Effectiveness of nutritional status correction in children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

The frequency of underweight in children with cerebral palsy is about 60–70%. A benefit of nutritional support in children with cerebral palsy are underestimated. The use of nutritional support during active physical rehabilitation can have a positive effect on not only body weight, but also the component composition of the body and their rehabilitation potential.The aim of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of nutritional support – a hypercaloric (1,5 kcal/ml) polymer formula with fibers (Pediashure 1,5 Fiber, Abbott) in children with cerebral palsy.Characteristics of children and research methods. Anthropometric indicators (body weight, height, body mass index, triceps skinfold thickness, subscapular skinfold thickness, mid-upper arm circumference, shoulder muscle circumference) and body composition were studied in 15 underweight children with cerebral palsy aged 4–10 years with the level of motor disorders GMFCSIII–IV. They were prescribed of nutritional support with a hyper caloric mixture (1,5kcal/ml) with fiber lasting 3months during active physical rehabilitation.Results. Against the background of nutritional support, there was a significant increase in body weight, height, z-score of body weight, mainly due to musculoskeletal, active cell and lean mass. In addition to correcting the nutritional status of children with cerebral palsy, an improvement in their motor abilities was noted.