Feeding Challenges in Children With Down Syndrome: The Role of Aspiration and Clinical Subgroups

IF 1.9 3区医学 Q2 PSYCHOLOGY, EDUCATIONAL

Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities Pub Date : 2025-09-25 DOI:10.1111/jar.70130

Müberra Tanrıverdi, Gülşah Zengin Yazıcı, Güleser Güney Yılmaz, Türkan Uygur Şahin

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Abstract

Background

Feeding difficulties, including aspiration risk, are common in children with Down syndrome. Identifying factors affecting feeding modality is crucial.

Method

This cross-sectional study included 335 children with Down syndrome (aged 4–12 years; mean 5.2). Feeding was assessed using the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), the Screening Tool of Feeding Problems (STEP), and clinical observation. Aspiration risk was identified through STEP items and clinician evaluation. FOIS scores categorised feeding as oral or non-oral.

Results

Of participants, 74.1% were oral feeders and 25.9% received non-oral nutrition. Aspiration risk was present in 33.7%. Cluster analysis revealed distinct subgroups defined by aspiration, oral sensory issues, and behavioural problems. Younger age was significantly associated with higher aspiration risk (OR = 0.38, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Aspiration risk influences feeding modality and subgroup characteristics. Early multidisciplinary assessment is essential, especially for younger children, to detect risk and guide safe, individualised feeding strategies.

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唐氏综合症儿童的喂养挑战：误吸和临床亚组的作用

喂养困难，包括误吸风险，在唐氏综合症儿童中很常见。确定影响喂养方式的因素至关重要。方法本横断面研究纳入335例唐氏综合征患儿（年龄4-12岁，平均5.2岁）。采用功能性口服摄食量表（FOIS）、进食问题筛选工具（STEP）和临床观察进行摄食评估。通过STEP项目和临床医生评估来确定误吸风险。FOIS评分将喂养分为口服或非口服。结果74.1%为口服喂养，25.9%为非口服营养。33.7%存在误吸风险。聚类分析显示不同的亚群由吸音、口腔感觉问题和行为问题定义。年龄越小，误吸风险越高（OR = 0.38, p = 0.001）。结论误吸风险影响喂养方式和亚组特征。早期多学科评估对于发现风险和指导安全、个性化的喂养策略至关重要，尤其是对幼儿而言。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities Multiple-

CiteScore

4.70

自引率

12.50%

发文量

期刊介绍： JARID is an international, peer-reviewed journal which draws together findings derived from original applied research in intellectual disabilities. The journal is an important forum for the dissemination of ideas to promote valued lifestyles for people with intellectual disabilities. It reports on research from the UK and overseas by authors from all relevant professional disciplines. It is aimed at an international, multi-disciplinary readership. Topics covered include community living, quality of life, challenging behaviour, communication, sexuality, medication, ageing, supported employment, family issues, mental health, physical health, autism, economic issues, social networks, staff stress, staff training, epidemiology and service provision.