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.

Related Concept Videos

Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:15

Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction01:15

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction

Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction01:17

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...