The aim of The Cerebral Palsy Register is to follow the development of cerebral palsy in East Denmark as reported from the children's departments within the area. The prevalence among Danish children born in 1971-1982 is reported. Postnatal cases have been excluded. The live-birth prevalence has increased from 1.7 per 1000 in 1971-1974 to 2.3 per 1000 in 1979-1982. An increased proportion with birthweight under 2500 g and neuroimpairment was found in the latest birth year period. A re-evaluation of diagnostic information confirmed the increasing trend of the prevalence. Preterm births were dominated by perinatal etiology, while term births equally often had a prenatal etiology. It is worrying that the prevalence is rising and that the children have more disabilities. The reason for the increasing trend is most probably due to the decreasing neonatal mortality.
Udgivelsesdato: 1995-Feb-6