The potential hematological features of children with spastic cerebral palsy in China: a retrospective multidimensional data analysis based on routine hematological indicators

Background Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive brain injury primarily characterized by abnormal posture and movement disorders. Among them, spastic cerebral palsy (SCP) accounts for 70% of cases. Previous small sample hematological data analyses have revealed significant differences in inflammatory marker ratios between SCP patients and healthy controls. This study aims to expand the sample size and perform a multidimensional data analysis using routine hematological indicators to identify hematological features of spastic cerebral palsy, potentially providing new directions for the treatment of SCP. Methods This retrospective study included 305 children with spastic cerebral palsy and 149 healthy children, aged 3–12 years. Previous routine blood and biochemical test results were collected from the participants. Statistical analysis was performed on clinically common indicators and related composite indicators, and subgroup analyses were conducted based on age group (preschool vs. school-age). Results Compared to the healthy control group, SCP patients had significantly lower levels of NPAR, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine (Cr), SII, and MPV/PC ( p < 0.05). AST/ALT, NLR, total protein, and SIRI levels were significantly higher in the SCP group ( p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that ALP, Cr, SII, and MPV/PC were protective factors for SCP, while AST/ALT and NLR were risk factors for SCP. Combining these indicators for SCP diagnosis, the ROC curve analysis yielded an AUC of 0.781. Subgroup analysis showed that children aged 3–6 years with SCP had significantly lower Cr, AST/ALT, SII, MPV/PC, and NLR levels compared to children aged 7–12 years with SCP. Furthermore, creatinine, AST/ALT, SII, MPV/PC, and NLR levels were positively correlated with the age of SCP children. Conclusion This study reveals a significant association between alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, AST/ALT, SII, MPV/PC, NLR in routine blood indicators and the risk of SCP, providing important reference for clinicians to monitor the health status of children with cerebral palsy, optimize treatment plans, and implement nutritional interventions.