New Ethical Issues in Cerebral Palsy

Towards functional improvement of motor disorders associated with cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition arising from non-progressive disorders occurring in the fetal or infant brain. Cerebral palsy has long been categorised into discrete motor types based on the predominance of spasticity, dyskinesia, or ataxia. However, these motor disorders, muscle weakness, hypotonia, and impaired selective movements should also be discriminated across the range of presentations and along the lifespan. Although cerebral palsy is permanent, function changes across the lifespan, indicating the importance of interventions to improve outcomes in motor disorders associated with the condition. Mounting evidence exists for the inclusion of several interventions, including active surveillance, adapted physical activity, and nutrition, to prevent secondary and tertiary complications. Avenues for future research include the development of evidence-based recommendations, low-cost and high-quality alternatives to existing therapies to ensure universal access, standardised cerebral palsy registers to harmonise epidemiological and clinical information, improved adult screening and check-up programmes to facilitate positive lived experiences, and phase 3 trials for new interventions.

Megalencephaly Polymicrogyria Polydactyly Hydrocephalus (MPPH): A Case Report and Review of Literature

Megacephaly polymicrogyria, polydactyly, hydrocephalus (MPPH) is an extremely rare condition caused by a defect in the AKT3, CCND2, or PIKR2 genes. Although the prevalence of the syndrome is very low, there is a significant clinical and radiological variation in the syndrome. We present a case with MPPH admitted to the hospital due to an increase in seizure frequency. The patient had a history of cerebral palsy, global developmental delay, spasticity, and hypoglycemic episodes. MRI findings revealed ventriculomegaly, polymicrogyria, abnormal encephalon, and pachygyria. The addition of clobazam and alprazolam diminished the seizures' frequency and the patient's spasticity, respectively. To highlight the clinical and radiological variation of the syndrome, we review cases of MPPH with clinical and radiological variants. Pachygyria and cerebral palsy are new associations not previously described before in MPPH. Pachygyria and cerebral palsy could be worsening the seizures and the global delay in this patient. Hypoglycemic episodes are probably related to the AKT3 gene, promoting more glucose consumption. Spasticity is most probably related to an upper motor sign due to the patient's cerebral palsy. This case highlights the clinical and radiological variation of the syndrome. More cases of MPPH need to be described to consolidate the knowledge and have a better understanding of the clinical and radiological variation of the syndrome.