A Registry-Based Assessment of Cerebral Palsy and Cerebral Malformations

Abstract

Cerebral malformations are 1 of the many possible causes of cerebral palsy. In this study, a population-based comprehensive cerebral palsy registry was used to identify children whose cerebral palsy could be attributed to a cerebral malformation. The clinical features of these children were then compared with other children with cerebral palsy. Children with cerebral palsy and cerebral malformation did not differ from those without in terms of the neurological subtype of cerebral palsy or its functional severity as measured by the Gross Motor Function Classification System. There was a difference in the number of cumulative comorbidities experienced by the children with cerebral malformation. In addition, children with cerebral malformation tended to be of greater gestational age and birth weight, or the product of a twin gestation. Children with cerebral palsy attributable to a cerebral malformation represent a distinct clinical pathologic entity with respect to predisposing clinical features and associated comorbidities.