Health issues in polyhandicapped patients according to age: Results of a large French cross-sectional study

Abstract

IntroductionA better understanding of the natural course of the health status of patients with polyhandicap may optimize preventive and curative care management. From a large sample of patients aged from 3 to 25 years, we reported the description of their health status. MethodsThis was an 18-month cross-sectional study including patients aged from 3 to 25 years with a combination of severe motor deficiency and profound intellectual impairment. The patients were recruited from 4 specialized rehabilitation centers, 9 residential facilities, and a pediatric/neurological department. The following data were collected: polyhandicap etiology, health status (impairments, comorbidities, and neurodevelopmental status), medical devices, and rehabilitation procedures. ResultsA total of 545 patients were included (n=80 [3–5 years], n=166 [6–11 y], n=155 [12–17 y], and n=144 [18–25 y]). The etiology of polyhandicap was unknown for 11.5% of the cases. Behavioral disorders and (orthopedic and digestive) comorbidities were more frequent in the oldest age classes. The neurodevelopmental status of the patients was close to those of a 5- to 7-month-old child without progression across age. Gastrostomy was the most frequent device needed by the patients. Discussion/ConclusionEarly detection and management of impairments and comorbidities may improve the disease course of the patients.