Cerebral palsy is the commonest neurological disorder of childhood associated with significant motor impairment. The children with cerebral palsy are found to have poor growth. Poor caloric intake and difficulty in feeding are common factors attributed for malnutrition in them. Children with cerebral palsy have significantly smaller weights for height, heights for age, and weights for age compared to normal children. There are few studies from developing countries assessing the nutritional status of children with cerebral palsy. Hence we conducted this study to assess anthropometrically the nutritional status of children with cerebral palsy in our institute. The study aimed to assess the nutritional status of children with cerebral palsy as per WHO classification.

The prospective clinical observational study included 84 children of cerebral palsy attending outpatient and inpatient department of tertiary care institute in Mumbai.

Anthropometric assessment for underweight, wasting and stunting was calculated based on age, weight and height measurements. Underweight (W/A) was commonest malnutrition seen in 56(66.7%) followed by stunting (H/A) in 44(52.4%). No child was overweight. Wasting (W/H) was present in 18(49.9%) of under- five children.  Severe stunting was present in 26(31.0%). Dietary calorie deficiency was present in 76(90.5%) and 56(66.7%) required feeding assistance. Malnutrition was common in children with cerebral palsy. Adequate dietary calorie supplementation and more judicious clinical follow up for early detection of malnutrition is required especially for children dependent on caretaker for feeding. 

Keywords: Cerebral palsy, malnutrition, calorie deficit, feeding assistance.

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Dr Vaishali R Ghane

Department of Paediatrics, ESIPGIMSR and ESIC Model Hospital, Central Road,

Opp. MIDC Police station, Andheri (E) Mumbai.400 093

Phone No: 9820442326, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.