Evaluation of nutritional status and swallowing functions of children with neuromuscular disordes

It is important to raise awareness of the nutritional problems that can be overlooked during the follow-up visits with children who suffer from neuromuscular diseases, as these dietary differences may lead to additional neurological and systemic problems and impair the quality of life of the patient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status of children with neuromuscular disorders and to prevent possible complications by recognizing possible nutritional problems in advance.

Patients who applied to the outpatient clinic at Cukurova University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Neurology beginning in April 2022 with a neuromuscular disorder diagnosis were followed up with and were included in the study. Age, gender, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), ambulation status, presence of constipation, and nutritional status of each patient at their last examination were evaluated and recorded in the standard data collection form. The Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) scale, which is an objective test, was used to evaluate nutritional problems.

A total of 50 patients were included in the study. Of the patients followed, 27 (54%) had Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), 10 (20%) had congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD), and 13 (26%) had limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD). The mean age of the patients was 11 years 5 months. Eight of the patients (16%) were female and 42 (84%) were male. While all of the patients could take food orally 17 patients (34%) had constipation. Of the patients, 16 (32%) were able to walk without support, 12 (24%) were able to walk with support, and 22 (44%) were non-ambulatory. While 19 of the patients' (38%) mealtime duration was <15 minutes, 22 (44%) ate for 15-30 minutes, and 9 (18%) ate for >30 minutes. There were 8 patients (16%) whose daily feeding time exceeded 3 hours. Of these patients, 3 were in the DMD group, 4 were in the CMD group, and only one was in the LGMD group. The mean EAT-10 score of the patients was 4.46, although it varied according to the disease subgroups.

Regular monitoring of the nutritional status of children with neuromuscular disorders using objective and practical methods, along with timely and appropriate interventions when necessary, can significantly improve the quality of life and living standards of these patients.