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Growth and nutritional risk in children with developmental delay

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Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Introduction

Nutritional risk impacts outcome in developmental delay. The main objectives were to identify the incidence and factors contributing to growth faltering.

Methods

Clinical data review was completed for 500 patients with developmental delay accepted to an Early Intervention service. Data was collected using the standardised parent nutrition screening checklist prior to and at time of initial dietary assessment. Data was compared to nutritional assessment data, GOSH and FSAI dietary guidelines. Weight category was determined using RCPCH growth and BMI charts. Statistical analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20 (IBM Statistics 20.0).

Results

Nutritional risk was identified in 48.6 %. Weight categories were growth faltering (13.5 %), underweight (7.7 %), overweight (8.4 %) and obesity (4.3 %) at initial assessment. Growth faltering was correlated with age <1 year (p = 0.000) and with gestational age (p = 0.017) with highest rates identified in those born 32–36 weeks (3.6 %). Weight category was associated with introduction of solids pre 17 weeks recommendation (10.1 %), ANOVA demonstrating significance (P = 0.013). There was poor parental recognition of nutritional risk in 22.7 % of those assessed. Nutritional difficulties were common: 4.2 % were enterally fed, 7.7 % were on prescribed nutritional supplements, 29.1 % (n = 121) had feeding difficulties and 13.9 % (n = 58) had behavioural feeding difficulties. Iron intake did not meet the recommended intake in 20.9 % (n = 87), calcium in 4.5 % (n = 19). The prevalence of constipation was 21.6, 11.8 % of whom required medical management.

Conclusions

Developmental delay predisposes to nutritional deficits which influence outcome. Screening, assessment and timely interventions are warranted to prevent poorer developmental outcomes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nutrition and Dietetic Service, St Loman’s Campus, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, Ireland

    C. Malone & C. Glennon-Slattery

  2. Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), HSE Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, Ireland

    F. Sharif

Authors
  1. C. Malone
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  2. F. Sharif
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  3. C. Glennon-Slattery
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Correspondence to C. Malone.

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We wish to declare that there are no conflicts of interest arising.

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Funding was not received for completion of this research.

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Malone, C., Sharif, F. & Glennon-Slattery, C. Growth and nutritional risk in children with developmental delay. Ir J Med Sci 185, 839–846 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-015-1377-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-015-1377-3

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