Relationship between gross motor function classification system and gestational week as well as low birth weight in children with cerebral palsy

Objective To investigate the relationship between gross motor function classification and gestational week as well as low birth weight in children with cerebral palsy. Methods From March to April 2013, a total of 333 children with cerebral palsy aged 2-12 years old in Chengdu were selected into this study, and their gross motor function classification were measured by gross motor function classification system (GMFCS, Chinese edition). Data about children's gestational age and birth weight were collected. Relationship of gross motor function classfication between gestational age and birth weight were analyzed by statistical method. The study protocol was approved by the Ethical Review Board of Investigation in Human Being of West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University. Informed consent was obtained from the parent of each participating child. Results Among 333 cases with cerebral palsy, mild cerebral palsy (GMFCS Ⅰ-Ⅱ grade), moderate cerebral palsy (GMFCS Ⅲ grade) and severe cerebral palsy (GMFCS Ⅲ-Ⅴ grade) were 149 cases, 82 cases and 102 cases, respectively. There were no significant differences among the gross motor function classifications of children with cerebral palsy in different ages (χ2= 4.906, P>0.50). Among the 185 cases (55%) of preterm children (gestational age <36 weeks) with cerebral palsy, 74 cases were mild cerebral palsy (GMFCS Ⅰ-Ⅱ grade), 111 cases were moderate and severe cerebral palsy (GMFCS Ⅲ-Ⅴ grade); and among the 150 cases (46%) of low birth weight (<2 500 g)children with cerebral palsy, 58 cases were mild cerebral palsy (GMFCS Ⅰ-Ⅱ grade), 92 cases were moderate and severe cerebral palsy (GMFCS Ⅲ-Ⅴ grade). The shorter the gestational weeks is, and the lower the birth weight is, the more GMFCS Ⅲ-Ⅴ grade were, and there were significant differences (χ2=13.833, 16.276; P=0.032, <0.05). Conclusions There is correlation between gross motor function classfication and gestational week as well as low birth weight in children with cerebral palsy. The gestational week and low birth weight can be used to predict the damage severity of the gross motor function of children with cerebral palsy. Key words: Cerebral palsy; Gross motor function classification system; Gestational age; Birth weight; Child