Evaluation of Macroscopic Muscle Growth in Infants and Young Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Launched by UNIVERSITAIRE ZIEKENHUIZEN KU LEUVEN · Jan 5, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how muscles grow and change in infants and young children with spastic cerebral palsy (SCP). The researchers want to understand how muscle development varies as children grow older and how it relates to their brain injury and treatment. They will use a special ultrasound technique to look at the muscles in 3D and see how they change over time.

To join the study, children must have a confirmed diagnosis of spastic cerebral palsy or be at high risk for it and show specific levels of mobility (measured by the Gross Motor Function Classification Scale). However, children who have certain treatments or conditions, like major surgeries on their legs or other serious health issues, won’t be eligible. Participants in the trial can expect to undergo safe imaging procedures to help researchers learn more about muscle growth in children with this condition, which could lead to better treatment options in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Confirmed diagnosis of spastic cerebral palsy or patients at high-risk for spastic cerebral palsy
• • Suspected GMFCS levels I-III (GMFCS = Gross Motor Function Classification Scale, expressing the overall functional level of impairment)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Non-ambulatory
• • Botulinum neurotoxin type-A injections six months prior to enrollment
• • Lower limb surgery two years prior to enrollment
• • Muscle surgery at the muscles in the lower limb
• • Selective dorsal rhizotomy as treatment history
• • Presence of ataxia or dystonia
• • Severe co-morbidities (severe epilepsy, severe behavior problems that impede the cooperation)