The evaluation of clinical and demographic characteristics of pediatric patients being followed with feeding disorder

Objective: Eating problems and anorexia are frequent conditions in childhood. However, a small proportion of children are diagnosed with feeding disorder. It is important the early recognition and treatment of these children. This study aimed the evaluation of clinical and demographic characteristics of patients being followed with feeding disorder. Methods: This study was carried out among one hundred feeding disorder diagnosed children under 18 years old who attended the Gastroenterology outpatient clinic in the Bezmialem University's Hospital between January2013–December 2007. Clinical and demographic characteristics of patients were commited to the prepared research form by file scanning method. Feeding disorders are classified in the light of appropriate feeding disorder's criterias. Descriptive statistics were performed in individual and in between groups. Results: One hundred cases were described as 64 (%64) sensory food aversions, 4 (%4) infantile anorexias, 4 (%4) posttraumatic feeding disorders, 17 (%17) comorbidities and 11 (%11) complex feeding disorders. Height z scores were -0,81±1,75 and weight z scores were -0,92±1,55 and the average age of cases were 36,57±32,21 months (Min:3 max:184 median:27). Discussion: The general features of eating disorders are discussed in the light of the obtained data. This work indicates that these feeding disorders should be assessed and managed by a team which includes physician, dietician, psychologist / psychiatrist, physical therapist and / or speech therapists. Key words: feeding disorder, oral motor dysfunction, sensory food aversion, infantil anorexia, post traumatic feeding disorder