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Feeding problems in Silver-Russell syndrome
1University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK. J.Blissett@bham.ac.uk
Insights
Children with Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) face significant feeding problems like poor appetite and oral-motor issues. Interventions should focus on improving parent-child mealtime interactions and reducing parental anxiety.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Genetics
Background:
- Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by intrauterine and postnatal growth restriction.
- Feeding difficulties are frequently reported in children with SRS, but their prevalence and impact require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and severity of feeding problems in children with SRS.
- To compare feeding behaviors and parent-child interactions in children with SRS versus healthy controls.
- To assess the nutritional intake in children with SRS experiencing feeding difficulties.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 32 children with SRS and 32 age- and sex-matched controls were evaluated using the Feeding Assessment Questionnaire.
- Parent-child mealtime interactions were video-recorded in a subset of participants.
- A 3-day weighed food diary was used to assess food intake.
Main Results:
- Children with SRS exhibited significantly more feeding problems, including poor appetite, fussiness, slow feeding, and oral-motor dysfunction, compared to controls.
- Despite feeding challenges, nutritional intake (kilocalories, protein, fat, carbohydrates) was not significantly affected.
- Mealtime interactions were markedly more negative in SRS families than in control families.
Conclusions:
- Feeding problems are prevalent and multifaceted in children with SRS, encompassing behavioral and oral-motor components.
- Nutritional intake appears adequate despite reported feeding issues, suggesting a need to manage parental concerns.
- Intervention strategies for SRS should prioritize reducing negative parent-child interactions and alleviating parental anxiety regarding feeding and growth.
Abstract:
In order to identify the prevalence and severity of feeding problems in children with Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) the feeding difficulties of 32 children with SRS and 32 age- and sex-matched control children were assessed using the Feeding Assessment Questionnaire (Harris and Booth 1992). Children's ages ranged from 2 to 11 years, with 19 male and 13 female pairs. In a subset of matched pairs, parent-child interaction at mealtimes was examined using video recording; food intake was also assessed over a 3-day period using weighed food diaries. Children with SRS experienced significantly more feeding problems than children without growth disorders. Common feeding problems for children with SRS were poor appetite, fussiness, slow feeding, and problems associated with oral-motor dysfunction. Feeding problems did not significantly affect intake of kilocalories, protein, fat, or carbohydrates. Mealtime interaction between children with SRS and their parents was significantly more negative than interactions between control-group children and their parents. The focus of intervention packages in SRS should be to reduce negative parent-child interactions and reduce parental anxiety about feeding, growth, and weight.