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Published on: November 4, 2015
Chronic pulmonary insufficiency in children and its effects on growth and development
1U.S. Department of Agriculture/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, 1100 Bates Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA. sabrams@bcm.tmc.edu
Insights
Chronic pulmonary insufficiency in children, including bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and cystic fibrosis, impairs growth and development. Aggressive nutritional and pulmonary management, plus micronutrient supplementation, can improve outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Pulmonology
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Chronic pulmonary insufficiency affects infants and children, leading to growth failure and developmental delays.
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and cystic fibrosis are common severe conditions causing respiratory issues.
- These conditions result in decreased energy intake and increased energy expenditure, impacting growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the link between chronic pulmonary insufficiency and impaired growth/development in children.
- To highlight the role of nutritional and pulmonary management in improving long-term outcomes.
- To investigate the potential benefits of micronutrient supplementation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing evidence on pediatric pulmonary conditions.
- Analysis of growth, energy balance, and developmental data in affected children.
- Examination of the impact of nutritional interventions and micronutrient supplementation.
Main Results:
- Chronic pulmonary conditions significantly impede growth and development in pediatric populations.
- Both BPD and cystic fibrosis are associated with reduced energy intake and increased energy expenditure.
- Infants with BPD may experience developmental delays independent of prematurity.
Conclusions:
- Improved pulmonary and aggressive nutritional management are crucial for children with chronic pulmonary insufficiency.
- Targeted micronutrient supplementation, including antioxidants, may enhance pulmonary and nutritional status.
- A holistic approach addressing both respiratory and nutritional needs is vital for optimizing outcomes.
Abstract:
Conditions leading to chronic pulmonary insufficiency can affect infants and children. These can lead to growth failure and delayed development. Among the most common and severe of these are bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and cystic fibrosis. In addition to the respiratory consequences of these diseases, there is ample evidence that they lead to decreased growth as a result of decreased energy intake and increased energy expenditure. Furthermore, there is evidence that infants with BPD may also have delayed development, independent of the effects of their prematurity. Enhancing the long-term outlook for these conditions may therefore require consideration of both improved pulmonary management and aggressive nutritional management to limit growth failure and potentially enhance developmental outcome. Specific micronutrient supplementation, such as antioxidant therapy, may also enhance pulmonary and nutritional status.
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