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The impact of feeding problems on growth and energy intake in children with cerebral palsy
M Thommessen1, B F Kase, G Riis
1Institute of Nutrition Research, School of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway.
Insights
Feeding problems significantly impact growth outcomes in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Early intervention including feeding evaluation and nutritional support is crucial for improving growth and reducing care burdens.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Neurology
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often experience feeding difficulties.
- Growth retardation and undernutrition are prevalent issues in this population.
- The relationship between feeding problems and growth outcomes in CP requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the association between feeding problems and growth outcomes in children with cerebral palsy.
- To identify anthropometric measurements and energy intake patterns in relation to feeding issues.
- To determine if feeding problems are a predictor of poor growth in children with CP.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective and cross-sectional analysis of data from 42 children with CP (ages 1-13).
- Assessment of growth parameters, anthropometric measurements, and energy intake.
- Comparison between children with and without feeding problems.
Main Results:
- 50% of children with CP had feeding problems, and 48% exhibited growth retardation.
- Children with feeding problems showed significantly lower height-for-age, weight-for-height, triceps skinfold thickness, and upper-arm circumference.
- 15% of the children were undernourished; feeding problems were more common in severely disabled children.
Conclusions:
- Feeding problems are a significant predictor of poor growth outcomes in children with CP.
- Prompt feeding evaluation, training, and nutritional intervention are recommended upon parental report of feeding issues.
- Addressing feeding problems can alleviate care burdens and help maintain an acceptable nutritional status for children with CP.
Abstract:
Retrospective data on growth and cross-sectional data on growth outcome, anthropometric measurements and energy intake have been analysed according to the presence or absence of feeding problems in 42 children with cerebral palsy (CP) between 1 and 13 years of age. The mean age for boys and girls was 5.1 and 5.9 years, respectively. The study revealed a high frequency of feeding problems (50%) and growth retardation (48%) in the group. The results of weight for height, triceps skinfold thickness and energy intake indicate that 15% of the children were undernourished at the time of study. The cross-sectional analyses showed that children with feeding problems at the time of study (n = 22) had significantly lower height for age, weight for height, triceps skinfold thickness and upper-arm circumference than children without problems (P less than 0.05). Children with feeding problems also tended to have lower energy intake, but the differences were not significant. The feeding problems were most frequent among the severely disabled children. This study has shown that the presence of feeding problems is one important predictor of low growth outcome in children with CP. When parents report on feeding problems, feeding evaluation, training and nutritional intervention should be offered immediately. This is important for alleviating the heavy care-load for parents and health-workers and for some children it may be necessary to maintain an acceptable nutritional state.