Factors associated with age of presentation of pediatric feeding disorder.

Abstract

Understanding the association between pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) and age of presentation is limited. We aimed to investigate factors associated with PFD among different age groups. Retrospective analysis of medical records of infants and toddlers diagnosed with PFD, according to the World Health Organization-based definition. We compared children aged 1-12 months to those aged 13-72 months. Included were 253 children with PFD (median [interquartile range] age 16.4 [9.5-33] months at diagnosis, 56% boys). Significantly more children in the younger age group were girls (52.6% vs. 34.4%, respectively, p=.03) and preterm (25% vs. 14%, p=.03). They had more hospitalizations (34% vs. 23%, p=.03) and needed more prescription medications (36% vs. 17%, p<.01). Additionally, disturbances in oral intake were primarily linked to feeding skills dysfunction in the younger group and nutritional dysfunction in the older group (39.6% vs. 23.7% and 55% vs. 38%, respectively, p=.02). Infants under 1 year old with PFD represent a distinct patient group with unique characteristics and outcomes. The age of presentation plays a significant role in children with PFD, necessitating tailored treatment strategies.