Adverse obstetric events are associated with significant risk of cerebral palsy.
OBJECTIVE
To examine adverse birth events on the development of cerebral palsy in California.


METHODS
A retrospective population-based study of children with cerebral palsy (as of Nov. 30, 2006), matched to their maternal/infant delivery records (Jan. 1, 1991 to Dec. 31, 2001) was performed. Demographic data and intrapartum events were examined. Six adverse birth-related events were chosen. Children without cerebral palsy were controls.


RESULTS
There were 7242 children who had cerebral palsy (59% term) and 31.3% had 1 or more of the 6 adverse intrapartum events (12.9% in controls P < .0001). This held for both term (28.3% vs 12.7% controls) and preterm (36.8% vs 15.9%, controls) neonates (both P < .0001). Maternal (15.1% vs 6.6%) and neonatal (0.9% vs 0.1%) infection were increased in cerebral palsy cases (P < .0001).


CONCLUSIONS
Almost one-third of children with cerebral palsy had at least 1 adverse birth-related event. Higher rates in the preterm group may partially explain the higher rates of cerebral palsy in this group.
Gilbert
William M
WM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA.
Jacoby
Bryon N
BN
Xing
Guibo
G
Danielsen
Beate
B
Smith
Lloyd H
LH
D000037:Abruptio Placentae / Q000453:epidemiology; D000328:Adult; D001720:Birth Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology; D002140:California / Q000453:epidemiology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D005316:Fetal Distress / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D020925:Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain / Q000453:epidemiology; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008423:Maternal Age; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000453:epidemiology; D011391:Prolapse; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014470:Umbilical Cord; D014597:Uterine Rupture / Q000453:epidemiology