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Published on: June 20, 2020
Relation between objectively measured feeding competence and nutrition in children with cerebral palsy
1Department of Community Paediatrics, South and East Belfast Health and Social Services Trust, Holywood Arches Health Centre, Northern Ireland. nan.hill@sebt.n-i.nhs.uk
Insights
Undernutrition is prevalent in children with cerebral palsy (CP), affecting 46% of participants. Poor feeding ability, particularly chewing, is significantly associated with undernutrition in children with CP.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutrition Science
- Neurology
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of movement disorders affecting muscle tone and posture.
- Undernutrition is a significant concern in children with CP, potentially impacting growth and development.
- Feeding difficulties are common in children with CP, necessitating assessment of nutritional status and feeding abilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of undernutrition in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
- To investigate the relationship between undernutrition and feeding ability in children with CP.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 90 children with CP from special needs schools.
- Undernutrition was assessed using standardized growth parameters (weight, skinfold thickness, mid-arm circumference).
- Feeding competence was evaluated using the Multidisciplinary Feeding Profile, focusing on oromotor tasks.
Main Results:
- 46% of children with CP (41 out of 90) were diagnosed with undernutrition.
- Children with undernutrition exhibited significantly lower feeding competence scores across all assessed oromotor tasks (p<0.002).
- Weight, skinfold measurements, and mid-arm circumference positively correlated with feeding competence, especially chewing ability (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
- Undernutrition is highly prevalent in children with CP.
- Impaired feeding ability, including chewing, is strongly associated with undernutrition in this population.
- Early identification and intervention for undernutrition and feeding difficulties are crucial for children with CP.
Abstract:
This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of undernutrition in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and to determine the relation with feeding ability. Ninety children with CP from special needs schools were examined. Undernutrition was diagnosed on one or more of the following criteria: weight <2nd centile, triceps or subscapular skinfold measurement <3rd centile, mid-arm circumference <5th centile. Feeding competence was scored with respect to seven specific oromotor tasks using the Multidisciplinary Feeding Profile. Thirty-six participants (40%) had diplegia, 29 (33%) quadriplegia, 13 (14%) hemiplegia, and 12 participants (13%) had dyskinetic CP. Age ranged from 2.6 to 18.7 years (mean 10.8 years). Forty-six percent (41 of 90) were undernourished. In all aspects of feeding, those undernourished had lower feeding competence scores compared to adequately nourished children (p<0.002). Each modality of feeding competence correlated significantly to the centiles of weight, triceps or subscapular skinfold measurement and mid-arm circumference (p<0.02). A positive association of weight, triceps skinfold measurement, and mid-arm circumference with chewing ability was present independent of other feeding modalities (p<0.05). Undernutrition was common in this group and was associated with poorer feeding ability.
