Probability of Walking with CP

Pediatrics reports that in Europe 54% of all children with cerebral palsy are walking independently by age 5.  Walking ability was related to type of cerebral palsy.  Statistical analysis showed that intellectual capabilities was the strongest variable associated with walking ability.  Other factors also influenced walking ability such as epilepsy, vision and h

Reference: Beckung, Eva, Hagberg, Gudrun, Uldall, Peter, Cans, Christine, for Surveillance of Cerebral  Palsy in Europe, Probability of Walking in Children With Cerebral Palsy in Europe Pediatrics 2008 121: e187-e192

 

Autism and Thimerosal

The latest issue of Archives of General Psychiatry reports that even though thimerosal has been removed from vaccines in California the autism rates continue to rise.  The researchers concluded that thimerosal can not be the primary cause of autism.

Reference:  Robert Schechter; Judith K. Grether Continuing Increases in Autism Reported to California’s Developmental Services System: Mercury in Retrograde Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2008;65(1):19-24.

 

Predicting Gross Motor Abilities in infants with CP

The European Journal of Paediatric Neurology reports that scores on the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) at 3-6 months of age correlates with Gross Motor Function Classification System at 2 years of age.  Infants who scored below 40 on the HINE at 3-6 months were at GMFCS levels III, IV and V at two years of age.  Infants with scores between 40-60 on the HINE mostly were at GMFCS levels I and II at two years of age.

Reference:  Romeo, D., Cioni, M, Scoto, M et al (2008) Neuromotor development in infants with cerebral palsy investigated by the Hammersmith during the first year of age.  European Journal of Paediatric Neurology 12 (1):24-31.

 

OI and Physical Training

The Journal of Pediatrics reports that physical training of children with osteogenesis imperfecta (type I and IV) resulted in improved aerobic capacity and muscle force.  The participants subjective fatigue level also decreased with training.   Measurements were again taken at 3 and 6 months after the 12 week training program.  At that time there was a significant decrease in the previous improvements that were noted.

Reference:  Van Brussel, M, Takken, T., Uiterwaal, C. et al (2008) Physical Training in Children with Osteogenesis Imperfecta.  Journal of Pediatrics 152(1): 111-116.

 

Epilepsy and BMD

Neurology journal reports that children who are treated with anti epileptic medication for epilepsy have significant bone mineral density deficits.  The authors discuss how this may be a potential cause for the increase in risk of fractures in children with epilepsy.

Reference:  Sheth, Raj D., Binkley, Neil, Hermann, Bruce P. Progressive bone deficit in epilepsy. Neurology 2008 70: 170-176

 

Treadmill training and Downs Syndrome

The current issue of Gait and Posture reports that children with Down’s syndrome who participated in high intensity individualized treadmill training prior to independent ambulation exhibited higher velocity and cadence when walking at a one year follow up gait analysis when compared to children with Down’s syndrome who participated in a low intensity general treadmill training program.  Both groups significantly reduced foot rotation.

Reference:  Angelo-Barroso, R., Wu, J., and Ulrich, D. (2008) Long-term effect of different treadmill interventions on gait development in new walkers with Down syndrome .  Gait and Posture 27(2):  231-238.

 

Pain and Cerebral Palsy

The Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics reports that whole body bone scans can be beneficial in diagnosing causes of pain in children with cerebral palsy who are non communicative.  In this study, children with spastic quadriplegia who were non verbal with low cognitive/ motor skills were evaluated following pain for one week.  The bone scan was positive for 53% of the 45 patients (average age 13.5 years old) which resulted in diagnoses such as fractures, painful hardware, sinusitis, obstructed kidney and infections.

Reference:  Bajelidze, G., Belthur, M., Littelton, A et al. (2008) Diagnostic Evaluation Using Whole-Body Technetium Bone Scan in Children With Cerebral Palsy and Pain. Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics. 28(1):112-117.

 

ITB and UE Use in CP

The Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics reports that 20 children with spastic cerebral palsy (mean age 11.4 years old) treated with intrathecal baclofen pumps showed a decrease in upper limb spasticity.  After one year the children showed varying degrees of improvement in range of movement, target accuracy and fluency when evaluated with the Melbourne Assessment of Unilateral Upper Limb Function scale.

Reference:  Motta, Francesco MD; Stignani, Cecilia PT; Antonello, Clara E. PT  (2008) Upper Limb Function After Intrathecal Baclofen Treatment in Children With Cerebral Palsy.  Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics. 28(1):91-96, January/February 2008.

 

Wake Up Time and Physical Activity Level of Children

A recent study reports that children with an earlier wake up time were more physically active during the day when compared to children who slept later.

Reference:   Kohyama, J (2007) Early Rising Children are More Active than Late Risers.  Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment 3(6).