Affiliations: Department of Pediatric Neurology, Medical Univesity
of Białystok, ul. Wszyngtona 17, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland
Note: [] Correspondence: Wojciech Kułak, Ph.D., Department of
Pediatric Neurology, Medical University of Białystok, 15-274
Białystok, ul. Waszyngtona 17, Poland. Tel: +48 85 7450812, fax: +48 85
7450812. E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: The aim of this study was to identify antenatal, intrapartum and
neonatal risk factors for cerebral palsy (CP) among babies. Antenatal,
intrapartum, and neonatal events were compared between 204 children with CP
born between 1983 to 2000 and 206 controls, children matched by birth weight,
gestational age, and sex via a retrospective case-control method. Antenatal,
intrapartum and neonatal factors were expressed as odds ratios and 95%
confidence intervals. Multiple logistic regression was conducted, entering only
those variables found to be significant at the bivariate level. Factors
associated with an increased risk of CP identified as antenatal and intrapartum
risk factors were abruptio placenta, pre-labour rupture of membranes,
prematurity, preterm labour, cesarean section and low birth weight (< 2500
gram). Respiratory distress syndrome, prolonged ventilation, septicemia,
meningitis, hyperbilirubinemia, neonatal seizures, and severe cranial
ultrasound abnormality were associated with an increased risk of CP in the
neonatal period. In the logistic regression models prematurity and Apgar scores
≤ 4 at 1st min were significantly associated with an increased risk of CP.
Several antenatal, intrapartum and neonatal risk factors for CP among preterm
and term babies are responsible for the etiology of CP. Our findings are in
agreement with reports from Western countries. (J Pediatr Neurol 2004; 2(2):
79–84).
