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Clinical correlates of linear growth in children with cerebral palsy
R D Stevenson1, R P Hayes, L V Cater
1Kluge Children's Rehabilitation Center, Children's Medical Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville.
Insights
Nutritional status is a key factor for growth in children with cerebral palsy (CP). However, linear growth worsens with age, indicating other influences beyond nutrition impact CP development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Human Growth and Development
Background:
- Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often exhibit growth impairments.
- Understanding factors influencing linear growth in CP is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify correlates of linear growth (height z-scores, Hz) in a cohort of children with CP.
- To investigate the relationship between nutritional status and growth in children with CP.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 171 children with CP.
- Calculation of weight (Wz) and height (Hz) z-scores.
- Correlation and multiple linear regression analyses.
Main Results:
- Height z-scores (Hz) positively correlated with weight z-scores (Wz) and head circumference.
- Hz negatively correlated with age, spastic quadriplegia, non-ambulation, and seizures.
- Wz and age were significant predictors of Hz in multiple linear regression.
Conclusions:
- Nutritional status is a primary correlate of linear growth in children with CP.
- Linear growth declines with age in CP, independent of nutritional status, suggesting multifactorial influences.
Abstract:
The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine correlates of linear growth in children with cerebral palsy (CP). 171 children with CP were measured and their charts reviewed. z scores were calculated for weight (Wz) and height (Hz). Hz correlated positively with Wz and head circumference, and negatively with age, the presence of spastic quadriplegia, non-ambulation and seizures. The correlation between Hz and age was stronger when non-ambulatory children were analysed separately. Multiple linear regression resulted in only Wz and age contributing significantly to the variance in stature as measured by Hz. These results provide preliminary evidence that nutritional status is a major correlate of growth in CP. The finding that linear growth worsens with age independent of nutrition suggests that other factors also influence growth in CP.