Objective: To determine the magnitude and extent of feeding problems in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and to evaluate the effectiveness of nutritional interventions.
Design: Prospective hospital based interventional study.
Method: Children with cerebral palsy of either sex were enrolled randomly and their parents were interviewed for their perception about feeding problems, nutritional status and for their views about the expected outcome of feeding problems. Each case was assessed for feeding problems based on Gisel and Patrick feeding skill score; for nutritional status by measurement of weight, skinfold thickness (at biceps, triceps, suprailiac and subscapular), mid arm circumference and caloric intake; neurologically for type and severity of cerebral palsy and for developmental age by Gasell s developmental scale. Equal number of age and sex matched controls were included for comparison of nutritional status and developmental quotient. Various rehabilitation procedures were applied and their response was observed in the followup ranging from 3-10 months.
Results: One hundred children (76 boys and 24 girls) with cerebral palsy of mean age 2.5 years (range 1 to 9 years) and mean developmental age of 7.6 months (range 1 to 36 months) were included in the study. Oral motor dysfunction (OMD) was found in all cases and in each category. Spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy (SQCP) and hypotonic patients had significantly poor feeding skill score (p < 0.001). Mean duration of feeding session was 31.5 minutes (range 10-60 minutes). Main food of children with cerebral palsy consisted of liquid and semisolid diet. Children with poor OMD were unable to take solid food. Cases with seizures had significantly more feeding problems than those without seizures (p < 0.001). Parental awareness about feeding problems of their children was significantly low and they overestimated the nutritional status of their children. Anthropometric indicators were significantly lower than controls (p < 0.001). Spastic quadreparesis, hypotonia and poor feeding skill score had negative effect on nutritional status. Thirty per cent parents of cerebral palsy patients were pessimistic about the possibility of any improvement in feeding problems. After nutritional rehabilitation, good improvement was seen in feeding problems, OMD and nutritional status.
Conclusion: Nutritional status of children with cerebral palsy is poor due to summation of several factors. Therefore, they should be thoroughly assessed for feeding problems and nutritional status in order to start timely nutritional rehabilitation which can significantly improve their nutritional status and quality of life.