Epigenome-wide analysis in newborn blood spots from monozygotic twins discordant for cerebral palsy reveals consistent regional differences in DNA methylation.

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a clinical description for a group of motor disorders that are heterogeneous with respect to causes, symptoms and severity. A diagnosis of CP cannot usually be made at birth and in some cases may be delayed until 2-3 years of age. This limits opportunities for early intervention that could otherwise improve long-term outcomes.

Quality of life in young adults with cerebral palsy.

Background: Little is known about the quality of life (QOL) of young adults with cerebral palsy.

Objective/hypothesis: This cross-sectional analysis compares the QOL of a cohort of young Australian adults with CP with a cohort of able-bodied peers to explore the relationship between QOL and impairments, functioning, and social participation.

Methods: Young adults identified from the Victorian Cerebral Palsy Register were invited to complete a survey about QOL, gross motor function, independence in self-care, and social participation.

Social outcomes of young adults with cerebral palsy.

Background: Functional abilities and social outcomes of young adults with cerebral palsy (CP) are relatively under-researched. Improvements in paediatric care have extended the expectation of achieving adulthood to 90%.

Method: Young adults aged 20-30 years with CP (n = 335) were compared to a population-based control group (n = 2,152) of the same age.

Immunisation coverage in children with cerebral palsy compared with the general population.

Aim: To compare immunisation coverage of a cerebral palsy (CP) cohort with the known general population vaccination coverage statistics.

Methods: A cohort of children with CP aged less than 7 years was extracted from the Victorian Cerebral Palsy Register. The vaccination status of these children was compared with the general population using the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR).

Secondary effects of botulinum toxin injections into salivary glands for the management of pediatric drooling.

This study aimed to assess the secondary benefits and adverse effects of botulinum toxin A injections into the parotid and submandibular glands in children with developmental disability and to determine whether these effects are related to reduction in drooling. Twenty-six children were injected (14 boys and 12 girls; mean age, 11 years 3 months). The Drooling Impact Scale and a secondary effects questionnaire covering aspects of eating, speech, saliva management, and sleep, were administered to the main carer at specific times before and after injection.

A randomized, controlled trial of a home-based intervention program for children with autism and developmental delay.

Objective: This study aimed to (1) investigate whether provision of a home-based program in addition to a center-based program improves development in young children with disabilities and coping abilities of their families and (2) describe the characteristics of children and families who benefit most from the intervention.

Methods: Fifty-nine children, aged 3-5 years, with no cerebral palsy, participated in the study. Half of the group was randomized to receive an additional program in their homes.

Inpatient care of children with cerebral palsy as perceived by their parents.

Objectives: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have special health care needs. The aim of the study was to evaluate the inpatient care of children with CP, as perceived by their parents.

Methods: Forty parents of children with CP and 90 parents of able-bodied children completed a questionnaire designed to evaluate their perception of their child's hospital admission, including the care provided.

Factors identified during the neonatal period associated with risk of cerebral palsy.

Objective: To identify factors during the neonatal period that are associated with the subsequent development of cerebral palsy (CP).

Design: Case-control study.

Setting: Ten hospitals in Victoria, Australia.

Antenatal and intrapartum antecedents of cerebral palsy: a case-control study.

Aim: To identify antenatal and intrapartum factors contributing to the aetiology of cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods: A case-control study using moderate/severe cases of cerebral palsy identified from the Victorian Cerebral Palsy Register and two controls per case identified through the Victorian Perinatal Data Collection Unit.

Results: A number of previously identified risk factors for CP were confirmed in our data.