Impact of eating difficulties and gastrointestinal problems on the nutritional status of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy

This study was to analyze the impact of dietary difficulties and gastrointestinal problems on the nutritional status of people with CP from 2–19 years old who attend rehabilitation centers in the province of Córdoba-Argentina.

This was a retrospective observational-cohort study. Data from 105 people of both sexes with a CP. Motor compromise was assessed with GMFCS. Multiple logistic regression models with a binomial response were used, with a p < 0.05.

63.8% boys were collected. The mean age was 11 y 6 m (SD 4,4). The dependence on a caregiver at mealtime presents 4 (p = 0.027) times more chances of having undernutrition than those who feed independently. Requiring a change in food consistency was almost 7 (p = 0.021) times more likely to present undernutrition.

A relationship was identified between dysphagia and constipation with a greater nutritional compromise. The food difficulties in those children with disorders highlights the need to implement specific and adapted nutritional strategies.