A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF CLINICAL PROFILE OF CEREBRAL PALSY PATIENTS VISITING A GOVERNMENT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL FROM MAHARASHTRA, INDIA

Abstract

Cerebral palsy has emerged as one of the major causes of childhood disability in India. In low and middle income countries there are gaps in knowledge in the spheres of epidemiological research, intervention and service utilization. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study describes the clinical features associated problems of children with CP visiting a government tertiary care Hospital from Maharashtra, India. Materials and Methods: This was cross sectional retrospective observational study conducted on 78 children of cerebral palsy. Result: Among 78 enrolled children, maximum 50%(n=39) of children were between1-3yr age group with male to female ratio was 1.05:1. History of consanguinity was seen in 35.9% (n=28) subjects, 69.2%(n=54)of subjects were from the urban area. 78.2% (n=61) subjects were born term , 65.3%(n=51) cases had a history of NICU stay with the most common etiological factor being birth asphyxia seen in 38.4 %( n=30) subjects followed by sepsis in 29.5% subjects (n=23). Most common type of cerebral palsy was spastic 87.1% followed by dyskinetic 10.2%. Most of the participants were at GMFCS level IV and V (23.1% and 47.4% respectively). 78.2% subjects were having feeding problems, 43.6% had associated epilepsy. Majority of our subjects had Microcephaly (69.2%) and malnutrition (74.3%). MRI was done in only 34.6% of subjects with most common finding being periventricular white matter injury (PVWMI)). Conclusion: It is suggested that rehabilitation clinics should be set up for CP patients at every government medical college so that parents can be made aware of the disease, handicaps, prognosis, and management.