Zheng C, Martin-Herz SP, Abath CB, Scharf RJ. Motor Impairment Referrals to an International Child Development Clinic: It is Not Always Cerebral Palsy.
Pediatr Neurol 2024;
155:167-170. [PMID:
38663153 DOI:
10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2024.02.004]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
The majority of the estimated 50 to 100 million children living with disability worldwide reside in low- or middle-income countries. As families migrate to avoid humanitarian crises, children with developmental disability and delay warrant particular attention in refugee and international health settings. During transitions, medical documentation may be lost and diagnoses may not be fully understood, contributing to the challenges of determining etiologies of motor impairment.
METHODS
Of the first 100 refugee children who were referred to the Child Development Clinic, we identified a subset of children referred for motor impairment or cerebral palsy. Data on their presentation, diagnoses following evaluation, and therapeutic services required was collected by retrospective chart review.
RESULTS
Twenty children were referred for motor impairment and cerebral palsy. Average age was 8.9 years; 45% were female. Eight children were eventually diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and 12 had alternate or inconclusive diagnoses. Microcephaly was more common in children diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
CONCLUSIONS
The frequent differences between referral and final diagnoses in refugee children referred for cerebral palsy highlights the need for pediatricians' careful examination and diagnostic reasoning upon initial presentation.
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