Article

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate medication, rehabilitation and healthcare consumption in
adults with CP as a function of Gross Motor Function Classification System
(GMFCS) level. DESIGN: Questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. SETTING:
Brittany, a French county. SUBJECTS: Adults with cerebral palsy. INTERVENTIONS:
Questionnaires relating to drugs, orthotic devices, mobility aids, rehabilitation
and medical input were sent to 435 members of a unique regional French network
dedicated to adults with cerebral palsy. The questionnaire was completed by the
participant or a helper if necessary. RESULTS: Of the 282 responders, 7.8% had a
GMFCS level of I, 14.2% II, 17.7% III, 29.1% IV and 31.2% V. Participants
consumed a large amount of healthcare. Almost three-quarters took orally
administered drugs, of which antispastic and antiepileptic drugs were among the
most frequent. Nearly all patients had at least one type of rehabilitation, 87.2%
had physiotherapy, 78% used at least one mobility aid and 69.5% used at least one
orthotic device. The frequency of numerous inputs increased with GMFCS level.
Specificities were found for each GMFCS level, e.g. participants with GMFCS level
IV and V had a high level of medical input and a greater use of trunk-supporting
devices, antireflux and laxative. Profiles could be established based on GMFCS
levels. CONCLUSIONS: Adults with cerebral palsy use a large amount of drugs,
mobility aids, orthotic devices, rehabilitation and medical input. Healthcare is
targeted at cerebral palsy-related issues. GMFCS is a determinant of healthcare
consumption and thus a useful tool for clinical practice to target care appropriately.

Langue : ANGLAIS