Perinatal infections and cerebral palsy

Minerva Ginecol. 2007 Apr;59(2):151-7.

Abstract

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a complex disease characterized by the aberrant control of movement or posture that appears in early life and affect about 2 per 1000 live-born children. CP represents the most common physical disability in childhood. An association between clinical chorioamnionitis and cerebral palsy has been recognised. Very low-birthweight infants constitute more than 1/4 of all new cases of cerebral palsy. The use of antimicrobial treatment of pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis, a complete course of antenatal steroids and magnesium sulphate are the most important strategies to prevent cerebral palsy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cerebral Palsy / etiology
  • Cerebral Palsy / immunology
  • Cerebral Palsy / microbiology*
  • Cerebral Palsy / prevention & control
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / microbiology*
  • Infections / complications*
  • Inflammation / complications

Substances

  • Cytokines