P1114 NUTRITIONAL INTAKE AND GROWTH IN CHILDREN WITH NEURODISABILITY: A 6 MONTH COHORT

Abstract

Introduction: Feeding difficulty and undernutrition is common in children with neurodisability. Gastrostomy is a useful adjunct in feeding management. There are limited data on the nutrient intake in this patient group. The aim of our present study is to evaluate quality (micronutrient) and quantity (macronutrient) of nutritional intake in children with neurodisability and to relate this to their growth, functional abilities and route of feeding. Methods: A standardised three day diet diary was completed by carers of all new patients (n = 42) attending a multidisciplinary feeding clinic over six months. Nutrient intake was analysed using the Salford micro-diet system. Results: Thirty nine(92%) diet diaries were analysed (mean age - 26 months). Feeding routes: - oral (O)(n=14), gastrostomy only (G)(n=7) and combination of gastrostomy and oral (C)(n=18). Median Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels: - O:G:C 2:4:4. Median ‘z-scores’ (weight, height):- O (−0.6, −1.22); G (−1.27, −3.75); C (−2.35. −2.53). Mean Percentage Estimated Average Requirement (%EAR) intake for calories: - O (78.64); G (65.33) and C (85.46).All other Macronutrients were adequate to dietary reference values. The mean micronutrients percentage RNI for zinc (O:G:C– 98%:146%:150%), vitamin D (O:G:C − 58%:111%:111%), selenium (O:G:C–75%:139%:168%) and the intake for biotin, manganese and panthothenate were lower in the orally fed group. Conclusion: The level of physical impairment (GMFCS) has an impact on nutritional status and feeding ability. There was significant deficit in the energy intake irrespective of the route of feeding. Micronutrient deficiencies were variable with a trend towards lower intake in the orally fed group. This could relate to the use of nutrient dense feeds or use of low micronutrient content foods.