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Evaluation of nutritional status in children with refractory epilepsy
S Bertoli1, S Cardinali, P Veggiotti
1International Centre for the Assessment of Nutritional Status (ICANS), University of Milan, Italy. simona.bertoli@unimi.it
Nutrition Journal
|April 28, 2006
Summary
Children with refractory epilepsy often face malnutrition due to feeding issues and medication side effects. Early nutritional assessment and management are crucial for their overall care and well-being.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Nutritional Science
- Clinical Dietetics
Background:
- Refractory epilepsy in children presents risks of malnutrition due to feeding difficulties and anticonvulsant use.
- Impaired daily activities in disabled children may alter energy requirements.
- Understanding nutritional status is vital for managing pediatric epilepsy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the nutritional status of children with refractory epilepsy.
- To assess energy metabolism and dietary intake in this population.
- To identify potential nutritional deficiencies and imbalances.
Main Methods:
- Anthropometric assessment and body composition analysis (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) in 17 children.
- Detailed dietary surveys and indirect calorimetry for resting energy expenditure.
- Comparison of weight-for-age, height-for-age, and weight-for-height against reference standards.
Main Results:
- Malnutrition affected 40% and wasting 24% of the children studied.
- Nutritional status correlated negatively with disability severity.
- Dietary intake was imbalanced, with low adequacy indices for calcium, iron, and zinc.
Conclusions:
- Many children with refractory epilepsy require individualized nutritional assessment.
- Proactive nutritional management should be integrated into comprehensive epilepsy care.
- Addressing nutritional deficits can improve outcomes for children with refractory epilepsy.
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