Association of risk factor and the number of risk factors with classification, GMFCS and comorbidity of CP

Abstract Objective: To explore the characteristics of risk factors in children with CP, focusing on the effects of single risk factors and the number of risk factors on the classification, GMFCS, and comorbidities of CP. Methods: The medical records of children with CP hospitalized from 2015 to 2023 were reviewed. The effects of nine risk factors, such as Hyperbilirubinemia, asphyxia, and HIE, on the classification, GMFCS and comorbidity of CP were studied. Results: Among the 536 children with CP, 476 (88.8%) had obvious risk factors. Preterm birth or/and low birth weight was the most common risk factor 243 (45.3%). Children with CP combined with two risk factors were the most common, 147 cases (27.4 %). The number of risk factors in children with CP existing with epilepsy and/or hearing impairment seemed to have fewer risk factors, but existing with spastic quadriplegia was more likely to have more risk factors (≥4). If children with CP had 1-6 risk factors, the intellectual disability and GMFCS≥Ⅳ were more common in the various number of risk factor groups, but spastic hemiplegia and ataxia were less common. Conclusion: Risk factors were more common in children with severe classification, high levels of GMFCS, and intellectual disability.