Related Experiment Videos
Feeding and nutritional characteristics in children with moderate or severe cerebral palsy
M Dahl1, M Thommessen, M Rasmussen
1Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
Insights
Sixty percent of children with cerebral palsy (CP) experience feeding problems, with many showing signs of undernutrition or overnutrition. Early assessment of feeding and nutritional status is crucial for at-risk children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutrition Science
- Neurology
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) significantly impacts motor function, potentially affecting feeding and nutritional status.
- Understanding the current feeding challenges and nutritional outcomes in disabled children with CP is essential for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feeding situation and nutritional status of children with moderate to severe cerebral palsy.
- To identify risk factors associated with poor nutritional status in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 35 children with cerebral palsy (CP), median age 8 years, was studied.
- Data collected through parental interviews, medical records review, and clinical/anthropometric examinations.
- Nutritional status assessed using anthropometric indicators compared to healthy reference values.
Main Results:
- 60% of children (21/35) reported current feeding problems, particularly those with severe disabilities.
- 43% (15/35) exhibited anthropometric indicators of undernutrition; 9% (3/35) showed overnutrition.
- Younger, severely disabled children were identified as most vulnerable to poor nutritional status.
Conclusions:
- Feeding problems and altered nutritional status are prevalent in children with cerebral palsy.
- Regular assessment of feeding skills and nutritional status is vital for early identification of at-risk children.
- Intervention strategies should focus on early identification and support for children with CP facing nutritional challenges.
Abstract:
This study was undertaken to characterize the current feeding situation and nutritional status of moderately or severely disabled children with cerebral palsy (CP). Thirty-five children with CP (17 with diplegia, 11 with dystonia, 6 with tetraplegia and one child with ataxia) were investigated at a median age of 8 years. Information was obtained from parental interviews, medical records and clinical and anthropometric examinations. Twenty-one of the 35 children (60%), most of whom were severely disabled, were reported by the parents to have current feeding problems. Anthropometric indicators of undernutrition were found in 15 children (43%) and of overnutrition in 3 children (9%), compared with reference values of healthy children. Severely disabled children in the youngest age group were most at risk for poor nutritional status. Early identification of children at nutritional risk requires regular assessments of feeding skills and nutritional status.