Is thrombophilia a factor in the development of hemiplegic cerebral palsy?

A population-based study of children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP) wa s performed to investigate whether thrombophilic tendencies are implicated in the aetiology of the condition. Thirty-eight children (23 males, 15 fema les; mean age 8.7 years, SD 4.1 years) with hemiplegic CP were ascertained. Twenty-seven children (18 males, nine females; mean age 8.4 years, SD 4.3) gave consent for inclusion. The non-study group comprised five males and s ix females; mean age 9.4 years, SD 4.1. In six children, seven thrombophili c 'abnormalities' were identified. Five of these abnormalities were of an e quivocal nature and probably did not represent true clinical thrombophilia; reasons for this interpretation are discussed. Contrary to other published non-population-based studies, we have not shown an association between thr ombophilia and hemiplegic CR More studies, including maternal studies, are required to explore this complex subject further.