The aim of our study was to identify feeding and gastrointestinal system (GIS) problems in children with cerebral palsy (CP), and to evaluate the relationship between these problems and the severity of CP. A total of 120 children with CP were enrolled consecutively into the study (67 males, 53 females; mean age: 6.0±2.4 years; range: 2-12 years). The children were classified according to the Swedish classification as diplegic, hemiplegic, or quadriplegic. Severity of CP was classified based on the Gross Motor Function Classification System. The amount of time that the caregiver allocated to mealtimes, modifications of the food, as well as feeding and GIS problems was evaluated. Feeding dysfunction was classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Comparisons of GIS and feeding disorders and the severity of CP were carried out using χ test. The results indicated lack of appetite in 46 of the 120 children (38.3%), sialorrhea in 37 (30.8%), constipation in 30 (25%), difficulty in swallowing in 23 (19.2%), and feeding dysfunction in 26 (21.7%). On the basis of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), the incidence of GIS problems and feeding dysfunction was found to be significantly higher in the children classified in the severe group. The time taken to consume meals was significantly longer among children with feeding dysfunction. Feeding and GIS problems are frequent in children with CP, and more marked in those with severe CP. Approximately one fourth of children with CP suffer from feeding dysfunction, and more time has to be allocated to consume meals.
The aim of the study was to investigate risk factors, clinical profiles and gross motor function levels of Turkish children with cerebral palsy (CP). A total of 625 consecutive children with CP, who were rehabilitated in the pediatrics rehabilitation clinic between 2000 and 2004 years, were included. Factors causing CP were investigated by interviewing the families and by scanning medical files. Risk factors were recorded as consanguineous marriage, maternal disorder, preterm birth, birth asphyxia, low birth weight, multiple pregnancy, neonatal convulsion, kernicterus, postnatal central nervous system infection and brain injury. Swedish classification was followed in CP typing. Of 625 children with CP, 370 (59.2%) were males and 255 (40.8%) were females, with ages ranging between 2 and 13 years (the mean age was 5.11+/-2.19 years). It was determined that 47.8% of the cases were spastic diplegic CP, 27.7% were spastic tetraplegic CP, 12.8% spastic hemiplegic CP and 11.7% were other types (ataxic, dyskinetic and mixed CP types). The most frequently encountered risk factors were low birth weight (45.1%), preterm birth (40.5%), birth asphyxia (34.6%) and consanguineous marriage (23.8%). Low birth weight, preterm birth, birth asphyxia and consanguineous marriage were top-ranked risk factors that were determined in Turkish children with CP. Compared with other countries, consanguineous marriage is still an important problem in Turkey.
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