Evaluarea statusului nutrițional la un lot de copii cu paralizie cerebrală infantilă (PCI)

Abstract

Background: Cerebral palsy refers to a group of symptoms including poor muscle control, spasticity, paralysis, and other neurologic problems resulting from brain injury before, during, or shortly after birth. Children affected by cerebral palsy could be at risk of malnutrition because of feeding difficulties (dental problems, chewing and swallowing difficulties) associated with some degree of retardation, with the highest proportion of severe deficits seen in children with quadriplegia, rigidity, and atonia. Methods: For 17 children with middle cerebral palsy (12 girls and 5 boys; mean age 10 ± 1,65 years;) we determine BMI (Body Mass Index), percent of body fat, muscular mass, segmental analysis of fat and lean mass, the body composition was evaluated by BIA. Weight and height were estimated and compared to those of a reference population of the same age and sex. Results: The nutritional status, with severe malnutrition, was worse in the more disabled children. Children's current weight or rate of weight gain is significantly below that of other children of similar age and sex. Conclusion: Many children with cerebral palsy would benefit from individual nutritional assessment and management as part of their overall care and it is important to promote their weight gain. The correct nutrition with the correct intake of calories can improve the condition; and help maintain the muscular mass to perform daily activities normal for their age.