Botulinum neurotoxin type-A (BoNT-A) has been used in association with other interventions in the management of spasticity in children with cerebral palsy (CP) for almost two decades. This consensus statement is based on an extensive review of the literature by an invited international committee. The use of BoNT-A in the lower limbs of children with spasticity caused by CP is reported using the American Academy of Neurology Classification of Evidence for therapeutic intervention. Randomized clinical trials have been grouped into five areas of management, and the outcomes are presented as treatment recommendations. The assessment of children with CP and evaluation of outcomes following injection of BoNT-A are complex, and therefore, a range of measures and the involvement of a multidisciplinary team is recommended. The committee concludes that injection of BoNT-A in children with CP is generally safe although systemic adverse events may occur, especially in children with more physical limitations (GMFCS V). The recommended dose levels are intermediate between previous consensus statements. The committee further concludes that injection of BoNT-A is effective in the management of lower limb spasticity in children with CP, and when combined with physiotherapy and the use of orthoses, these interventions may improve gait and goal attainment.

BackgroundCerebral palsy (CP) results from a static brain lesion during pregnancy or early life and remains the most common cause of physical disability in children (1 in 500). While the brain lesion is static, the physical manifestations and medical issues may progress resulting in altered motor patterns. To date, there are no prospective longitudinal studies of CP that follow a birth cohort to track early gross and fine motor development and use Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to determine the anatomical pattern and likely timing of the brain lesion. Existing studies do not consider treatment costs and outcomes. This study aims to determine the pathway(s) to motor outcome from diagnosis at 18 months corrected age (c.a.) to outcome at 5 years in relation to the nature of the brain lesion (using structural MRI).MethodsThis prospective cohort study aims to recruit a total of 240 children diagnosed with CP born in Victoria (birth years 2004 and 2005) and Queensland (birth years 2006–2009). Children can enter the study at any time between 18 months to 5 years of age and will be assessed at 18, 24, 30, 36, 48 and 60 months c.a. Outcomes include gross motor function (GMFM-66 & GMFM-88), Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS); musculoskeletal development (hip displacement, spasticity, muscle contracture), upper limb function (Manual Ability Classification System), communication difficulties using Communication and Symbolic Behaviour Scales-Developmental Profile (CSBS-DP), participation using the Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), parent reported quality of life and classification of medical and allied health resource use and determination of the aetiology of CP using clinical evaluation combined with MRI. The relationship between the pathways to motor outcome and the nature of the brain lesion will be analysed using multiple methods including non-linear modelling, multilevel mixed-effects models and generalised estimating equations.DiscussionThis protocol describes a large population-based study of early motor development and brain structure in a representative sample of preschool aged children with CP, using direct clinical assessment. The results of this study will be published in peer reviewed journals and presented at relevant international conferences.Trial registrationAustralia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ACTRN1261200169820)

Aim To ensure hip surveillance guidelines reflect current evidence of factors influencing hip displacement in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Method A three‐step review process was undertaken: (1) systematic literature review, (2) analysis of hip surveillance databases, and (3) national survey of orthopaedic surgeons managing hip displacement in children with CP. Results Fifteen articles were included in the systematic review. Quantitative analysis was not possible. Qualitative review indicated hip surveillance programmes have decreased the incidence of hip dislocation in populations with CP. The Gross Motor Function Classification System was confirmed as the best indicator of risk for displacement, and evidence was found of hip displacement occurring at younger ages and in young adulthood. Femoral geometry, pelvic obliquity, and scoliosis were linked to progression of hip displacement. A combined data pool of 3366 children from Australian hip surveillance databases supported the effectiveness of the 2008 Consensus Statement to identify hip displacement early. The survey of orthopaedic surgeons supported findings of the systematic review and database analyses. Interpretation This review rationalized changes to the revised and renamed Australian Hip Surveillance Guidelines for Children with Cerebral Palsy 2014, informing frequency of radiographic examination in lower risk groups and continuation of surveillance into adulthood for adolescents with identified risk factors.

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