Cerebral Palsy: Clinical Patterns And Quality Of Life; Insights From Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the clinical patterns and quality of life (QoL) among individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) in a pediatric clinic at King Abdullah Hospital (KAH) in Saudi Arabia. 

Methods: The study included all patients encountered in the pediatric clinic at KAH between 2018 and 2023. Data regarding patient characteristics, clinical patterns, radiological findings, timing and causes of brain insult, associated symptoms, and QoL were collected and analyzed. 

Results: The study population consisted of 75 children diagnosed with CP based on clinical and radiological findings. The majority of individuals had a diagnosis of spastic quadriplegic CP (84.0%). Radiological findings included dilated ventricles (24.0%) and other ascertainable anomalies (74.7%). The brain injury predominantly occurred during the neonatal period (52.0%), with associated symptoms of CP, including epilepsy (21.3%) and intellectual disability (25.3%). Factors associated with the QoL of cerebral palsy comprise male gender (OR 1.52, p-value 0.04), limited mobility (OR -0.78, p-value 0.003), and family support (OR 1.79, p-value 0.012).

Most individuals with CP could not walk (64.0%) and did not attend school (64.0%). A significant burden was observed on families, as most mothers had to leave work (85.3%) to care for their children with CP.

Conclusion: The findings indicated a predominance of spastic quadriplegic CP among the study population, with notable radiological findings. Factors influencing the QoL of individuals with CP were identified, including male gender, limited mobility, and family support. These findings underscore the complex and multifaceted nature of cerebral palsy, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support systems and interventions to improve the overall well-being and QoL of individuals living with CP and their families.