Birth Incidence of Cerebral Palsy in Tripoli, Libya: A Population-Based Study

Abstract

Background: Population-based data in Libya on prevalence of cerebral palsy are limited. This study aimed to assess trends in cerebral palsy among infancy or premature attending pediatric hospitals in Tripoli city, Libya. Methods: In this population-based study, a cross-sectional method was used to screen for cerebral palsy at the department of pediatrics in both Tripoli University Hospital, and Tripoli Pediatric Hospital during the period from march to December 2019. Specialist physicians confirmed the diagnosis, obtained family history, and determined the subtype and main causes. Results: Out of 200 suspected patients, 64 of them were diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Incidence rate was 32%. Male children (n=33, 51.6%) were more affected than female (n=31, 48.4%). Regarding the mode of delivery, 34(53.1%) of patients were delivered normally by vaginal delivery, while 30(46.9%) of cases delivered by caesarian section. There were 9(14.1%) of cases preterm birth, whereas, most of the cases were full term 55(85.9%). Birth asphyxia was reported in 34 (53.1%) of cases. A total of 17(26.6%) of cases had genetic cause, 8(12.5%) of cases had history of neonatal infection (e.g. meningitis, congenital toxoplasmosis, pneumonia, sepsis, encephalitis), and 5(7.8%) of cases had other disorders including hyperthermia and asphyxia at late age. Conclusion: Given enhancements in neonatal survival, evidence of stability of cerebral palsy prevalence is encouraging. The persistence of higher cerebral palsy prevalence among children in Libya over time warrants further investigation.