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Published on: April 21, 2017
Feeding problems in children with neonatal arterial ischemic stroke
Monica Barkat-Masih1, Chandan Saha, Deborah K Hamby
1Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA.
Insights
Neonatal arterial ischemic stroke is linked to feeding difficulties in nearly half of affected children. However, these feeding issues do not predict later speech delay or cerebral palsy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Neonatal arterial ischemic stroke (NAIS) is a significant cause of neurological injury in newborns.
- Feeding disorders are a common complication, impacting long-term outcomes.
- Understanding the predictors and sequelae of feeding problems in NAIS is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of feeding disorders in children with NAIS.
- To identify associations between neonatal feeding problems and perinatal factors.
- To determine if neonatal feeding problems predict later outcomes like speech delay or cerebral palsy.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study of 84 children diagnosed with NAIS at a tertiary children's hospital.
- Statistical analyses, including chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests, were used to examine associations.
- Feeding difficulties were assessed, and outcomes at 12-24 months were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Nearly half (48.8%) of the children experienced feeding difficulties.
- Perinatal comorbidities, particularly respiratory problems, were significantly associated with feeding issues (P = .002 and P = .004, respectively).
- Neonatal feeding problems predicted persistent feeding difficulties at 12-24 months (P = .026) but not speech delay or cerebral palsy.
Conclusions:
- Feeding problems are a common and important sequela of neonatal arterial ischemic stroke.
- While neonatal feeding issues predict later feeding difficulties, they are not predictive of speech delay or cerebral palsy.
- Early identification and management of feeding problems in infants with NAIS are warranted.
Abstract:
Feeding disorders and the association of neonatal feeding disorders with other outcomes were assessed in a cohort of 84 children with neonatal arterial ischemic stroke at a tertiary children's hospital. Both chi(2) tests and Fisher's exact test were used to test associations. Forty-one of 84 children (48.8%) had feeding difficulties. Infarcted vascular territory (unilateral vs bilateral, P = .24) and neonatal seizures (P = .39) were not associated with feeding problems. Children with at least 1 perinatal comorbidity (P = .002, odds ratio = 4.27; 95% confidence interval: 1.65-11.03) and specifically respiratory problems (P = .004, odds ratio = 3.85; 95% confidence interval: 1.49-9.93) were significantly more likely to have feeding problems. Neonatal feeding problems were predictive of feeding problems at 12 to 24 months of age (P = .026, odds ratio = 3.33; 95% confidence interval: 1.12-9.90) but did not predict speech delay (P = .97) or cerebral palsy (P = .70). Feeding problems are important sequelae of neonatal stroke, but neonatal feeding problems in this group do not predict speech delay or cerebral palsy.
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