As part of a longitudinal follow-up program a single case analysis of the history
of 53 children with a birthweight of less than 1501 g, who had developed cerebral
palsy, was performed. In 17 children (32 %) a definite explanation for the neurological
impairment and in another 17 (32 %) at least a possible explanation could be found.
In 19 of the 53 children (36 %) the history was uneventful and did not offer a causal
event. The common documentation in obstetric and pediatric case files left the cause
of cerebral palsy undetected in one third of the cases.
Cerebral palsy - Preterm infant - Epidemiology - Risk factors
