Characteristics and predisposing factors for cerebral palsy in children in Medina, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a heterogeneous disease with different causes and clinical types. It is the leading condition that causes life-long disability in children worldwide. The current study aimed at identifying the prevalence, most common risk factors, and types of CP among infants and children in the city of Medina over 10 years (2009-2018). Methodology: This retrospective descriptive study screened all medical files of children diagnosed with CP at the main neurological center of Medina (Maternity and Children Hospital). Results: The current study showed that the prevalence of CP among children in Medina is 3.5 per 1,000 live births. The most common age of CP diagnosis was between 12 and 24 months, with a percentage of 38.3%. The most common type of CP among children in Medina was spastic (82.05%), followed by ataxic (9.83%), and dyskinetic (8.12%). Regarding the risk factors for CP, mixed risk factors were the most common (38.2%), followed by perinatal (34.3%) and postnatal (17.6%) factors; whereas, antenatal (7.3%) and unknown (2.6%) risk factors were less common. Conclusion: The prevalence of CP in Medina is 3.5 per 1,000 live births. Regarding risk factors, mixed risk factors were most common, followed by perinatal, postnatal, and antenatal factors. The most common type of CP in Medina children was spastic, followed by ataxic and dyskinetic.