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[Cerebral palsy among children in Nordland 1977-91. Occurrence, etiology, disability]
1Barneavdelingen Nordland Sentralsykehus, Bodø.
Insights
Cerebral palsy prevalence remained stable in Nordland county, Norway, despite declining perinatal mortality. However, prevalence significantly decreased among very low birth weight infants, suggesting improved perinatal care for this high-risk group.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Context:
- Rising cerebral palsy (CP) rates reported globally.
- Conflicting incidence trends observed in Norwegian studies, particularly for preterm infants.
- Declining perinatal mortality in Nordland county, Norway, from 11 to 7.9 per 1,000 births between 1973-1983 and 1987-1991.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP) in Nordland county, Norway.
- To investigate the etiology and associated disabilities in children with CP born between 1977 and 1991.
- To analyze trends in CP prevalence in relation to changes in perinatal care quality.
Summary:
- A total of 93 children (62 boys, 31 girls) were diagnosed with CP.
- Overall CP prevalence showed a slight increase from 1.91 to 2.05 per 1,000 births between 1977-1981 and 1987-1991.
- A significant decrease in CP prevalence was observed among infants with birthweight <1,500g, from 88.9 to 28.8 per 1,000 births.
Impact:
- Highlights the effectiveness of improved perinatal care for very low birth weight infants.
- Suggests CP prevalence can serve as an indicator of perinatal care quality.
- Recommends the establishment of a central CP register for enhanced monitoring and research.
Abstract:
An increasing prevalence of cerebral palsy has been reported in Sweden and other countries. One Norwegian study shows decreasing incidence, another shows increasing incidence among preterm children. The aim of this study is to describe prevalence of cerebral palsy and its etiology and disability among children in Nordland county who were born between 1977 and 1991. Perinatal mortality in the county declined from 11 per 1,000 in 1973-83 to 7.9 per 1,000 in 1987-91. 62 boys and 31 girls were diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The prevalence was 1.91 in 1977-81, 1.98 in 1982-86 and 2.05 per 1,000 i 1987-91. Among children with a birthweight < 1,500 g the prevalence decreased significantly to; 88.9, 42.7 and 28.8 per 1,000 respectively. Causative factors and disability are presented. Prevalence of cerebral palsy as a measure of quality of perinatal care is discussed, and a recommendation for a central register is made.