https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7486-9655
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ABSTRACT
Introduction: Children with neurodevelopmental disorders are at high risk for malnutrition. We aimed to investigate the impact of nutritional interventions to children with neurodevelopmental disorders and the quality of life of caregivers.
Materials/Method: This is a prospective interventional study of 91 children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The children were separated into two groups: the intervention group and control group. The intervention group was selected from among children who had not been evaluated for nutrition and feeding problems by a pediatric gastroenterologist or dietician for the past one year. Children in the intervention group were called for follow-up visits and their nutritional intervention and anthropometric measurements were initiated by a pediatric gastroenterologist and dietician, at one month, three months, six months, and one year. The WHOQoL-BREF quality of life scale was completed by the caregivers of the children at baseline and at one year.
Results: The intervention group had increased malnutrition (p < 0.001) and gastrointestinal system pathologies such as dysphagia (p < 0.001), constipation (p = 0.02), gastroesophageal reflux (p = 0.03) at baseline. After the nutritional intervention, 77.7% of the intervention group gained weight and 55.5% reached the target weight. The quality of life scale scores at baseline were lower among caregivers of the intervention group; however, they reached those of the control group after the nutritional intervention.
Conclusion: Close multidisciplinary nutrition monitoring enables children with neurodevelopmental disorders to thrive appropriately and improves the quality of life of caregivers.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Senem Ayça
Senem Ayça, M.D., is working as a paediatric neurologist at Celal Bayar University, Medical School, Department of Paediatric Neurology. She has been focusing in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Güzide Doğan
Guzide Dogan, M.D., is working as a paediatric gastroenterologist at Celal Bayar University, Medical School, Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. She has been focusing in nutritional status of children with neurodevelopmental disorders. She has experience in gastrointestinal and nutritional problems.
Şermin Yalın Sapmaz
Şermin Yalın Sapmaz, Assoc. Prof. M.D., is working as a child and adolescent mental health specialist at Celal Bayar University, Medical School. She has experience in children with chronic diseases and impact of child’s life quality.
Pınar Erbay Dündar
Prof. Dr. Pınar Erbay Dundar, M.D., is working in the Celal Bayar Univesity, Medical School, Department of Public Health. She has been focusing in quality of life.
Erhun Kasırga
Prof. Dr. Erhun Kasırga is Prof. M.D working as a paediatric gastroenterologist in the Celal Bayar Univesity, Medical School, Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. He has experience in nutritional and gastrointestinal problems in children.
Muzaffer Polat
Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Polat is Prof. M.D. director of the department of Pediatrics Clinic in the Celal Bayar Univesity, Medical School. He has experience in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.