Obstetrics Determinants of Cerebral Palsy in Children from Birth to Five Years

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Objective: To determine obstetrics risk factors for cerebral palsy from birth to 5 years children

Study Design: A hospital based cross sectional survey.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in outpatient Department, Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dow University of Health Sciences Karachi, Pakistan during October 2007 to October 2010.

Materials and Methods: Children with cerebral palsy between births to 5 years of age were included in the study. The Sampling technique was non probability purposive. Data was analyzed as frequency and association by chi-square in SPSS version 15.

Results: Children enrolled in this study were 300 their Mean age±SD was age 4.9±SD 3.6 yrs. Mean maternal age±SD was 30.8 ±6.5 years. Mostly mothers had secondary level of education 110 (36.7). Father’s Mean income ±SD was 11587±SD. During assessment the pregnancy risk factors were mostly hypertension 55 (18.3%), diabetes mellitus 28 (9.3%) seizures 11 (3.7%) placenta previa 4 (1.3%). The commonest risk factor was birth asphyxia in one third of children and two third of the deliveries were conducted in institutions as spontaneous vaginal deliveries.

Conclusion: Birth asphyxia is the major obstetrics risk factors for cerebral palsy from birth to 5 years children. The obstetrics practices require revisiting and reprogramming to reduce cerebral palsy.