Cerebral Palsy among Children Seen in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital: Aetiologies and Comorbidities

Introduction: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common neurologic disorder, particularly in the developing countries where the aetiological factors are preventable. The aim of this study is to determine the pattern of Cerebral palsy among children in Port Harcourt.

Methods: A one year retrospective descriptive study of patients seen in the Paediatrics Neurology clinic with a diagnosis of Cerebral palsy was done. Demographics, medical history, examination and investigation findings were obtained from the Patients’ medical records.

Results: A total of 111 children with CP were seen in the clinic from 2020 – 2021. There were 75 (67.6%) males and 36 (32.4%) females giving a male to female ratio of 2:1. Their ages ranged from 6 months to 12 years with a mean age of 3.4 ± 1.9 years at presentation. Birth asphyxia 56(50.1%), bilirubin encephalopathy 22(19.8%) and neonatal infections 8 (7.2%) were the leading cause of CP. The commonest subtype of CP was spastic quadriplegia in 68 (61.3%) of them. Microcephaly (26.7%), seizure disorder (24%) and speech impairment (16.0%) were the commonest observed comorbidities.

Conclusion: CP is still prevalent in Port Harcourt. Preventable causes remain the leading culprit. Modalities to prevent birth asphyxia and bilirubin encephalopathy in our community will reduce the incidence of CP.