Cerebral palsy among children in Nordland 1977-91. Occurrence, etiology, disability

An increasing prevalence of cerebral palsy has been reported in Sweden and other countries. One Norwegian study shows decreasing incidence, another shows increasing incidence among preterm children. The aim of this study is to describe prevalence of cerebral palsy and its etiology and disability among children in Nordland county who were born between 1977 and 1991. Perinatal mortality in the county declined from 11 per 1,000 in 1973-83 to 7.9 per 1,000 in 1987-91. 62 boys and 31 girls were diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The prevalence was 1.91 in 1977-81, 1.98 in 1982-86 and 2.05 per 1,000 i 1987-91. Among children with a birthweight < 1,500 g the prevalence decreased significantly to; 88.9, 42.7 and 28.8 per 1,000 respectively. Causative factors and disability are presented. Prevalence of cerebral palsy as a measure of quality of perinatal care is discussed, and a recommendation for a central register is made.