Risk factors, types, and neuroimaging findings in Children with Cerebral Palsy

OBJECTIVES: Cerebral palsy is a major cause of neurodisability in children in Pakistan. The study aims to evaluate the risk factors, types and neuroimaging findings in children with cerebral palsy. METHODS: All children diagnosed with cerebral palsy, between 1-16 years presenting to Shifa community health center were enrolled from January 2020 to July 2021. Informed consent was taken from parents. RESULTS: A total of 89 patients were included, 62 (69.7%) male and 27 (30.3%) females. Mean age was 4.4 ± 2.8 years. Majority of babies were born at term 74 (84%) and 15 were preterm (16%). Most of the patients were born in hospital 55 (62%), 13 (14%) were born at home. Mean birth weight was 2.3 ± 0.3. Consanguinity was present in 56 (62.9%). Birth asphyxia 38 (42.7%) was the most common cause of cerebral palsy. Maternal antenatal risk factors identified were anemia 13 (14.6%), PIH (9%) infections (6%) were significant risk factors (<0.05). Neuroimaging was done in 37 (38.7%) of the patients only. CONCLUSION: Male gender is more affected in our cohort. Maternal anemia, pregnancy induced hypertension and low birth weight are significant modifiable risk factors. Prevention of these can reduce the incidence of cerebral palsy.