Nutritional Status in Children with Refractory Epilepsy
Author Information
Author(s): Bertoli S, Cardinali S, Veggiotti P, Trentani C, Testolin G, Tagliabue A
Primary Institution: International Centre for the Assessment of Nutritional Status (ICANS), University of Milan, Italy
Hypothesis
Refractory epilepsy can induce a nutritional status impairment.
Conclusion
Many children with refractory epilepsy would benefit from individual nutritional assessment and management as part of their overall care.
Supporting Evidence
- 40% of children were malnourished and 24% were wasted.
- The nutritional status was worse in the more disabled children.
- Dietary intake was unbalanced with 18% from protein, 39% from lipid, and 43% from carbohydrate.
- Adequacy index for calcium, iron, and zinc was less than 60%.
Takeaway
Some kids with epilepsy have trouble eating and may not get enough nutrients, which can make them sick. This study shows that checking their nutrition is really important.
Methodology
The study involved anthropometric assessments, body composition evaluation by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and dietary surveys in children with refractory epilepsy.
Limitations
The study excluded children with significant nutritional impairments from other diseases and those on special diets.
Participant Demographics
17 children (13 boys and 4 girls) with a mean age of 9 ± 3.2 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.021
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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