![](https://thelimbic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/shane-pic.png)
Dr Andrew Wilson
Australian clinicians have led international efforts to develop the first clinical care recommendations for preventing and managing respiratory illness in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
The consensus statement developed by respiratory specialists at the Perth Children’s Hospital is aimed at tackling the leading cause of mortality in children with CP.
The guidance was developed in response to growing concerns about the ‘silent’ nature of respiratory illness in CP where warning signs are often only recognised when it is too late, says co-author Dr Andrew Wilson, PCH Head of Respiratory Medicine.
Produced in conjunction with researchers from the Physiotherapy Department and KidsRehab WA, and with input from 100 clinicians and researchers worldwide, the guidance will hopefully drive greater awareness and better management of the risk factors for respiratory illness in children and young people with CP, he says
“Our aim through this multi-disciplinary and collaborative approach is to reduce hospital admissions, improve the quality of life and the survival rates of these children.”
“The response we’ve received reflects the fact we’ve identified a genuine area of need which has been significantly under-researched until now,” said Dr Wilson.
A key theme of the guidelines is that the nine risk factors for respiratory disease in CP should be identified early.