The Risk, Burden and Management of Non-Communicable Diseases Among People with Cerebral Palsy; a Scoping Review of the Literature

Abstract

Aim: To examine the risk, burden and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among people with cerebral palsy (CP). Method: Databases (Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL) were systematically searched to August 2017. Data on the prevalence of risk factors for, and the burden and management of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers, and respiratory diseases were extracted. Results: Thirty-six studies that examined the prevalence of risk factors among people with CP were identified. There was inconsistent evidence that people with CP had higher prevalence of metabolic risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and obesity, but strong evidence that they participated in low levels of physical activity, compared to the people without CP. Seven studies reported on the burden of NCDs. Adults with CP had higher risk of NCDs, including stroke, COPD and other heart conditions, and death due to NCDs, including cancers, COPD, stroke and ischaemic heart disease, compared to the general population. Only one study reported on the management of NCD, specifically the uptake of breast cancer screening among women. Interpretation: The burden of NCDs is higher among adults with CP compared to the general population. Further research is required to determine the prevalence of metabolic risk factors and management of NCDs among people with CP.