Evaluation of nutritional status in children with cerebral palsy

Introduction: Malnutrition in patients with infantile cerebral palsy (CP) increases morbidity and mortality, generating a high economic burden on he state and the family. Objective: To describe the nutritional status of children with CP. Materials and Methods: This was an observational, descriptive study with analytical and prospective components. Children aged 0-18 years with CP, who consulted at the Department of Neurology in September and October 2017, were included. Variables: age, sex, perinatal risk history, history of central nervous system infection, nutritional status, height, head circumference, degree of motor disability, food intake route, eating-related disorders, and symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux. The data were analyzed in SPSSv21, using descriptive and inferential statistics. The protocol was approved by the Institutional Research and Ethics Committee, and we obtained informed consent. Results: 42 patients were included. The median age was 5 years, the subjects were predominantly female: 52.4% (22/42). 83.3% (35/42) had a perinatal risk history, (80% hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy); a history of central nervous system infection was noted in 9.5% (4/42); malnutrition was found in 35.7% (15/42); height alteration was found in 76.2%; all infants had alterations in their head circumference measurements; motor impairment Grade 4 was noted in 61.9% (26/42); oral feeding was noted in 78.6% (36/42); 36/42 had eating-related disorders; 69% had symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux; malnutrition was related to degree of disability and a significant difference was found, especially with Grade 4 (p <0.005); regarding degree of disability, eating-related disorders and gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, we found significant associations with higher degrees of disability. Conclusions: The frequency of malnutrition was 35.7%. The nutritional status was related to the degree of motor disability.