Pediatria pre prax 4/2022

Nutrition in children with neurological disability from gastroenterologist` view

Children with neurological disability have feeding difficulties and gastrointestinal symptoms commonly resulting in growth failure and malnutrition, with reduced quality of life. Assessment of anthropometrics and nutritional status is the first step in clinical nutritional evaluation of these children. The most recent guidelines recommend early nutritional assessment and intervention to prevent malnutrition. Gastrointestinal disorders are very common in children with neurological disabilities and should therefore be considered together with the nutritional status. The patient s response to nutritional and gastrointestinal intervention should be carefully monitored.

Keywords: children with neurological disabilities, gastrointestinal complications, nutritional assessment, enteral nutrition