Epidemiology

The prevalence of CP in resource-rich countries is around 2 to 3 per 1000.[11][12] In the US, it is estimated that there are 700,000 children and adults aged up to 50 years with CP. The prevalence of CP overall and of moderate-to-severe CP is decreasing in resource-rich countries (e.g., Australia and Europe) due to improved neonatal care.[13][14][15]

In Europe, the incidence of CP is 70 times higher in children born with a body weight below 1.5 kg compared with children with a body weight at birth over 2.5 kg.[12] Multiple births are at an increased risk of CP; in one UK study, the reported prevalence of CP per 1000 live births was 2.3 for singletons, 12.6 for twins, and 44.8 for triplets.[16]

The incidence of CP in resource-poor countries is around 3 times higher than that of resource-rich countries due to poor antenatal care, nutritional concerns, and lack of facilities for birth and perinatal services.[17][18]​ Low income levels were associated with a twofold increase in CP in one study.[17]​ CP was reported to have a higher prevalence among black children than non-Hispanic white or Hispanic children in the US; this may be due, at least in part, to inequities within society and healthcare systems.[19][20]

There is a slight male to female preponderance in CP, and more children with CP are born during summer months compared with other seasons.[17][21]

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