (49.78%), and low birth weight (49.35%). Maternal prenatal illnesses and medication use (4.76%), delivery methods including cesarean Sect. (32.90% preterm), and environmental pollutants were also significant.
Conclusion:
This study enhances the understanding of spastic CP risk factors and provides actionable insights for prevention and management. Key recommendations include improved prenatal care (e.g., regular monitoring and infection control) and reducing maternal exposure to modifiable risks like environmental toxins, alcohol, and unnecessary medications. These findings support earlier, personalized interventions for at-risk cases.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
01:24Parkinson Disease l: Introduction