Preterm birth and cerebral palsy. Predictive value of pregnancy complications, mode of delivery, and Apgar scores

Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 1997 Oct;76(9):843-8. doi: 10.3109/00016349709024363.

Abstract

Background: Preterm infants are at 8 times higher risk than term infants for pre- and perinatal brain damage, resulting in cerebral palsy. In this paper we have analysed the influence of prenatal and birth-related risk factors on cerebral palsy in preterm infants.

Methods: In a register-based study, 175 preterm singleton infants with cerebral palsy, born in 1982-86, were compared with 687 controls matched by gestational age and year of birth.

Results: Statistically significant higher rates in cases were found in parity > or = 3 (22% vs. 16%, p < 0.05), Cesarean section (67% vs. 56%, p < 0.01), and low Apgar scores at 1 minute (45% vs. 36%, p < 0.05). By multivariate analyses, two variables remained statistically significant: parity > or = 3 (adjusted OR = 1.53 (95% CI 1.00-2.34), p < 0.05) and Cesarean section (adjusted OR = 1.57 (95% CI 1.07-2.32), p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Pregnancy complications preceding preterm birth did not imply a higher risk of cerebral palsy. Delivery by Cesarean section was a prognostic factor for developing cerebral palsy, and the predictive value of Apgar scores was highly limited.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Apgar Score
  • Cerebral Palsy / etiology*
  • Cesarean Section / adverse effects
  • Denmark
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature*
  • Infant, Small for Gestational Age
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications*
  • Risk Factors