CP is a prevalent neurological disorder that leads to significant motor impairments and poses an increased risk of mortality due to its associated complications.

Trends in CP-related mortality in individuals of all ages were analyzed using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) database. CP was considered a multiple cause of death. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 were analyzed using Joinpoint regression to identify trends and calculate average annual percentage change (AAPC), stratified by gender, race, age, and geographical region.

A total of 227,604 deaths were identified. CP-related mortality initially decreased from 3.9 in 1999 to 2.7 in 2014, followed by a steep 51.9% rise, reaching 4.1 in 2020 (AAPC: 0.09 [95% CI: -0.2, 0.4]). Males had higher AAMRs (3.8) than females (2.6). Older adults (14.9) had 8.8 times greater AAMR than younger adults (1.7). Among racial groups, non-Hispanic (NH) Blacks (4.6) exhibited the highest AAMRs, followed by NH American Indians (4.1), NH Whites (3.1), Hispanics (2.4), and NH Asians (2.1). Non-metropolitan areas reported an AAMR of 4, surpassing metropolitan areas (3). The Midwest recorded the highest AAMR (3.6), while the West reported the steepest rise (AAPC: 0.9 [95% CI: 0.5, 1.3]). States in the top 90th percentile of AAMRs were North Dakota, Tennessee, Minnesota, Indiana, and West Virginia.

The notable increase in CP-related mortality across diverse demographics highlights the critical need for focused research and the implementation of effective preventive strategies. Addressing these trends is vital to improving health outcomes and reducing the burden of cerebral palsy on affected individuals and communities.