Nutrition in children with NI

Question 1

in what situation would you use a condition specific growth chart

Answer 1

for monitoring of growth children with CP only, other condition specific growth charts lead to less evaluation and understimate nutritional compromise for most children with specific genetic conditions such as down syndrome

Question 2

should other measures be used for height if there are significant contractures

Answer 2

no, these are good for group estimates but do not accurately predict height for individuals

Question 3

when should you consider evaluation of minerals, vitamins and trace elements

Answer 3

if child taking less nutrition than usual for age or if on AEDs
children with aspiration should be evaluated for feeding safety also

Question 4

are skin fold measurements useful in determining nutritional status of children with NI

Answer 4

yes.

can find out how to measure them using WHO

Question 5

how do you determine energy requirements for children with NI

Answer 5

can be 20%-30% lower than typically developing children
no equations are validated to accurately predict nutritional needs, therefore follow up and measurement of weight and trace elements etc is best way to determine needs