Growth patterns in individuals with CDKL5 deficiency disorder.

Aim: To compare growth in individuals with cyclin‐dependent kinase‐like 5 (CDKL5) deficiency disorder with population norms and to investigate the effect of gastrostomy on growth. Method: The longitudinal study included 353 individuals from the International CDKL5 Disorder Database with any anthropometric measurement in baseline and/or follow‐up questionnaires. The British 1990 growth reference was used to determine the age‐ and sex‐standardized z‐score. Repeated cross‐sectional data were fitted using a Gaussian linear regression model with generalized estimating equations. Results: All growth parameters were below the general population norm (mean z‐scores: weight −0.97, height −0.65, body mass index [BMI] −0.81, head circumference −2.12). The disparity was particularly pronounced for all anthropometric measurements after 4 years of age except for BMI. Moreover, individuals with gastrostomy placement were shown to have a larger decrease than those without. Interpretation: In addition to weight, height, and BMI, head circumference was also compromised in this disorder. Microcephaly could be considered a helpful diagnostic feature, especially in adults. Any benefit of gastrostomy on weight and BMI was mainly seen in the early years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]