Recent tests performed at the University of Adelaide in Australia may indicate a link between cerebral palsy and thrombophilia. University researchers tested the blood of both healthy babies and those with cerebral palsy, a group of conditions characterized by decreased motor skills and lack of muscle control. It was found that the infants with cerebral palsy showed a higher incidence of congenital thrombophilia, a group of inherited coagulation disorders that can place people at risk for excessive and potentially dangerous blood clots.        

 

“We now have evidence that certain hereditary clotting disorders appear to increase the risk of cerebral palsy,” said Alastair MacLennan, MD, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Adelaide. Professor MacLennan further asserted a genetic correlation to demonstrate that thrombophilia is a probable risk factor. He added, “we were able to monitor this across gestational ages and it was noted that there was a higher prevalence of cerebral palsy in babies with gene mutations for any of three different thrombophilias, who were born prematurely.”    

 

Source: Australian Associated Press, November 16, 2005