Increasing Prevalence of Cerebral Palsy Among Very Preterm Infants: A Population-Based Study

Abstract

Cerebral palsy has increased substantially among very preterm infants in association with and possibly as a consequence of large declines in infant mortality.

Increasing Prevalence of Medically Complex Children in US Hospitals

“…[5][6][7]12,13,26 Our results would support the conclusion that the rate of CP alone has remained stable over the 15 years of this study. The hospitalization rates of children with CP plus at least 1 comorbid diagnosis in a CCC category has increased.…”

“…3,4 Newer developments in infant and child nutrition, including increased use of gastrostomy tubes, have improved the survival rate of children with cerebral palsy (CP). [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] Surgical advances have resulted in an improved survival rate for infants with certain congenital defects including diaphragmatic hernia, abdominal wall defects, esophageal atresia, and cyanotic heart defects. [14][15][16][17][18] Many of these children have systemic health problems including neurodevelopmental disabilities, gastrointestinal illnesses, pulmonary complications, musculoskeletal abnormalities, and nutritional deficits.…”

“…21,22 Trends in the incidence of and mortality from many specific conditions that would contribute to medical complexity (eg, CP, chronic lung disease, mental retardation, hydrocephalus, and congenital birth defects) show the occurrence of these individual conditions to be fairly stable over the recent past. [5][6][7]12,13,[23][24][25][26] On the other hand, some disorders have certainly increased in frequency. Gastroschisis is a condition with increasing prevalence over time that certainly contributes to medical complexity.…”

“…The incidence of both CP and BPD, which also includes chronic lung disease, have been well studied and, thus, are available for comparison. [4][5][6][7]12,13,[33][34][35][36][37] …”

The Changing Face of Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Past, Present, and Future Challenges

“…In addition, due to advances in medical intervention, there are now improved survival rates for children born with developmental disabilities and for those with acquired disabilities. These increased survival rates have resulted in increases in the numbers of individuals who experience lifelong disabilities, many of which include significant communication impairments (e.g., Vincer et al, 2006). For example, the incidence of cerebral palsy in the United States is increasing (Loyola University Health System, 2010), making it one of the most common causes of chronic childhood disability; approximately 95% of children with cerebral palsy who have speech and/or language limitations would benefit from AAC intervention (Hustad & Miles, 2010).…”