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Prevalence of cerebral palsy in Slovenia: birth years 1981 to 1990

A Kavcic1, M V Perat

  • 1Department of Developmental Neurology, Paediatric Hospital, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|August 11, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Cerebral palsy (CP) prevalence decreased in Slovenian children born between 1981-1990. Improved infant survival rates did not increase CP rates, with a notable decrease in very-low-birthweight infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders affecting movement and posture.
  • Understanding trends in CP prevalence is crucial for public health planning and resource allocation.
  • Slovenia has a National Cerebral Palsy Register, enabling population-based studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine changes in the prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP) in Slovenian children.
  • To analyze CP trends in relation to birth year, gestational age, and birth weight.
  • To assess the impact of improved infant survival rates on CP prevalence.

Main Methods:

  • Population-based birth-cohort study design.
  • Inclusion of 768 children diagnosed with CP (aged 5-14 years) from the National Cerebral Palsy Register (1995).
  • Analysis of CP prevalence per 1000 live births from 1981 to 1990, stratified by gestational age and birth weight.

Main Results:

  • Total CP prevalence significantly decreased from 3.3 to 2.3 per 1000 live births between 1981 and 1990.
  • The decreasing trend was observed in infants born at <= 38 weeks gestation and those weighing < 1500 g.
  • CP prevalence remained stable in infants born at > 38 weeks gestation or weighing >= 2500 g. A considerable decrease in CP prevalence was noted in very-low-birthweight infants.

Conclusions:

  • Improved infant survival rates in Slovenia (1981-1990) were not associated with an increase in overall CP prevalence.
  • The study indicates a positive trend with a reduction in CP, particularly among high-risk infants.
  • These findings suggest successful interventions or changes in care practices impacting CP rates in this cohort.

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