THE CONTRIBUTION OF DEVELOPMENTAL SURVEILLANCE TO EARLY DETECTION OF CEREBRAL-PALSY

A retrospective study of the contribution of examinations at Child Hea lth Centres (CHC) for early detection of cerebral palsy (CP) was perfo rmed in 23 924 children, born in 1986-90, in the south-western part of Stockholm County. The outcome assessed was age of referral to a habil itation unit. A total of 66 children with CP (2.76/1000) were identifi ed through the register at the responsible habilitation unit, The age of referral was, median 8 months, mean 12.4 months and range 0.5-54 mo nths. A peak of referrals at 8-9 months was produced by CHC checks at 6 months of age. No other examination at the CHC resulted in a signifi cant number of referrals. Nineteen records from CHC concerning moderat e and severe cases were reviewed. Out of all examinations with aberran t findings only 11/20 resulted in referrals or further examinations. N o child with moderate or severe CP was referred due to developmental s creening test findings only.