Genomic findings in non-cryptogenic cerebral palsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis - Report - MDSpire

Genomic findings in non-cryptogenic cerebral palsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • By

  • Paloma Arana-Rivera

  • Myriam Martín-Bermejo

  • Diana Marcela Nova-Díaz

  • Raquel Bernadó-Fonz

  • Nerea Gorría-Redondo

  • Diego Rivera

  • Laiene Olabarrieta-Landa

  • Sergio Aguilera-Albesa

  • July 16, 2026

Share

Clinical Report: Genomic Insights into Non-Cryptogenic Cerebral Palsy

Overview

This systematic review and meta-analysis estimate the frequency of pathogenic or likely pathogenic genomic findings in non-cryptogenic cerebral palsy (CP). The study found a pooled frequency of 12.6% in non-cryptogenic cases, significantly lower than the 32.3% observed in cryptogenic cohorts.

Background

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of motor disability in childhood, with diverse etiologies including prematurity and hypoxic–ischemic injury. Understanding the genomic contributions to non-cryptogenic CP is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.

Data Highlights

GroupPooled Frequency95% CI
Non-Cryptogenic CP12.6%8.9–17.6
Cryptogenic CP32.3%21.0–46.1
Overall19%12–28

Key Findings

  • The pooled frequency of P/LP genomic findings in non-cryptogenic CP is 12.6%.
  • Cryptogenic cases have a higher frequency of P/LP findings at 32.3%.
  • Cryptogenic cases are over twice as likely to have reported P/LP findings compared to non-cryptogenic cases (risk ratio 2.21).
  • Prematurity is associated with lower frequencies of genomic findings.
  • Cerebrovascular phenotypes show enrichment for COL4A1/COL4A2-related findings.

Clinical Implications

Genomic testing may be beneficial in assessing non-cryptogenic CP, although the frequency of pathogenic findings is lower than in cryptogenic cases.

Conclusion

This study presents findings on the frequency of genomic variants in non-cryptogenic CP.

Related Resources & Content

  1. BMJ Paediatrics Open, 2025 -- Chinese expert consensus on the diagnostic definition of cerebral palsy
  2. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Clinical heterogeneity and diagnostic challenges in CASK-related neurodevelopmental disorders
  3. JAMA Network Open, 2026 -- Early-Onset Neonatal Infection and Cerebral Palsy
  4. Genetics in Medicine -- Exome and genome sequencing for pediatric patients with congenital anomalies or intellectual disability
  5. American Academy of Pediatrics -- Genetic Evaluation of the Child With Intellectual Disability or Global Developmental Delay
  6. Frontiers in Neurology — Gait analysis in cerebral palsy (2005–2025): a bibliometric mapping of research trends, collaboration networks, and emerging technologies
  7. NICE guideline NG62 on cerebral palsy
  8. Practice parameter: diagnostic assessment of the child with cerebral palsy
  9. Exome and genome sequencing for pediatric patients with congenital anomalies or intellectual disability: an evidence-based clinical guideline of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) | Genetics in Medicine
  10. Genetic Evaluation of the Child With Intellectual Disability or Global Developmental Delay: Clinical Report | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics
  11. Diagnostic Yield of Exome Sequencing in Cerebral Palsy and Implications for Genetic Testing Guidelines: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis | Genetics and Genomics | JAMA Pediatrics | JAMA Network
  12. Molecular Diagnostic Yield of Exome Sequencing and Chromosomal Microarray in Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis - PMC
  13. Exome sequencing reveals genetic heterogeneity and clinically actionable findings in children with cerebral palsy - PubMed
  14. Clinical Actionability of Genetic Findings in Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis | Genetics and Genomics | JAMA Pediatrics | JAMA Network
  15. Genetic testing in cerebral palsy with clinical and neuroimaging variables - 2025 - Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology - Wiley Online Library

Original Source(s)

Related Content