The risk, burden, and management of non‐communicable diseases in cerebral palsy: a scoping review

Abstract

Adults with cerebral palsy (CP) have an increased risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and increased risk of death because of NCDs. Evidence is inconsistent about the elevated prevalence of metabolic risk factors for NCDs. Evidence is consistent that people with CP participate in reduced physical activity. Only one study reported on management of NCD among people with CP. Available evidence suggests people with CP are less likely to receive preventive medicine.

Mortality due to cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and cancer in adults with cerebral palsy

“…The results of this study add to the evidence base that consistently suggests an increased risk of cardiovascular disease among people with CP . Potential explanations for this increased risk in people with CP include physical inactivity, poor knowledge of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, and inadequate access to coordinated services in adulthood .…”

“…The results of this study add to the evidence base that consistently suggests an increased risk of cardiovascular disease among people with CP. 10 Potential explanations for this increased risk in people with CP include physical inactivity, 10 poor knowledge of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, 22 and inadequate access to coordinated services in adulthood. 23 While primary prevention should be the focus of the management of cardiovascular disease, and indeed cancer and chronic respiratory disease, 24 secondary prevention also needs to be examined in people with CP.…”

“…23 While primary prevention should be the focus of the management of cardiovascular disease, and indeed cancer and chronic respiratory disease, 24 secondary prevention also needs to be examined in people with CP. 10 The increased risk of cardiovascular-and respiratory-related mortality in people with CP may be partly explained by delays in diagnosis and treatment of existing disease. However, as no study has examined the management of these conditions in people with CP, 10 future research is urgently required to explore this further.…”

Optimal Management of Undescended Testis in Boys with Cerebral Palsy. A Debate

“…On the other hand, it has been clearly stressed out that the burden of non-communicable diseases is higher among adults with CP compared to the general population, and available evidence suggests that people with CP are less likely to receive preventive medicine. This may include long-term consequences of untreated UDT [Ryan et al, 2018]. Keep in mind that this article has been written by a surgeon and not a law person or ethicists.…”

Cardiovascular disease in cerebral palsy: shifting our focus from attention to prevention

“…Indeed, two recent reviews highlight that CVD 2 and other non-communicable diseases 1 are prevalent in individuals with CP; that CVDrelated mortality may occur at a younger age; 2 and that there is strong evidence that this population engages in low levels of physical activity compared to those without CP. 1 Although the evidence pertaining to CVD risk factors is accumulating, how the mechanisms by which these factors translate to CVD itself or CVD-related mortality in individuals with CP remain unknown. Recent increases in the survival rate of persons with CP speak to the advancements of modern medicine, 5 but there are no national surveillance programs or longitudinal studies that monitor adults with CP by severity, medical, and/or health conditions, or the trajectory of aging that would help provide risk identification of CVD in individuals with CP.…”