Clinical profile and predisposing factors of cerebral palsy.

This was an analysis of one hundred ten children with cerebral palsy (CP) attending at the Child Development & Neurology Care Center of Dhaka Medical College Hospital during January 2002 to December 2003. These children were observed to study their clinical profile, etiological factors and associated problems. The mean age of these children was 2.9 +/- 2.9 years, mostly being males (n=79, 71.8%). Most of the families of these children belonged to poorer socioeconomic strata. Spastic diplegia constituted the predominant group (34.5 per cent), followed by spastic quadriplegia (25.5 per cent). Dyskinetic CP was present in 15.5 percent of the cases. Hypotonic CP constituted a significant proportion of cases. Delayed Motor Function was observed in all 110 cases, delayed speech was complained in 67.3% cases and impaired hearing was identified in 26.8% CP children. Mothers of 43.6% CP cases reported that they had prolonged labour during delivery and almost one third (29.1%) had suffered from pre-eclampsia or eclampsia. Majority (53.6%) of the CP cases were reported to have had perinatal asphyxia. Comprehensive assessment and early management of these problems are emphasized, which can minimize the extent of disabilities. By proper perinatal care, CP can be prevented.