This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Cerebral palsy (CP) is a static encephalopathy that may be definded as a nonprogressive disorder of posture and movement resulting from a defect or lesion of the developing brain. It is a commong disorder with an estimated prevalence of 2/1000 population. Patients severely affected with CP often suffer from major metabolic bone disease. Poor linear growth, osteopenia, and frequent atraumatic fractures are evidence of this problem. Spontaneous fractures are a major cause of morbidity in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy in full-time care. Potential risk factors for bone disease in this population include low intake of mineral, inadequate caloric intake, decreased mobility and skeletal loading, and anticonvulsant medication that alter vitamin D metabolism. As childhood is an especially critical period for bone mineral accrual, preventive or therapeutic intervention during this time would be mostly beneficial for those at risk of developing osteoporosis.
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