Objective: To investigate the clinical symptoms and features of interictal epileptiform discharges (IED) on electroencephalogram (EEG) in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP) and to analyze the risk factors for IED.
Methods: Eighty-three children with spastic hemiplegic CP were recruited, and their clinical data, results of video-electroencephalogram, imaging findings, and cognitive levels were collected. The influencing factors for IED were determined by multiple logistic regression analysis.
Results: The incidence of epilepsy was 13% in children with spastic hemiplegic CP; 34% of these cases had IED. The incidence of epilepsy in children with IED (32%) was significantly higher than that in those without IED (4%) (P<0.01). The incidence of IED in children with complications and brain cortex impairment increased significantly (P<0.01). The incidence of IED varied significantly between patients with different cognitive levels (P<0.01). Brain cortex impairment (OR=11.521) and low cognitive level (OR=2.238)were risk factors for IED in children with spastic hemiplegic CP (P<0.05).
Conclusions: Spastic hemiplegic CP is often found with IED on EEG, and the incidence of epilepsy is higher in children with IED than in those without IED. Brain cortex impairment and low cognitive level have predictive values for IED in children with spastic hemiplegic CP.