Cerebral palsy epidemiology

Abstract

Introduction: there is a great interest in finding a cerebral palsy determinant ethiologic factor, that way, it could be possible to realize a profilatic approach for this injury. On literature, many risk factors are accused and some authors suggest that is a multifatorial disease. It was also searched about possible protector factors, life expectancy and the most commum causes of death, focusing on finding ways to prevent complications and to improve life quality. Methods and material: sistematic literature reviow based in 40 articles found in Bireme, Lilacs and Pubmed sites, beside two recente edition books. Results: the most mencioned risk factors were perinatal hypoxia, prematurity and mathernal intrauterine infeccion. Other factors are multiple births, choriomnionitis and thrombophilia. The use of corticosteroids on antenatal period was mencioned as a protector factor. Some authors also suggest a pre-eclampsia and magnesium sulfate administration, however a controversy still remains about this. The principal cause of death pointed were respiratory diseases, like pneumonia. Other causes are intestinal obstruction (f. e. volvo), pedestrian and motor accidents and drowning. Conclusion: it doesn´t exist a determinant factor to cerebral palsy. The hypoxia/ischemia perinatal have a large contribution comparing others factors, but it depend on the intensity and the period that occurs. There aren´t enough studies about protective factors to prove a true efficacy. The mainly causes of death are the repiratory diseases. It´s possible to reduce drowing and pedestrian accidents incidence based on orientation and rehabilitation.