Abstract
In ataxic cerebral palsy (CP) early prenatal causes are probably of the utmost importance. This supposition was tested by examining 36 patients, older than 5 years, with ataxic CP for minor congenital anomalies (MCAs). In a control population (n=100) none had more than 4 MCAs, and thus a number greater than this was taken as significant. 44 MCAs were sought, which were quantifiable or very apparent. As familial factors also affect their expression, a comparison was also made with the direct family. Other factors were also sought which might indicate the cause of the CNS damage. 78% (28/36) had strong indications of an early prenatal origin as judged by an increase in MCAs or a monogenic inheritance pattern. In 50% of these (14/28) later events occurred which might have been considered causative, e.g. 43% (6/14) required resuscitation after birth, 29% (4/14) had failed or difficult external cephalic versions, and 29% (4/14) were of less than 35 weeks gestation. Those causes associated with significant past natal events such as encephalitis and postoperative collapse did not have a significant increase in MCAs. These findings add support to the concept that early prenatal events may contribute to later adverse conditions which cause brain injury.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Miller, G. ATAXIC CEREBRAL PALSY. A HETEROGENEOUS CONDITION WITH INTERACTION BETWEEN EARLY PRENATAL AND LATER EVENTS. Pediatr Res 21 (Suppl 4), 285 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00709
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00709