The health of children and young people with cerebral palsy: A longitudinal, population-based study

BackgroundCerebral palsy (CP) is a chronic condition about which little is known in relation to the long term stability of and factors influencing health.ObjectivesTo describe the health status of 4–17 year olds with ambulant CP, compare with the general population and identify factors predicting change in health over time.DesignA longitudinal, clinical survey.SettingA regional hospital-based Gait Analysis Laboratory.ParticipantsThose aged 4–17 years and able to walk at least 10 m independently were identified from a case register of people with CP. A total of 184 subjects took part (38% of all eligibles in the region); 154 (84%) returned for a second assessment on average 2.5 years later.MethodsThe Child Health Questionnaire (Parent-form-50) was completed by 184 parents at time 1, and 156 at time 2.ResultsChildren and young people with CP have significantly poorer health across a number of domains when compared to children in the general child population. Over time improvements occurred in behaviour (p = 0.01), family activities (p < 0.001) and physical functioning (p = 0.05). Linear regression showed that gross motor function (p < 0.001) and cerebral palsy subtype (p < 0.05) were associated with changes in physical functioning; age was associated with changes in behaviour (p = 0.007) and family activities (p = 0.01); and communication ability was significantly associated with changes in family activities (p = 0.005).ConclusionsChildren and young people with CP have poorer health than their able bodied peers but relatively stable health over 2.5 years. Where change occurred, it was for the better.