Functional abilities of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy and their relationship with motor compromise and intellectual disability in Argentina.

Abstract

Introduction: Motor compromise characterizes cerebral palsy (CP), and is often associated with intellectual disability (ID). Standardized classification systems have been developed to describe the functions of people with CP. The aim was to functionally characterize children and adolescents aged 0 to 18 years with CP in Argentina and to investigate the association between motor compromise (GMFCS), ID and functional classifications. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Data were collected through family interviews and medical records review. Individuals with CP were included. Data were collected from 19 institutions in different cities of Argentina. Fisher's test and odds ratio [IC95%] were used for data analysis, with significance <0.05. Results: 182 children and adolescents with CP participated. According to GMFCS classification, level V prevailed with 36.3%. Those with more severe motor compromise (GMFCS IV-V) were 72 [25.4;206.0] times and 13 [5.9;28.2] times more likely to present a severe level of MACS and CFCS, respectively. But they were 34 [7.9;146.0] times more likely to have a mild to moderate level of EDACS. Those with DI were 10 [5.1;20.5] times more likely to have severe GMFCS, 6 [3.4;13.2] times more likely to have severe MACS and 4 [2.0;7.8] times more likely to have severe CFCS. On the contrary, they are 4 [1.9;9.5] times more likely to present a mild-moderate EDACS level. Conclusion: the level of GMFCS and the presence of DI influence general functionality and increase severity in engagement, manual and communication skills.