[Neonatal ultrasonographic cerebral findings: association with risk factor for cerebral palsy].

BACKGROUND

Is it possible to identify patients with cerebral palsy (CP) with postnatal ultrasound scan? Which risk factors are associated with an increased risk of CP?.

METHODS

The data of 37 children with CP, who were sonographically investigated during the first 24 hours of life were analyzed retrospectively. The data of 21 preterm infants with gestational age

RESULTS

A tetraparesis was found in 15/21 of preterm babies /= 33 wk and in 5/8 of the mature babies. The mature babies had prenatal brain atrophy or hypoxic-ischaemic cerebral lesions. Cytomegaly and encephalitis were detected in two babies. Immature babies >/= 33 wk showed prenatal porencephaly or encephalomalacia after asphyxia. Premature babies

CONCLUSIONS

Cerebral ultrasound scan after birth is a useful method detect for cerebral lesions in patients with CP-risks.