Ms Shona Goldsmith (PhD student University of Sydney), Dr Sarah McIntyre (CP Alliance), Dr Michele Hansen, Prof Nadia Badawi (CP Alliance)
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability of childhood, and describes a group of permanent disorders of movement caused by damage to the developing brain. The causes of CP are poorly understood for most people. Risk factors for CP span the period from preconception, to early pregnancy, to pregnancy, and to the birth/neonatal period. This research program will explore the impact of two known risk factors on CP: assisted reproductive technology and congenital anomalies.
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is used by approximately 4.0% of women who give birth in Australia. Research has suggested that ART is associated with increased risk of CP, however the pathway from ART to CP is poorly understood and evidence conflicting. This study will investigate the relationship between ART and CP in a West Australian-born population, analysing linked data to describe the risk of CP following ART, and explore the clinical outcomes and causal pathways to CP in this group. A systematic review with meta-analysis of data will then be conducted to quantify the effect of ART on the rate of CP, using literature from around the world.
Congenital anomalies (CAs) are known to occur more often in those with CP than the general population, with Australian CA rates reported as 15 - 40%. This variation highlights the need for a detailed evaluation. Firstly, a systematic review of the literature with pooling of data and meta-analysis will be completed to determine the rate of anomalies and types of anomalies most common in children with CP. Secondly, the relationship between CAs and CP in a national, Australian-born population will be explored with data linkages and subsequent analyses.
Once the aetiology of such pathways to CP is better understood, the investigation of primary preventive strategies becomes possible. This research program is the first step toward the goal of preventing some cases of CP.
Plain Language summary: The causes of cerebral palsy are not well understood. This project will explore in detail the role of two known risk factors for cerebral palsy: assisted reproductive technology and congenital anomalies. We will analyse data from large groups of people with CP in Australia, looking at their history and their outcomes. This exploration is an essential early step toward finding ways to prevent cases of cerebral palsy.
Funders: NHMRC Postgraduate Scholarship #1113806 (Shona Goldsmith), Research Foundation of Cerebral Palsy Alliance, Project Grant #1215 (SG, SM, MH)
External collaborators:
- Ms Shona Goldsmith – PhD student University of Sydney, NSW
- Dr Sarah McIntyre – CP Alliance, NSW
- Prof Nadia Badawi – CP Alliance, NSW