MedWorm: Cerebral Palsy

Infant Neurological Examination from 3 to 12 Months: Predictive Value of the Single Items

Neuropediatrics — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:34:17 +0100

Neuropediatrics 2008; 39: 344-346DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1214423AbstractThe prognostic value of the single items of a standardised neurological examination, the Hammersmith Infant Neurologic Examination (HINE), was explored longitudinally in 658 infants at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post-term age. ROC curves were built based on the presence/absence of cerebral palsy at 2 years of age. Global HINE scores showed very high prediction (ROC curve areas above 0.9) at all ages. The items with the highest predictive value were always movement quality and quantity. In the first semester, among the most predictive items were those assessing tone, while beyond that time they were reflexes and reactions. Our results show that the high predictive value of the HINE across the first year of life is granted by the...

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Eye-tracking Software Opens Online Worlds To People With Disabilities

ScienceDaily Headlines — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:00:00 +0100

Technology that allows gamers to control game functions with only their eyes is helping to open virtual worlds such as Second Life and World of Warcraft to people with severe motor disabilities. For people suffering from conditions such as cerebral palsy, motor neurone disease (MND) or so-called locked-in syndromes, being able to move around and interact in a virtual environment is a “truly liberating experience,” says a computer scientist who helped develop the software. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Your Opinion Please, Doctor: Is Your Patient Unable to Work in Any Capacity?

PM&R — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

More often than not, when asked to fill out a disability form on behalf of a patient, I feel conflicted. As a rehabilitation specialist, I am trained to get my patients back to full lives—and livelihoods—to the greatest degree possible. My mantra has always been to preserve and maintain function. I cringe regarding the inevitable question I will be asked: “Is the patient unable to work in any capacity?” And, as I examine this question, I wonder whether I truly believe whether a patient is ever unable to work (barring the extreme examples of severe brain injury and permanent unconsciousness). I think of Stephen Hawking, the famous physicist with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ie, Lou Gehrig disease), who is still a prolific scientist, or my patient with severe athetoid cerebral pals...

Robotics on the today show

Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation News — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:31:04 +0100

The Today Show, inspired by CPIRF’s “Robot’s a New Hope” video about Robotic Research For Cerebral Palsy, filmed children at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and at Blythedale Children’s Hospital where CPIRF is read more (Source: Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation News)

Gary lynn to represent houston astros at all star game

Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation News — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:07:02 +0100

Gary Lynn, CPIRF’s Community Ambassador, was chosen by the Houston, Astros to represent the team at the Major League Baseball All Star Game July 14th in St. Louis, MO. Gary Lynn, CPIRF’s friend extraordinary, has spastic, read more (Source: Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation News)

Debate Continues On Administration Of Magnesium Sulfate To Pregnant Women To Prevent Cerebral Palsy In Pre-Term Infants

Pregnancy News From Medical News Today — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:00:00 +0100

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most prevalent chronic childhood motor disability with an estimated lifetime cost of nearly $1 million per individual. There is evidence that magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) can reduce the incidence of CP for very early preterm infants. Many thousands of pregnant women and their fetuses are exposed to MgSO4 every year in the United States for a variety of indications, and most obstetricians are comfortable with its use. (Source: Pregnancy News From Medical News Today)

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Debate on administration of magnesium sulfate to pregnant women to prevent cerebral palsy in preterm infants

EurekAlert! - Biology — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0100

(Elsevier Health Sciences) Cerebral palsy is the most prevalent chronic childhood motor disability with an estimated lifetime cost of nearly $1 million per individual. There is evidence that magnesium sulfate can reduce the incidence of CP for very early preterm infants. Yet, there is still some controversy over whether magnesium sulfate is truly protective against CP. In three articles published in the June 2009 issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the authors shed some light on the debate. (Source: EurekAlert! - Biology)

Morbidities and Hospital Resource Use During the First 3 Years of Life Among Very Preterm Infants

PEDIATRICS — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Most very preterm infants born in Finland survived without severe morbidities and required relatively little hospital care after the initial discharge. However, those with later morbidities had a long initial length of stay and more readmissions and outpatient visits during the 3-year follow-up period. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

Effects of constraint-induced movement therapy as a rehabilitation strategy for the affected upper limb of children with hemiparesis: systematic review of the literature

Revista Brasileira de Fisioterapia — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 16:08:56 +0100

CONCLUSION: Although the studies achieved positive results, it is difficult to draw any clear-cut conclusion regarding the effectiveness of CIMT because of the small number of studies and their methodological differences.CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: A deficiência de função manual é a principal incapacidade em crianças com paralisia cerebral do tipo hemiplégica, as quais passam a realizar a maioria das tarefas motoras exclusivamente com o membro superior não acometido, determinando um fenômeno descrito como desuso aprendido. Para minimizar esse fenômeno, a terapia de movimento induzido por restrição (TMIR) emerge como estratégia de reabilitação para melhorar o uso funcional do membro superior acometido. OBJETIVO:O propósito desse estudo foi conduzir uma revisão sistemática da litera...

Muscle strengthening is not effective in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: a systematic review.

The Australian Journal of Physiotherapy — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 04:53:03 +0100

CONCLUSION: In children and adolescents with cerebral palsy who are walking, the current evidence suggests that strengthening interventions are neither effective nor worthwhile. PMID: 19463078 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Australian Journal of Physiotherapy)

Magnetic resonance imaging--insights into brain injury and outcomes in premature infants.

Journal of Communication Disorders — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 01:14:29 +0100

Authors: Mathur A, Inder T Preterm birth is a major public-health issue because of its increasing incidence combined with the frequent occurrence of subsequent behavioral, neurological, and psychiatric challenges faced by surviving infants. Approximately 10-15% of very preterm children (born<30 weeks gestational age) develop cerebral palsy, and 30-60% of them experience cognitive impairments. These adverse outcomes are related to a confluence of abnormal brain development along with white (WM) and gray matter (GM) injury sustained during the neonatal period. It is becoming apparent that the extra-uterine environment during this critical period (24-40 weeks gestation) in brain development has a profound and long lasting impact on the premature infant. Magnetic resonance imaging in th...

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Insults to the developing brain and impact on neurodevelopmental outcome.

Journal of Communication Disorders — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 01:14:19 +0100

Authors: Adams-Chapman I Premature infants have a disproportionately increased risk for brain injury based on several mechanisms including intraventricular hemorrhage, ischemia and the vulnerability of developing neuronal progenitor cells. Injury to the developing brain often results in neurologic abnormalities that can be correlated with a structural lesion; however more subtle injury may result in disruption of critical neural pathways. There also appears to be an important relationship between brain injury in the cortex and the growth and developing cerebellum. Although the survival rate for premature has improved over the past decade, researchers remain concerned about the risk for adverse neurocognitive functioning in these early childhood, including an increased risk for cerebral...

Parent's conceptions of intensive group training. The case of cerebral palsy.

Disability and Rehabilitation — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 22:31:03 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The conceptions express positive and negative functions of IGT as perceived by parents. These functions in turn can be considered as reflections of basic wants and needs. The results demonstrate that IGT have a potential to contribute to feelings of enhanced care competence among parents, of being supported and of increased strength and vitality. All parents did not have needs of participation in IGT for themselves. There is also a risk that IGT is experienced as an additional burden and may have negative effects on family-functioning. PMID: 19378396 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Disability and Rehabilitation)

Plasticity in the developing brain: implications for rehabilitation.

Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:35:03 +0100

Authors: Johnston MV Neuronal plasticity allows the central nervous system to learn skills and remember information, to reorganize neuronal networks in response to environmental stimulation, and to recover from brain and spinal cord injuries. Neuronal plasticity is enhanced in the developing brain and it is usually adaptive and beneficial but can also be maladaptive and responsible for neurological disorders in some situations. Basic mechanisms that are involved in plasticity include neurogenesis, programmed cell death, and activity-dependent synaptic plasticity. Repetitive stimulation of synapses can cause long-term potentiation or long-term depression of neurotransmission. These changes are associated with physical changes in dendritic spines and neuronal circuits. Overproduction of ...

The Effects of the Norsk Funktion-Walking Orthosis on the Walking Ability of Children With Cerebral Palsy and Severe Gait Impairment.

JPO Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:10:26 +0100

The purpose of this study was 1) to test if an orthosis-NF-Walker Orthosis (NFWO) which provides postural stability of the trunk and guides the leg movements during walking, would enable non-ambulant children with cerebral palsy with little or no trunk control to walk; 2) to investigate the development of independent walking ability in children while using a NFWO; and 3) to define requirements for a successful indication. With an NFWO, 78 children (84%) were able to walk; 10 children (11%) used it as a dynamic standing frame only; and 5 children (5%) returned their walker. There was a highly significant increase of independent mobility with the NFWO compared to self-propelled mobility in a wheelchair or tricycle outdoors (p < 0.001) and of bilateral hand function (p < 0.001) ...

Children With Elbow Extension Forearm Rotation Limitation: Functional Outcomes Using the Forearm Rotation Elbow Orthosis.

JPO Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:10:26 +0100

A common upper-limb deformity in children with cerebral palsy or obstetric brachial plexus palsy is a pronation or supination contracture of the forearm in association with a flexion contracture of the elbow. This case study presents preliminary data showing the potential benefits of the Forearm Rotation Elbow Orthosis (FREO) used as an adjunct to occupational therapy treatment. The FREO improves hand-arm alignment and function by increasing active and passive joint range of motion, and consistent night use can eliminate the need for repeated serial castings of the upper limb.Page: 160DOI: 10.1097/JPO.0b013e3181b16bafAuthors: Yasukawa, Audrey OTR, MOT; Cassar, Marcus CPO (Source: JPO Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics)

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Effects of constraint-induced movement therapy as a rehabilitation strategy for the affected upper limb of children with hemiparesis: systematic review of the literature

Revista Brasileira de Fisioterapia — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:49:22 +0100

Helping Jude Talk

Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 05:00:00 +0100

About 10,000 babies will develop cerebral palsy this year in the United States. It's an incurable disorder typically caused by injury during birth. (Source: Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com)

[Ultrasound measurement of humeral torsion in children and adolescents with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.]

Der Orthopade — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Humeral torsion deformity in children and adolescents with hemiplegic cerebral palsy was proven to exist in addition to the already well known difference in torsion of the lower extremities. Analogous to increased activity of external or internal rotator muscles codetermined by the palsy, increased external or internal humeral torsion occurs. External torsion deformity was associated with a smaller range of motion and seemed to have a greater importance for routine daily activities (e.g. muscle force, sports ability) than internal torsion deformity. PMID: 19547951 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Der Orthopade)

Quality of life from the perspective of adolescents with cerebral palsy: “I just think I’m a normal kid, I just happen to have a disability”

Quality of Life Research — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 06:13:34 +0100

Conclusion Health care providers should take into consideration what adolescents with CP value the most. The identification of attributes that can be modified such as accessibility to and competence in, and preference for different activities may help professionals to advocate for greater participation in these activities and tailor individual therapeutic strategies accordingly, increasing the likelihood of enhancing the quality of life of this population. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11136-009-9501-3Authors Keiko Shikako-Thomas, McGill University School of Physical and Occupational Therapy 3654 Promenade Sir William Osler Montreal QC H3G 1Y5 CanadaLucy Lach, McGill University School of Social Work 3506 Avenue University Montreal QC H3A 2A7 CanadaAnnette ...

Drooling of saliva in children with cerebral palsy—etiology, prevalence, and relationship to salivary flow rate in an Indian population

Special Care in Dentistry — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

In this study, there were 74 males and 39 females with an age range of 6[ndash]18 years who were attending a special school in Chennai, India. The severity of drooling was assessed by visual examination; demographics and data regarding severity and control of drooling were collected via a questionnaire. Data regarding the type of CP and drugs taken by the children were obtained from the medical records maintained by the school. The unstimulated salivary flow rate of these children was determined through a passive method. The overall incidence of drooling was 48.7%, with 17.7% having severe drooling. Individuals with athetosis had the least severe amount of drooling. There was a significant relationship between ability to close the mouth and the severity of drooling. The severity of droolin...

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Failure of tooth eruption in two patients with cerebral palsy and bruxism—a 10-year follow-up: a case report

Special Care in Dentistry — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

The aim of this paper was to analyze delayed tooth eruption in two children with cerebral palsy who had severe bruxism and to determine whether treatment could influence tooth eruption and alignment. Extraction of primary teeth was carried out and orthodontic treatment was considered due to severe tooth wear of primary teeth, lack of space, and development of a class III malocclusion. Analysis was based on clinical examination, photographs, radiographs, and dental casts. In both patients, early mixed dentition was delayed for more than 5 years. Calcification and root development of posterior permanent teeth corresponded with the chronological age. Root resorption of the severely abraded primary teeth and eruption of their successors were delayed or failed. Eruption of permanent teeth occur...

Measuring the quality of life of children with cerebral palsy: comparing the conceptual differences and psychometric properties of three instruments

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Aim To compare the conceptual differences, internal consistency, and validity of the Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life Questionnaire for Children (CP QOL-Child), the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ), and a European generic health-related quality of life (HRQOL) questionnaire (10-domain version; KIDSCREEN-10) for children with cerebral palsy (CP).Method Two hundred and four primary caregivers (185 females [91%], 19 males [9%]) of children with CP aged 4 to 12 years (mean 8y 4mo [SD 2.51]; 112 males [55%], 92 females [46%], Gross Motor Function Classification System level I=18%, II=28%, III=14%, IV=11%, V=28%) provided demographic data and completed the CP QOL-Child, CHQ, and KIDSCREEN-10. Fifty-four children with CP aged 9 to 12 years completed the CP QOL-Child and KIDSCREEN-10.Results The KID...

The vexed issue of cerebral palsy and breech presentation

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology)

Aiming to report the health care of people with cerebral palsy worldwide: a report of an International Society for Prosthetics Orthotics conference

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology)

Participation in home, extracurricular, and community activities among children and young people with cerebral palsy

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Aim Participation in home, extracurricular, and community activities is a desired outcome of rehabilitation services for children and young people with cerebral palsy (CP). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of age and gross motor function on participation among children and young people with CP.Method Five hundred participants (277 males, 223 females) were grouped by age and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level. There were 291 children aged 6 to 12 years and 209 young people aged 13 to 21 years. There were 128 participants in GMFCS level I, 220 in levels II/III, and 152 in levels IV/V. Participants completed the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment to measure number of activities (diversity) and how often they were performed (intens...

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Stability of parent-reported manual ability and gross motor function classification of cerebral palsy

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology)

Does parent report measure performance? A study of the construct validity of the Functional Mobility Scale

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This study examined whether the Functional Mobility Scale (FMS) accurately reflects performance of mobility in children with CP.Method Eighteen children with spastic CP (11 males, seven females; mean age 12y 8mo, SD 2y 8mo, range 8[ndash]17y) were recruited from a special development school. Children were in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels II (n=5), III (n=4), or IV (n=9), and had quadriplegia (n=9), diplegia (n=7), or hemiplegia (n=2). The children's mobility was observed directly around and outside the home and at school and their mobility methods were recorded. The parent's FMS rating was obtained on the telephone by a physiotherapist. Agreement between direct observation and the FMS rating was examined using quadratic weighted kappa ([kappa]) statistics.Result...

Congenital perisylvian dysfunction – is it a spectrum?

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This study examines the overlap between children with bulbar cerebral palsy (Worster[ndash]Drought syndrome [WDS]) and perisylvian polymicrogyria.Method A total of 121 children (81 males, 40 females; mean age 5y 5mo, SD 3y 6mo; age range 1mo[ndash]15y 4mo) were studied using retrospective clinical data and magnetic resonance imaging. In all, 70 children had WDS with normal perisylvian imaging, 31 had congenital bilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria (CBPP), and 20 had congenital unilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria (CUPP).Results All groups shared aetiological markers (male sex, congenital contractures, low familial incidence, excess antenatal events). There was a common phenotype of pseudobulbar palsy with mild limb pyramidal signs in all children with WDS, 90% of those with CBPP, and one-...

Muscle deformity in cerebral palsy: reduced use, overuse, or both?

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology)

Parental Reactions Following the Diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy in Their Young Child

Journal of Pediatric Psychology — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion The majority of parents of children with CP have come to terms with this diagnosis by the time their children is 18 months old. The child's gross motor limitations seem to represent an important factor explaining negative parental reactions at this time. (Source: Journal of Pediatric Psychology)

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[Archimedes] QUESTION 1

Archives of Disease in Childhood — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood)

Assessment of general movements and 2.5 year developmental outcomes: Pilot results in a diverse preterm group.

European Journal of Paediatric Neurology — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The quality of general movements may be predictive of later development. PMID: 19540782 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: European Journal of Paediatric Neurology)

Crouch gait patterns defined using k-means cluster analysis are related to underlying clinical pathology

Gait and Posture — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

In this study a gait classification method was developed and applied to subjects with Cerebral palsy who walk with excessive knee flexion at initial contact. Sagittal plane gait data, simplified using the gait features method, is used as input into a k-means cluster analysis to determine homogeneous groups. Several clinical domains were explored to determine if the clusters are related to underlying pathology. These domains included age, joint range-of-motion, strength, selective motor control, and spasticity. Principal component analysis is used to determine one overall score for each of the multi-joint domains (strength, selective motor control, and spasticity). The current study shows that there are five clusters among children with excessive knee flexion at initial contact. These clust...

Development of a parent-report computer-adaptive test to assess physical functioning in children with cerebral palsy I: lower extremity and mobility skills

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0100

The objective of this project was to develop computer-adaptive tests (CATs) using parent reports of physical function in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). The specific aims of this study were to (1) examine the psychometric properties of an item bank of lower-extremity and mobility skills for children with CP; (2) evaluate a CAT using this item bank; (3) examine the concurrent validity of the CAT with the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) and the Functional Assessment Questionnaire (FAQ); and (4) establish the discriminant validity of simulated CATs with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels and CP type (diplegia, hemiplegia, or quadriplegia). Parents (n=190) of children and adolescents with spastic diplegic (48%), hemiplegic (22%), ...

A pneumatic power harvesting ankle-foot orthosis to prevent foot-drop

Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study demonstrated that fluid power could be harvested with a pneumatic circuit built into an AFO, and used to operate an actuated cam-lock mechanism that controls ankle-foot motion at specific periods of the gait cycle. (Source: Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation)

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Comorbidities in cerebral palsy and their relationship to neurologic subtype and GMFCS level

Neurology — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The enhanced burdens of comorbidity are unevenly distributed in children with cerebral palsy in a manner that can be associated with either a specific neurologic subtype (spastic quadriplegic, dyskinetic, ataxic-hypotonic) or nonambulatory motor status (Gross Motor Function Classification System levels IV and V). This provides enhanced value to the utilization of these classification approaches. (Source: Neurology)

Evaluation of clinical spasticity assessment in Cerebral palsy using inertial sensors

Gait and Posture — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This study aims to evaluate the use of goniometry in estimating the AOC in spasticity assessment of the medial hamstrings, soleus and gastrocnemius in twenty children with Cerebral palsy (CP), using inertial sensors (IS) as reference system.The IS were initially validated with an optoelectronic system to measure 3d-orientation and proved to be accurate within 1°.To evaluate the precision and accuracy of the goniometry, the joint angle measured with the goniometer after repositioning was compared to the joint angle measured simultaneously with the IS, and to the true AOC, detected and measured with the IS during the fast muscle stretch.Results showed that goniometry is an imprecise method to measure the true AOC in spasticity assessment. The error is mainly due to joint repositioning after...

GSK3β in Ethanol Neurotoxicity

Molecular Neurobiology — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:43:52 +0100

Abstract Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is a significant public health problem and may result in a wide range of adverse outcomes for the child. The developing central nervous system (CNS) is particularly susceptible to ethanol toxicity. Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) have a variety of cognitive, behavioral, and neurological impairments. FASD currently represents the leading cause of mental retardation in North America ahead of Down syndrome and cerebral palsy. Ethanol exposure during development causes multiple abnormalities in the brain such as permanent loss of neurons, ectopic neurons, and alterations in synaptogenesis and myelinogenesis. These alcohol-induced structural alterations in the developing brain underlie many of the behavioral de...

Software boost for cerebral palsy

Nursing in Practice — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 23:51:21 +0100

Scientists have developed new software that enables children with communication difficulties to have more interactive conversations (Source: Nursing in Practice)

The effects of a 'home-based' task-oriented exercise programme on motor and balance performance in children with spastic cerebral palsy and severe traumatic brain injury.

Clinical Rehabilitation — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: A home-based task-oriented exercise programme can improve balance performance in children with spastic cerebral palsy or severe traumatic brain injury. PMID: 19506005 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Rehabilitation)

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Neurodevelopmental Status of Preterm Newborns at Infancy, Born at a Tertiary Care Center in Turkey

American Journal of Perinatology — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 00:57:52 +0100

Amer J PerinatolDOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1224863ABSTRACTOur objective was to determine the incidence of early neonatal problems and the neurodevelopmental status and probable risk factors associated with neurodevelopmental abnormality in preterm infants of ≤32 weeks of gestation. Preterm newborns of ≤32 weeks of gestation followed at the neonatal intensive care unit of the Department of Pediatrics of Gülhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey, were evaluated with a complete neurological examination and the Bayley Scales of Infant Development at a mean age of 25.85 ± 11.79 months (range, 10 to 42 months). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the probable risk factors associated with neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Regarding the r...

The AMPA receptor positive allosteric modulator, S18986, is neuroprotective against neonatal excitotoxic and inflammatory brain damage through BDNF synthesis.

Neuropharmacology — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Destot-Wong KD, Liang K, Gupta SK, Favrais G, Schwendimann L, Pansiot J, Baud O, Spedding M, Lelièvre V, Mani S, Gressens P Brain lesions induced in newborn mice by the glutamatergic agonists ibotenate (acting on NMDA and metabotropic receptors) or S-willardiine (acting on AMPA-kainate receptors) mimic some aspects of periventricular white matter lesions and neocortical grey matter damage observed in human neonates at risk for developing cerebral palsy. The neonatal mouse brain can be sensitized to excitotoxic damage by IL-1beta exposure similar to that observed in the human situation. Positive modulators of AMPA receptors have received increasing attention as potential neuroprotective agents in a number of neurodegenerative disorders of the adult. However whether they ca...

What Is Cerebral Palsy? What Causes Cerebral Palsy?

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:00:00 +0100

Cerebral palsy is a term which encompasses a set of neurological conditions that cause physical disability in human development - they affect the brain and nervous system. The word cerebral refers to the area in the brain that is affected, while palsy means complete or partial muscle paralysis, frequently accompanied by loss of sensation and uncontrollable body movements or tremors. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Device offers hope to children with communication problems

Guardian Unlimited Science — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:30:00 +0100

Narrative of child's daily activities and thoughts built up through recording of their movements, giving parents unique insightScientists have developed a pioneering technology that allows children with communication difficulties to interact more easily with parents and carers, it was announced today.The software system, devised by teams at Aberdeen and Dundee universities and the charity Capability Scotland, is the first of its kind, and will help children with learning difficulties and disabilities such as cerebral palsy converse in a quicker and more interactive way with family and friends.Sensors attached to wheelchairs, recording devices and swipe cards all gather information about a child's movements and experiences at school during the day. The information is then turned into a narr...

Software will help disabled children to communicate with their carers

Scotsman.com News - Health — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 23:26:28 +0100

SCOTTISH scientists are helping to unlock the silent world of children suffering from cerebral palsy and other serious disabilities where there are major barriers to communica (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

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Perinatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy - epileptic and paretic outcome at one year of age

Italian Journal of Pediatrics — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Background: The issue concerning neurologic outcome in patients with perinatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (H.I.E) has inspired many studies which tried to identify adequate prognostic factors. Our work aims to find among neonatal parameters:-factors which help to predict the risk to develop both Cerebral Palsy (CP) and secondary Epilepsy at one year of age in subjects affected by perinatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy,-correlations between the neonatal parameters and the variable severity of above mentioned sequelae. Methods: We have recruited 32 subjects, whose history and neuroimages suggested a perinatal H.I.E and we have retrospectively analysed clinical-instrumental parameters at birth and at one year of age. Results: At one year cut-off, 9 patients developed both secondary ep...

MgSO4 for CP prevention: too good to be true?

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0100

In this edition of the Journal, we include 3 articles that shed light on a major controversy in obstetrics and maternal-fetal medicine: whether to use MgSO4 in women likely to deliver preterm to prevent cerebral palsy (CP). The recent publication of the BEAM trial, with its mixed results, has put this issue up for debate nationally as well as at our own institutions. The articles in this edition include a metaanalysis, a clinical opinion, and the transcript of a debate that was held at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Annual Meeting in 2009. (Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Magnesium for neuroprophylaxis: fact or fiction?

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0100

The use of magnesium for prevention of cerebral palsy in preterm infants has been a pressing clinical question for some time. This issue was recently brought to the forefront again after the completion of a large trial conducted by the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network and published by Rouse et al in August, 2008 in the New England Journal of Medicine. After review of the complex body of literature on this topic, and the recent addition of this important piece of evidence, we discussed the “pros” and “cons” of the evidence-based use of magnesium for prevention of cerebral palsy at the annual meeting for the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine as a luncheon roundtable.The evidence currently available does not make the clinical decision of whether or not to use magnesium for the p...

Antenatal magnesium sulfate for the prevention of cerebral palsy in preterm infants less than 34 weeks' gestation: a systematic review and metaanalysis

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, magnesium sulfate administered to women at risk of delivery before 34 weeks of gestation reduces the risk of cerebral palsy. (Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology)