Evaluation of food intake, malnutrition, growth and development in children with esophageal atresia: a pilot study from Turkey
BMC Pediatrics, cilt.25, sa.1, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 25 Sayı: 1
- Basım Tarihi: 2025
- Doi Numarası: 10.1186/s12887-025-06168-5
- Dergi Adı: BMC Pediatrics
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Directory of Open Access Journals
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Nutrition, Growth, Development, Malnutrition, Esophageal atresia
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the relationships among nutritional intake, malnutrition, and growth and development in children under 2 years of age with esophageal atresia. Methods: A survey was administered to the parents of healthy children and children with esophageal atresia who were followed up at Ankara City Hospital Pediatric Surgery Polyclinic. Nutrition education was provided, a follow-up visit was scheduled three months later, and the assessments were repeated. Results: The study included 20 children with esophageal atresia and 40 controls under 2 years of age. Height-for-age, weight-for-age and head circumference measurements were significantly lower in children with esophageal atresia than in the control group (p < 0.05). At the second interview, triceps skinfold thickness for age and mid-upper arm circumference for age were also significantly lower in children with esophageal atresia compared to control group (p < 0.05). Statistically significant differences were observed in dietary and food consistency preferences, eating status, and swallowing function (p < 0.05). In addition, according to the Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool-10 and Screening Tool for Risk of Impaired Nutritional Status and Growth, a high prevalence of swallowing disorders and a moderate risk of malnutrition were identified in children with esophageal atresia (p < 0.05). At the end of follow-up, significant increases in weight-for-age and height-for-age z scores were observed over time in children with esophageal atresia (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the percentages meeting daily requirements for protein, carbohydrates and dietary fiber increased over time (p < 0.05). Swallowing symptoms improved over time in children with esophageal atresia, and their current dietary patterns remained significantly different from those of the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Appropriate nutritional support delivered with a multidisciplinary approach and long-term follow-up can help children to achieve a growth rate appropriate for their peers.