Serebral Palsili Çocuklarda Beslenme Durumlarının Saptanması

Abstract

In order to evaluate the nutritional status of children with Cerebral Palsy (CP), 71 CP diagnosed children, aged 4-13, admitted to Turkish Armed Forces Rehabilitation Center outpatient clinic were included to this study. In the study, a general questionnaire was applied, biochemical parameters (hemoglobin, ferritn, iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, albumin, total protein, calcium), 24-hour dietary intake recall for 3 days and physical activity levels were assessed, anthropometric measurements were taken. Patients included in the study were classified according to their ages (4-6, 7-9 and 10-13 years). According to WHO 2007 body weight standards (percentile ranks), 28.2% (n=20) of patients’ percentile ranks were below 3rd percentile, assessed as underweight. Body weight of 25.0% (n:11) of boys and 33.3% (n=9) of girls were below 3rd percentile. Compared by age groups, statistically significant difference was found in B12 levels in all age groups (p<0.05). No statistically significant differences were found in other biochemical parameters. In conclusion, 28.2% of children consume inadequate, 64.8% of children consume adequate and 7.0% of children consume excessive energy. Protein intake of all children was adequate. Fiber intake of 60.7% of children was inadequate. Calcium intake of 35.2% of children and iron intake of 21.1% of children were inadequate. Evaluation of nutritional status of children with CP should be performed monthly in the first year, and at least per six months in follow-up. Dietitian has important roles in diagnosing and solving the nutritional problems of children with CP. Diagnosing and solving these nutritional problems and improving the nutritional status will lessen the complications and improve the quality of life of children with CP.