Serebral Palsili Çocuklarda Beslenme Problemleri ve Büyüme Üzerine Etkisi.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine of feeding problems and the effect of feeding problems on growth in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Materials and Methods: The study was included 278 children who have cerebral palsy. Socio-demographic data and clinical characteristics and feeding problems of the children were recorded. Gross motor function levels and anthropometric measurements (body weight, height, knee length, upper arm length, mid upper arm area, arm and thigh circumferences, arm and forearm length, tibia length, triceps and subscapular skin-fold thickness) were taken. Results: Average age of the children was 8.50±4.49 years. 130 (46.8%) of the children have had feeding problems and 148 (53.2%) have had no feeding problems. Feeding problems were more in children with moderate and severe disability then mild disability (p<0.05). Most common feeding problems were difficulty in swallowing, vomiting, aspiration, difficulty in chewing, slaver and difficulty in holding of food in mouth. There was a significant different between weight, height, body weight, height, knee length, upper arm length, mid upper arm area, arm and thigh circumferences, upper extremities length (arm and forearm length), tibia length, triceps and subscapular skin-fold thickness in children who have feeding problems and have not feeding problem (p<0.05). Conclusions: Periodic anthropometric measurements is most important factors in early determine of feeding problems and feeding deficiency in children with CP and should be considered in the process of rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]