Objective: To describe the subtypes, motor function, and comorbidities of cerebral palsy (CP) in children in Chengdu, China.Methods: A cross-sectional survey of children with CP was performed in 2013 and participants were enrolled from the branches of China Disabled Persons’ Federation in Chengdu. Diagnosis, clinical subtypes, gross and fine motor function outcomes, and comorbidities of CP were determined through caregiver interviews, evaluation of medical records, and thorough physical examinations.Results: Four-hundred and twenty-two children were diagnosed with CP (mean age, 7.7 ± 3.8 years). Spastic diplegia was the predominating subtype (35%). Mild impairments in gross and fine motor function were present in 45% and 52% of the patients, respectively. Cognitive impairment (60%) was the most common comorbidity, and was followed by language disorder (41%) and microcephaly (35%). About 79% of children with cerebral palsy had at least one comorbidity, and the number of cumulative comorbidities was positively correlated with Gross Motor Function Classification System and Manual Ability Classification System scores. Preterm birth (52%) was the most common risk factor, and was followed by low birth weight (42%) and birth asphyxia (27%).Conclusion: Distributions of CP subtypes, motor functions, and comorbidities in a Chinese population were similar to those in developed countries, but different from those in other developing countries. The trend for decreased numbers of children with preterm CP since 2009 indicates an improvement in neonatal care. However, perinatal healthcare should still be improved to reduce the occurrence of birth asphyxia.
Visual Impairment and Functional Classification in Children with Cerebral Palsy
