Somatic status characteristics in children with cerebral palsy during surgical orthopedic treatment

Purpose. To study the characteristics of somatic status and concomitant diseases in children with cerebral palsy (CP) admitted for surgical orthopedic treatment. Material and Methods. The continuous sampling of children (100 subjects) with CP spastic forms admitted for surgical orthopedic treatment studied from the viewpoint of somatic pathology occurrence. A pediatrician consulted all the children before admission and also in the early postoperative period. Standard anthropometric parameters, the data of medical history, physical examination, ECG, as well as laboratory method values, the data of additional examination techniques and particular specialist consulting considered to evaluate the children’s somatic status and concomitant pathology. Results. In the performed study concomitant pathology revealed in every patient. The distribution of the cases of somatic diseases indicates more frequent incidence of the pathology of the cardiovascular system and the urogenital one, as well as anemia in patients with reduced body mass index (less than the tenth percentile) and those with marked motor disorders (GMFCS IV and V) that defines a higher risk of exacerbation and/or decompensation of concomitant somatic disease and perioperative risk. The pathology incidence and severity increases significantly in patients above 10 years. Conclusions. We suggest that all the patients above 10 years and those with GMFCS IV and V are in need of correcting therapy in order to reduce the perioperative risk. The age below 10 years in children with severe CP forms is optimal both in terms of the results of correcting severe orthopedic pathology and in terms of reducing risks associated with concomitant diseases. In our series somatic diseases not prevented the implementation of the planned extensive program of surgical orthopedic treatment, but provided adequate pediatric support at all the stages of in-patient treatment.