Evaluation of Micronutrient Levels in Children with Cerebral Palsy.

Abstract

BACKGROUND\nMany studies evaluating the nutritional status of children with CP have focused on energy requirements and protein intake. The present work aimed to assess nutritional status and micronutrient levels of children with cerebral palsy.\n\n\nMETHODS\nThis multicenter, cross-sectional and observational study was conducted in ten different cities of Turkey. Data were available for 398 participants. Anthropometric measurements, feeding mode, nutritional status and micronutrient levels were evaluated.\n\n\nRESULTS\nThe study was conducted with 398 participants (303 patients and 95 healthy controls). The statistical analysis showed that according to the Gomez classification, weight-for-age (WFA) revealed malnutrition in 92.6% of children with cerebral palsy based on CDC percentiles. Measurements of micronutrient levels showed that zinc levels were low in patients, whereas vitamin A levels were low in controls. Phosphorous and manganese levels were significantly lower in malnourished children than in normal children. The results revealed that children consuming enteral nutrition solution had higher selenium and lower zinc levels than nonconsumers.\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nMalnutrition is not only a protein- or calorie-based problem; micronutrient deficiencies might cause severe health problems. Children with chronic neurological disabilities must be carefully evaluated for these issues. Therefore, nutritional interventions should be adapted to nutrition.