A Snapshot of 1001 Children Presenting with Cerebral Palsy to a Children’s Disability Hospital

Abstract

Abstract Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) has largely been an unaddressed problem in low and middle income countries (LMIC's). The purpose of this retrospective study is to provide a facility-based snapshot of CP in Nepal.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of 1001 patients diagnosed as having cerebral palsy, presenting to our institution from December 2008 to December 2011, was carried out.

Results: Majority of cases were found to be a result of birth complications and post-natal infections. Most children with CP were born at home, presented after walking age and came from socioeconomically unstable or borderline households. Less than 20% were attending school. Spastic diplegia was the most common presentation. Children with post-natal spasticity secondary to infection seemed to retain greater ambulatory potential.

Conclusions: In contrast to CP in developed countries, the etiology in LMIC's is largely related to birth-related complications and post-natal infections. There is an urgent need to address preventable causes of cerebral palsy in Nepal.

Keywords: Asphyxia; birth complications; cerebral plasy; infection; Nepal.