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Characteristics Of Pediatric Cerebral Palsy in An African Rehabilitation Centre

2023; Volume: 6; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.31080/aspe.2023.06.0599

2581-883X

Ngo Yamben Marie-Ange C, Jean Gustave Tsiagadigui, Nseme Etouckey Eric, Nana Chunteng Theophile, UM SAP Suzanne, Muluem Kennedy, Batchom Daudet, Mohamadou Guemse, Mballa Alexandra, Manga Alexandre, Nguefack Seraphin,

Infant Development and Preterm Care

Introduction: Cerebral palsy (PC) is a serious condition, an important cause of psychomotor delay in children with many etiologies.A better knowledge of this polymorphic condition is necessary in order to define prevention strategies and initiate early and adapted management to improve the quality of life of these patients. Objective:The aim of our study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical and prognostic aspects of cerebral palsy severity in our context. Patients and Methods:We conducted a cross-sectional, prospective and analytical study at NCRPD for 10 months.All children up to 15 years of age with cerebral palsy were included and followed for at least 3 months.Patient autonomy was assessed according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS).History, epidemiology, clinical and prognostic data were collected and analysed using EPI INFO Version 3.5.1. Results:We included 92 patients with male predominance (55.4%).Children aged 1 to 5 years were the most affected (46.7%).Neonatal asphyxia (48.91%) was the most common pernatal cause and spastic tetraparesis, the predominant clinical form (71.7%).Osteoarticular complications were found in 22.9% of patients.Oral dyspraxia (72.8%), epilepsy (70.7%) and language disorders (65.2%) were the main comorbidities.Prognostic severity factors identified were ≥ IV GMFCS, bowel movements, language disorders and severe to profound mental retardation. Conclusion:Cerebral palsy is a polymorphic clinically expressed pathology.The existence of certain comorbidities aggravates the severity and increases the disability of these patients.This preliminary study will serve as a basis for refining the management of these patients.