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Neuropediatrics 2021; 52(05): 383-389
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1722679
Original Article

Visual Impairment and Functional Classification in Children with Cerebral Palsy

M. Rauchenzauner   *
1   Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Kliniken Ostallgäu-Kaufbeuren, Kaufbeuren, Germany
2   Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
,
K. Schiller‡   *
1   Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Kliniken Ostallgäu-Kaufbeuren, Kaufbeuren, Germany
,
M. Honold
2   Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
,
I. Baldissera
3   Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
,
R. Biedermann
4   Department of Orthopedics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
,
B. Tschiderer
3   Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
,
U. Albrecht
2   Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
,
C. Arnold
2   Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
,
K. Rostasy
5   Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, Datteln, Germany
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Abstract

Background Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor impairment in childhood and often accompanied by a broad spectrum of comorbidities. Data are sparse concerning visual impairment (VI) and functional classification among CP children.

Objective The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of VI among children with CP and to investigate a possible association between VI and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the Bimanual Fine Motor Function (BFMF).

Methods In this hospital-based study, records of 200 children with CP aged 2 to 17 years were reviewed.

Results Overall, VI was found in 59.5% of children with CP. Prevalence of VI was higher when compared with non-CP children. A correlation between GMFCS as well as BFMF and severity of VI was found. Children with severe CP were at greater risk for severe VI, especially cerebral VI compared with children with mild CP.

Conclusion VI is a significant problem in children with CP and is correlated with motor function. Children with CP should undergo detailed ophthalmologic and orthoptic assessment to enable early intervention.

Keywords

cerebral palsy - visual impairment - functional classification - GMFCS - BFMF

* These authors contributed equally to this article.




Publication History

Received: 09 May 2020

Accepted: 29 October 2020

Article published online:
28 January 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
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