Clinical Profile of Children with Cerebral Palsy in Jos, North-Central Nigeria

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the clinical profile of children with cerebral palsy (CP) at Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Jos, North-Central Nigeria.

Study Design: This was a case series study.

Place and Duration of Study: Paediatric neurology clinic, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria between January 2015 and December 2016.

Methodology: We recruited consecutive patients with CP attending the paediatric neurology clinic of JUTH. We used structured questionnaires and hospital records to document all relevant information of the patients and their parents. We also conducted detailed physical examination for each patient and performed specialized examinations and investigations if necessary. Data obtained was analysed with EpiInfo version 7.2. Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Health Research Ethical Committee of JUTH. Informed consent was obtained from the parent/guardian of each participant.

Results: A total of 168 children with CP were seen within the study period, 93 (55.4%) were males while 75 (44.6%) were females. Home delivery was the commonest place of delivery (32.7%), followed by delivery at primary health centres (25.0%). Despite the fact that no socio-economic class was spared, most (60.1%) of the children with CP were in lower class. The commonest presenting complaint observed was delayed developmental milestones. About 71% of the children with CP were malnourished while 26% were severely malnourished. Spastic hemiplegic CP was the commonest type of CP seen. Associated disabilities were very common in children with CP in our study with 92% of them having one or more disabilities. The commonest disability we observed was seizure disorder (45.2%) followed by intellectual disability (28%).

Conclusion: In our study, CP was commonly associated with other disabilities and malnutrition. Each child with CP should be assessed comprehensively and managed by a multidisciplinary care team comprising of all relevant professionals so that the child’s long term outcome can be improved.