A comparative analysis of oropharyngeal functions in preterm and term children with cerebral palsy
Seda Nur Kemer1, Selen Serel-Arslan2
1Hacettepe University, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Ankara, Turkiye; Ondokuz Mayıs University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Samsun, Turkiye.
Insights
Preterm children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) exhibit more severe oropharyngeal dysfunction, impacting chewing and swallowing compared to term-born CP children. Early intervention is crucial for oropharyngeal care in preterm CP populations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Cerebral Palsy (CP) affects motor functions, including oropharyngeal abilities.
- Distinguishing functional differences between term and preterm children with CP is vital for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare oropharyngeal functions, specifically chewing and swallowing, in term-born versus preterm children diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.
- To identify potential disparities in feeding behaviors and performance between these two groups.
Main Methods:
- Fifty children with CP were categorized into preterm (gestational age < 37 weeks) and term (37-41 weeks) groups.
- Oropharyngeal functions were assessed using the Karaduman Chewing Performance Scale (KCPS), Turkish version of the Mastication Observation and Evaluation Instrument (T-MOE), and the pediatric Eating Assessment Tool (PEDI-EAT-10).
- Feeding behaviors were evaluated using the Behavioral Pediatric Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS).
Main Results:
- Significant differences were observed in chewing (KCPS, T-MOE) and swallowing (PEDI-EAT-10) functions between the preterm and term CP groups.
- Parental reporting of feeding frequency (BPFAS) also showed significant differences.
- Preterm children with CP demonstrated more compromised oropharyngeal functions compared to their term-born counterparts.
Conclusions:
- Preterm birth is associated with a higher risk of oropharyngeal dysfunction in children with Cerebral Palsy.
- Clinicians should recognize the heightened risk in preterm CP populations and implement early, proactive strategies for oropharyngeal dysfunction management.
Abstract:
This study aims to compare term and preterm children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) in terms of their oropharyngeal functions. A total of 50 children with CP participated in the study, and were divided into two groups according to their birth history including preterm group (gestational age below 37 weeks; 60 % female; mean age = 6.86 ± 4.35 years) and term group (gestational age between 37 and 41 weeks; 60 % female; mean age = 6.48 ± 4.86 years). Chewing and swallowing functions were evaluated in terms of oropharyngeal functions. Chewing evaluation was performed by using the Karaduman Chewing Performance Scale (KCPS) and the Turkish version of the Mastication Observation and Evaluation Instrument (T-MOE). The pediatric version of the Eating Assessment Tool (PEDI-EAT-10) was used to evaluate swallowing performance of children. In addition, the Behavioral Pediatric Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS) was used to assess feeding behaviors of children. There were significant differences between groups in terms of KCPS (p = 0.03), T-MOE (p = 0.01), and PEDI-EAT-10 scores (p = 0.04). There was a significant difference between groups in terms of the parental frequency score from the BPFAS (p = 0.04). Oropharyngeal functions of preterm children with CP were more adversely affected than term children with CP. Clinicians working with children with CP should be aware of the risks of preterm birth on oropharyngeal functions, and take precautions for oropharyngeal dysfunction in the early period in preterm children with CP.
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