Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between oxidative stress markers, including ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), protein carbonyl compounds (PCC), and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and functional status in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
Materials and Methods: A total of 53 children aged 5–12 years diagnosed with CP and 28 age-matched healthy controls were included. Demographic and clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and the use of assistive devices were recorded after physical examination. Serum levels of IMA, PCC, and AOPP were measured in peripheral blood samples. Functional status was assessed using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Correlations between GMFCS levels and oxidative stress markers were evaluated using Spearman’s correlation analysis.
Results: PCC and IMA levels were significantly higher in the CP group than in the control group (p<0.001 for both), whereas no significant difference was observed in AOPP levels (p=0.450). A statistically significant weak positive correlation was found between GMFCS levels and AOPP levels (rho=0.321, p=0.022). No significant correlations were observed between GMFCS levels and PCC, PCC protein, or IMA levels.
Conclusion: IMA and PCC levels were elevated in children with CP compared with healthy controls. In addition, AOPP levels showed a weak but significant association with functional status. These findings indicate that certain oxidative stress-related biomarkers are elevated in children with CP, whereas AOPP levels show a weak association with functional severity. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to clarify the role of oxidative stress in disease progression.