Identifying frequency and associated factors with respiratory illnesses in children with cerebral palsy.

Abstract

Objectives: To identify the frequency and associated factors with respiratory illnesses in children with cerebral palsy. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Paediatrics, Unit I. Sandeman Provincial Hospital, Quetta. Period: 8^th May 2018 to 7^th May, 2019. Material & Methods: was to determine frequency of hospital admissions due to respiratory illnesses and factors leading to respiratory illnesses in children with cerebral palsy. The study considered 207 patients who were suffering with cerebral palsy. Weight and height/length were taken. Chest was inspected for in drawing of ribs and respiratory rate was counted for a minute. CP child further investigated for having drooling of saliva, chewing difficulties, impaired speech, seizures, GERD, mode of food intake, scoliosis and malnutrition. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Stratification was done and post stratification Chi square test was applied considering p-value ≤0.05 as significant. Conclusion: Among total patients admitted, respiratory illness was observed in 16.4% patients. It was observed that problem to eat by mouth, oromotor dysfunction and Malnutrition were mostly observed leading factors. Multidisciplinary approach should always be provided to CP children at hospital as well as community level along with parent education related to disease problem. These factors need to be addressed thoroughly. Preventive measurements and treatments should be individualized for each leading factors.