An update on the prevalence of cerebral palsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive update on (1) the overall prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP); (2) the prevalence of CP in relation to birthweight; and (3) the prevalence of CP in relation to gestational age.


METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted and reported, based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) statement. Population-based studies on the prevalence of CP in children born in 1985 or after were selected. Statistical analysis was carried out using computer package R, version 2.14.


RESULTS
A total of 49 studies were selected for this review. The pooled overall prevalence of CP was 2.11 per 1000 live births (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.98-2.25). The prevalence of CP stratified by gestational age group showed the highest pooled prevalence to be in children weighing 1000 to 1499g at birth (59.18 per 1000 live births; 95% CI 53.06-66.01), although there was no significant difference on pairwise meta-regression with children weighing less than 1000g. The prevalence of CP expressed by gestational age was highest in children born before 28 weeks' gestation (111.80 per 1000 live births; 95% CI 69.53-179.78; p<0.0327).


CONCLUSIONS
The overall prevalence of CP has remained constant in recent years despite increased survival of at-risk preterm infants.
Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. maryam.oskoui@mcgill.ca
Maryam
M
Oskoui
Franzina
F
Coutinho
Jonathan
J
Dykeman
Nathalie
N
Jetté
Tamara
T
Pringsheim
D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005865:Gestational Age; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D015995:Prevalence; D012107:Research Design; D012307:Risk Factors; D015983:Selection Bias