Growth assessment and weight management in paediatric neuromuscular clinics: a cross-sectional survey across Canada

Abstract

Purpose

To identify current practices related to the assessment, monitoring and discussion of bodyweight, growth and obesity in neuromuscular clinics for children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Methods

A cross-sectional, online survey was distributed using snowball sampling to healthcare providers working with children with DMD across Canadian neuromuscular clinics. Summary and descriptive statistics were calculated. Content analysis was performed on open text responses.

Results

Thirty-seven responses were received, representing a range of healthcare disciplines. Height and weight were routinely assessed by 32/37 (87%) respondents, although only 21/37 (57%) responses reported having a clinic standard for measuring height and 23/37 (62%) for weight. While 32/36 (89%) reported discussing weight during consultations, only 13/37 (35%) felt confident doing so. Dietitians were considered the most appropriate person to discuss and manage weight with children and families, although only 17/37 (46%) reported having a dietitian involved in their clinic.

Conclusions

Neuromuscular clinics could benefit from implementing consistent and recommended growth assessment practices. The development of evidence-based tools, training and protocols tailored to Duchenne muscular dystrophy should be a priority.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• Growth and weight monitoring approaches vary within and between neuromuscular clinics.

• Additional training on discussing and managing weight are warranted across disciplines.

• Advocacy is required to ensure access to dietetic expertise within neuromuscular clinics.

Keywords:

• Duchenne muscular dystrophy
• obesity
• children
• growth

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the parents who reviewed the protocol and contributed to the design of the study- Yulia Voronenko, Marla Munk and Scott Cowan. We are also grateful to Lana Weaver, Heather Marrin, Angela Harris and The Canadian Paediatric Neuromuscular Group for their assistance with recruitment. We extend our thanks to the healthcare professionals who completed the survey.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by Muscular Dystrophy Canada, who did not play any role in the study design, data collection, analysis or interpretation. They also did not contribute to the report or decision to submit the manuscript for publication.