Comorbidities in Children with Cerebral Palsy and their Association with Gross Motor Functional Classification

A bstract Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental disorder often accompanied by comorbidities that impact functional abilities and quality of life. Understanding their prevalence and association with gross motor functional classification [gross motor functional classification system (GMFCS)] is essential for optimal care. Objectives: To determine the frequency and type of comorbidities in children with CP and their association with GMFCS levels. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over a duration of 18 months at a tertiary care hospital, involving 60 children aged 1–12 years with CP, excluding those with genetic/metabolic disorders. Data on demographics, obstetric and neonatal history, CP type, GMFCS level, and comorbidities were collected. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were performed. Results: Among the 60 children (73% boys; 45% aged 1–5 years), spastic CP (96.7%) was the predominant type, with quadriparetic CP being the most common subtype. Intellectual disability (82%) was the most prevalent comorbidity, followed by malnutrition (72%), difficulty in speech and comprehension (60%), seizure disorder (47%), and anemia (35%). Children with GMFCS >2 had higher rates of intellectual disability, malnutrition, and visual problems, although most differences were not statistically significant. Visual problems were significantly associated with functional status ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Intellectual disability and malnutrition are common comorbidities in children with CP, particularly in those with higher GMFCS levels. Visual problems significantly impact functional outcomes. Early recognition and management of comorbidities can improve the quality of life in children with CP.