Nutritional and anthropometric status of child patients with cerebral palsy and the factors affecting them

Aim: In this study, it was aimed to determine the factors affecting nutrition by anthropometric and laboratory measurements of cerebral palsy patients followed in Çukurova University Pediatric Neurology Outpatient Clinic and to raise awareness in terms of nutrition. Material and Methods: Anthropometric measurements, clinical and laboratory findings, accompanying problems and malnutrition status of 100 patients aged 2-18 years, who were followed up with the diagnosis of cerebral palsy between 20.12.2018 and 20.12.2020 in Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Pediatric Neurology Outpatient Clinic were recorded. Results: Age of the cases; 8.74±4.36 (2.5-18) years, male/female ratio was 1.22, and 40% were born premature, 60% mature, 42% <2500 g, 58% ≥ 2500 g . Cesarean section was more frequent in the heavy group. 51% of the cases had spastic, 31% had dyskinetic type primary motor disorder, 67% had quadriplegic, 28% had diplegic/hemiplegic type motor involvement. 61% of the cases had severe mental retardation and magnetic resonance imaging showed periventricular leukomalacia-cerebral atrophy most frequently. Resistant epilepsy was observed in 46% of the cases. According to the criteria of the World Health Organization, different rates of malnutrition were found in the severe group with weight, height, head circumference, body mass index z-scores, and 73% of the cases were dependent on a caregiver for nutrition. High levels of vitamin-D and B12 were found in the heavy group, and high serum iron binding capacity and phosphorus in the light group. The cases had co-morbid problems at the rate of 30-80%. Conclusion: Anthropometric parameters are affected in cerebral palsy and malnutrition mostly develops. As the severity of the disease increases, the accompanying co-morbid conditions also increase. Learning difficulties, mental development levels and nutritional status should be evaluated in cerebral palsy where motor disorders are at the forefront. Keywords: Cerebral palsy, malnutrition, obesity, epilepsy