Functional Outcome of Children at Six Years after Neonatal Encephalopathy: a pilot study

Objectives and Design: The aims of the pilot study were to confirm the incidence of Neonatal Encephalopathy (NE) in Antrim Hospital (AH), Northern Ireland, by establishing a methodology to determine retrospective identification of cases. The second strand was prospective recruitment of infants with NE, identified in the retrospective strand of the study, to identify their functional outcome at 6 years (using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory [PEDI]) compared to controls; and if physiotherapy assessment was carried out in the neonatal period, did the findings correlate to the long-term outcome of this group of infants. Results: The incidence of NE was 3.9/1000 live term births. The median PEDI score for the study group was below the expected mean value of 50 for self care and mobility, but although above 50 for social function, was still less than the control group. There was no difference between the groups for social function in relation to caregiver assistance. Not all infants had an initial standardised physiotherapy assessment so no conclusions can be drawn. Conclusions: The study concluded that children with NE may not have a normal functional outcome at 6 years and recommended standardised, long-term follow up to detect disabilities which are not Cerebral Palsy (CP). APCP Journal Volume 2 Number 2 (2011) 13-20