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ARS Home » Plains Area » Houston, Texas » Children's Nutrition Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #200916

Title: NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENT

Author
item Motil, Kathleen
item PHILLIPS, SARAH - BAYLOR COLLEGE MED
item CONKIN, CLAUDIA - BAYLOR COLLEGE MED

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/15/2004
Publication Date: 6/1/2006
Citation: Motil, K.J., Phillips, S.M., Conkin, C. 2006. Nutritional assessment. In: Wyllie, R., Hyams, J.S., Kay, M. editors. Pediatric Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 3rd edition. London, UK: Elsevier. p. 1095-1111.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Nutritional assessment is an essential component of the history and physical examination of children with gastrointestinal disorders. Protein-energy malnutrition, linear growth failure, overweight, and iron deficiency anemia frequently complicate the clinical course of common gastrointestinal problems in childhood. The clinician should have an understanding of the normal and abnormal patterns of growth and the changes in body composition during childhood, as well as a working knowledge of the clinical and research techniques available to assess the nutritional status of the child. A complete nutritional assessment consists of a review of the diet history; physical examination; height, weight, and anthropometric measurements; and selected laboratory tests. Technical skills to accurately perform a nutritional assessment and the ability to interpret the information obtained from the nutritional evaluation are crucial. The maintenance of a favorable nutritional status is essential to minimize disease-associated morbidity and maximize the child's quality of life.