Author
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MOTIL, KATHLEEN - BAYLOR COLL OF MEDICINE |
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Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 8/20/1996 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: An Interpretive Summary is not needed for this document. Technical Abstract: Children with neurologic disabilities are prone to develop nutritional disorders concomitant with the progression of their primary problem. The major nutritional disorders identified in neurologically impaired children are protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) and obesity. The etiology of nutritional disorders in these children is multifactorial, including altered nutrient consumption, altered metabolic processes, and increased nutrient expenditures or losses. Prematurity and intrauterine growth retardation are risk factors for malnutrition and growth abnormalities in children with neurologic disabilities. Clinical features of the neuromotor lesion also contribute to the development of nutritional disorders. Nutritional status should be assessed yearly. Height and weight measurements are the most important aspects of the physical examination. Nutritional therapy has been advocated as primary treatment for feeding difficulties and malnutrition associated with neurologic disorders. Supplemental nutritional therapy should be administered to children who require surgery when inanition is likely to contribute to increased morbidity and mortality. Individual nutrient deficiencies should be treated with nutrient-specific therapies. Nutritional support should be attempted enterally rather than parenterally, pending assessment of the competence of the gastrointestinal tract. The clinical outcome of children with neurologic disorders who undergo nutritional rehabilitation is unknown because of the paucity of long-term follow-up evaluation. |
