Nutritional Status of Children with Cerebral Palsy

Objective: This study examined the nutritional parameters of children diagnosed with cerebral palsy who have lost their physical and mental function for various reasons. Methods: A total of 130 children aged 2-18 years, diagnosed with cerebral palsy were included in the study. The nutritional characteristics of all patients were recorded, and nutritional problems were assessed. Body weight, height, and serum levels of total protein, albumin, ferritin, folic acid, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin-D, and parathormone were measured. Results: Of the 130 patients included in the study, 50% were female, and the median age was 10 (range 2-18) years. The median interquartile range (IQR) height was 130 (110-148) cm, and the median (IQR) weight was 24 (16-38) kg. In laboratory examinations, the median (IQR) vitamin-D level was 18.4 (10.5-24.9) ng/mL, with 23% (n=30) of the cases having levels below 10 ng/mL, 32% (n=42) having levels between 10-20 ng/mL, and 45% (n=58) having levels above 20 ng/mL. Albumin levels were significantly higher in female patients (p=0.002). Conclusion: Careful monitoring of iron and vitamin-D deficiencies is necessary in children with cerebral palsy who are fed enteral formulas.