Stability of the Gross Motor Function Classification System over time in children with cerebral palsy.

Aim: To assess the stability of the Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) from time of preliminary diagnosis (~2 years of age) to time of diagnosis (~5 years of age), and to examine factors associated with reclassification.

Method: We conducted a longitudinal study using a sample from the Canadian CP Registry. Stability was analysed by using the percentage of agreement between timepoints and a weighted prevalence and bias adjusted kappa statistic.

Epilepsy in children with cerebral palsy: a data linkage study.

Aim: To compare the prevalence of epilepsy in children with cerebral palsy (CP) to peer controls and their differences in healthcare utilization.

Method: The Quebec CP registry was linked to the provincial administrative health database. Two CP cohorts were identified from the registry (n=302, 168 males, 1y 2mo-14y) and administrative data (n=370, 221 males, 2y 2mo-14y).

Emergency Department Use in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Data Linkage Study.

Objective: To describe the pattern of emergency department (ED) consultations in children with cerebral palsy (CP) compared to controls and factors predictive of ED consultations.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study linked data from the Registre de la paralysie cérébrale du Québec (REPACQ) and provincial administrative health databases. The CP cohort was comprised of children enrolled in REPACQ born between 1999 and 2002.

Hospitalizations in School-Aged Children with Cerebral Palsy and Population-Based Controls.

Objective: To compare hospitalizations among children with cerebral palsy (CP) and healthy controls and to identify factors associated with hospitalizations in children with CP.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study linked data from a provincial CP Registry and administrative health databases. The CP cohort was comprised of children born from 1999 to 2002.

Congenital Malformations in Children With Cerebral Palsy: Is Prematurity Protective?

Background: Congenital malformations are more common in children who are born prematurely, and prematurity is the leading risk factor for cerebral palsy. The primary objective of this study was to describe the profile of congenital malformations in a Canadian cohort of children with cerebral palsy. The secondary objectives were to compare the profiles of children with cerebral palsy with and without a congenital malformation and explore the possible role of prematurity.