A pharmacist's introduction to the effects of aging on patients with cerebral palsy.
OBJECTIVE
To review the development of comorbidities in patients living with cerebral palsy (CP) and explore potential areas for intervention by consultant pharmacists.


METHODS
A MEDLINE search (1993 to present) was conducted to identify literature in the English language focusing on CP and aging. Based on the initial literature evaluation, an additional search was conducted to locate literature focusing on comorbidities in CP including, but not limited to, nutritional deficiencies, medication misadventures, osteoporosis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and pain.


METHODS
All studies evaluating coexisting medical conditions associated with CP as they relate to aging.


RESULTS
CP affects nearly 500,000 adults in the United States. Spastic CP is the most common form. Chronic medical conditions typically seen in the general older adult population may occur earlier in life for patients with CP.


CONCLUSIONS
Health care maintenance issues are often overlooked in adult patients with CP. Consultant pharmacists can be helpful resources and advocates for appropriate medication therapy, monitoring, and preventive services for these patients.
Haddad
Ann Ryan
AR
Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA. annryan-haddad@creighton.edu
Coover
Kelli
K
Faulkner
Michele
M
D000375:Aging; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015897:Comorbidity; D003248:Constipation / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D003253:Consultants; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008017:Life Expectancy; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D010593:Pharmaceutical Services; D010595:Pharmacists; D024382:Professional Role