Presuming that the incidence of cerebral palsy (CP) in Korea is decreasing due to medical advances, we analyzed the trends and risk factors of CP in changing circumstances. We identified all women who delivered a singleton between 2007 and 2015 using the Korea National Health Insurance (KNHI). Information on pregnancy and birth was obtained by linking the KNHI claims database and data from the national health-screening program for infants and children. The 4-years incidence of CP decreased significantly from 4.77 to 2.52 per 1000 babies during the study period. The multivariate analysis revealed that the risk of developing CP was 29.5 times higher in preterm infants born before 28 weeks of gestational age, 24.5 times higher in infants born between 28 and 34 weeks, and 4.5 times higher in infants born between 34 and 36 weeks, compared to full-term appropriate for age (2.5 ~ 4 kg of body weight) infants. 5.6 times higher in those with birth weight < 2500 g, and 3.8 times higher in pregnancies with polyhydramnios. Additionally, respiratory distress syndrome increased the risk of developing CP by 2.04 times, while necrotizing enterocolitis was associated with a 2.80-fold increased risk of CP. In Korea, the incidence of CP in singleton decreased from 2007 to 2015. We need to continue to focus on developing medical technologies for the early detection of high-risk neonates and minimizing brain damage to reduce the incidence rate of CP effectively.

Background Presuming that the prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP) in Korea is decreasing due to medical advances, we analyzed the trends and risk factors of CP in changing circumstances. Methods We identified all women who delivered a singleton between 2007 and 2015 using the Korea National Health Insurance (KNHI). Information on pregnancy and birth was obtained by linking the KNHI claims database and data from the national health-screening program for infants and children. Results Over 90% of children with CP were diagnosed within four years of birth. Moreover, the 4-year incidence of CP decreased significantly from 4.77 to 2.52 per 1000 babies during the study period. Multivariate analysis showed that the risk of developing CP was 3.9 times higher in babies with preterm birth, 5.6 times higher in those with birth weight <2500 g, and 4.1 times higher in pregnancies with polyhydramnios. Over time, the number of preterm births and babies with low birth weight decreased, while polyhydramnios became slightly more prevalent. Conclusion In Korea, the incidence of CP in singleton decreased from 2007 to 2015. In addition, the number of preterm births and babies with a low birth weight, which are major risk factors for CP, also declined.

Background Presuming that the prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP) in Korea is decreasing due to medical advances, we analyzed the trends and risk factors of CP in changing circumstances. Methods We identified all women who delivered a singleton between 2007 and 2015 using the Korea National Health Insurance (KNHI). Information on pregnancy and birth was obtained by linking the KNHI claims database and data from the national health-screening program for infants and children. Results Over 90% of children with CP were diagnosed within four years of birth. Moreover, the 4-year incidence of CP decreased significantly from 4.77 to 2.52 per 1000 babies during the study period. Multivariate analysis showed that the risk of developing CP was 3.9 times higher in babies with preterm birth, 5.6 times higher in those with birth weight <2500 g, and 4.1 times higher in pregnancies with polyhydramnios. Over time, the number of preterm births and babies with low birth weight decreased, while polyhydramnios became slightly more prevalent. Conclusion In Korea, the incidence of CP in singleton decreased from 2007 to 2015. In addition, the number of preterm births and babies with a low birth weight, which are major risk factors for CP, also declined.