Porażenie mózgowe na Wyspach Faerskich: Częstość przy urodzeniu i charakterystyka kliniczna, 2005–2021

Abstract Objective To estimate birth prevalence and describe the clinical characteristics of cerebral palsy among children in the Faroe Islands. Methods We conducted a nationwide, retrospective, population-based birth cohort study using electronic health records from the National Hospital of the Faroe Islands. Children born between 2005 and 2021 with confirmed cerebral palsy diagnoses, according to SCPE criteria, were included. Birth prevalence was estimated with 95% confidence intervals. We analysed demographic, perinatal, clinical, and functional characteristics descriptively, including cerebral palsy subtype, GMFCS level, comorbidities, and age at diagnosis. Results 30 children were identified with cerebral palsy, corresponding to an estimated birth prevalence of 2.7 per 1,000 live births (95% CI 1.9–3.9). Boys accounted for 73.3% of cases. Median age at diagnosis was 1.9 years (95%CI 1.1–2.9). Spastic unilateral cerebral palsy was the predominant diagnosis (53.1%), followed by spastic bilateral cerebral palsy (30.0%). Most children were ambulatory (GMFCS I–II, 69.7%). A substantial proportion of cases were born at term, with perinatal adversity, including birth asphyxia and low 5-min. Apgar score. Intellectual disability (60.0%), sleep disorders (66.7%), visual impairment (36.7%), and epilepsy (30.0%) were common comorbidities. Conclusion This study provides the first birth prevalence estimates of cerebral palsy in the Faroe Islands. Prevalence was slightly higher than in comparable Scandinavian and European populations. The cohort was characterised by predominantly unilateral cerebral palsy, a high proportion of term-born children, frequent sleep problems, and substantial comorbidity. Strengthened surveillance and coordinated multidisciplinary follow-up may support improved long-term outcomes.