Perinatal infections and cerebral palsy.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a complex disease characterized by the aberrant control of movement or posture that appears in early life and affect about 2 per 1000 live-born children. CP represents the most common physical disability in childhood. An association between clinical chorioamnionitis and cerebral palsy has been recognised. Very low-birthweight infants constitute more than 1/4 of all new cases of cerebral palsy. The use of antimicrobial treatment of pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis, a complete course of antenatal steroids and magnesium sulphate are the most important strategies to prevent cerebral palsy.