Cerebral palsy diagnosis and the impact on hip surveillance enrollment.

AIM

To investigate the diagnosis at enrollment in the Child Health British Columbia Hip Surveillance Program for Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) and review the etiologies of children enrolled without a CP diagnosis.

METHOD

Data from 959 children (543 males, 416 females; mean [SD] age at enrollment 6 years 8 months [4 years 2 months]) enrolled in the program between September 2015 and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Enrollment diagnosis, Gross Motor Function Classification System level, migration percentage, and age at enrollment were included. Chart reviews were completed to confirm diagnoses for all children. Etiologies were compared to a list of conditions that are included and excluded from CP registries.

RESULTS

Diagnosis at enrollment was CP for 612 (64%), possible CP for 120 (13%), and 'other' for 220 (23%). No diagnosis was provided for seven (<1%). CP was confirmed for 700 (73%), including 106 (11.1%) enrolled as 'possible CP' or 'other'; 56 (5.8%) did not have CP due to progressive conditions. Migration percentage was similar across all groups at enrollment.

INTERPRETATION

One in four children were enrolled in hip surveillance without a diagnosis of CP or possible CP. Encouraging participation in hip surveillance when children meet the clinical criteria for CP but do not have a confirmed CP diagnosis can improve access to care.