Association of cerebral palsy with consanguineous parents and other risk factors in a Palestinian population

Abstract

This case–control study investigated risk factors for cerebral palsy in a Palestinian population. Cases were 107 children aged 1–15 years at a cerebral palsy referral centre in Jerusalem; controls were 233 children without cerebral palsy from West Bank outpatient clinics. Data were collected from medical records and a structured questionnaire to parents. In stepwise logistical regression, consanguinity and birth deficits in other family members were positively associated with cerebral palsy (OR = 4.62; 95% CI: 2.07–10.3 and OR = 12.7; 95% CI: 3.13–51.7 respectively), suggesting a possible genetic link. Other risk factors were: perinatal hypoxia (OR = 92.5; 95% CI: 24.5–350), low birth weight (OR = 4.98; 95% CI: 2.01–12.3), twin births (OR = 9.25; 95% CI: 1.29–66.8) and no prenatal medical care (OR = 5.22; 95% CI: 1.18–23.1). This first stepwise model of significant and modifiable risk factors in our population provides useful evidence for policy-makers.