Premium
Apolipoprotein E polymorphisms and severity of cerebral palsy: a cross‐sectional study in 255 children in N orway
Author(s) -
Lien Espen,
Andersen Guro L,
Bao Yongde,
GordishDressman Heather,
Skranes Jon S,
Vik Torstein,
Blackman James A
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
developmental medicine and child neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.658
H-Index - 143
eISSN - 1469-8749
pISSN - 0012-1622
DOI - 10.1111/dmcn.12086
Subject(s) - cerebral palsy , apolipoprotein e , gross motor function classification system , odds ratio , medicine , confidence interval , genotype , pediatrics , physical therapy , biology , disease , genetics , gene
Aim The aim of this study was to examine whether the presence of the apolipoprotein E ( A po E ) allele APOE ε4 is associated with less severe manifestations of cerebral palsy ( CP ), consistent with the suggested beneficial effect of this allele on neurodevelopment in children. Method A po E genotyping was performed on buccal epithelial cells from 255 children (141 males 114 females; mean age 12y, SD 2y 3mo, range 9–17y) recorded in the Cerebral Palsy Register of N orway. The main outcome measure of CP severity was the G ross M otor F unction C lassification S ystem ( GMFCS ). Secondary outcome measures were fine motor function, epilepsy, and the need for gastrostomy tube feeding ( GTF ). Results There was no association between the APOE ε4 genotype and GMFCS levels (odds ratio [ OR ] 1.15; 95% confidence interval [ CI ] 0.66–1.99). However, the APOE ε4 genotype was more often present among children with epilepsy ( OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.1–4.2) and/or receiving GTF ( OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.1–6.6). Among children with unilateral CP , the presence of APOE ε4 was associated with more severe fine motor impairment ( OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.3–6.9). Interpretation Our main hypothesis that APOE ε4 would have a protective effect on neurodevelopment was not supported. Instead, subgroup analyses suggested an adverse effect of the APOE ε4 genotype on the developing brain after injury.