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

Introduction: 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.

Methods: 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.

Results: 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.

Conclusion: 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.