Table 1.Selected syndromes and developmental disabilities: Frequently reported nutrition problems and factors contributing to nutritional risk

Table 1.Selected syndromes and developmental disabilities: Frequently reported nutrition problems and factors contributing to nutritional risk

Table 1
Syndrome/disability Altered growth, underweight, obesity Altered energy need Constipation/diarrhea Feeding problems Others
Cerebral palsy A disorder of muscle control or coordination resulting from injury to the brain during its early (fetal, perinatal, and early childhood) development. There may be associated problems with intellectual, visual, or other functions. Growth problems Failure to thrive Constipation Oral/motor Problems Central nervous system involvement Orthopedic problems Medication/nutrient interaction related to seizure disorder
Down syndrome A genetic disorder that results from an extra #21 chromosome, causing development problems such as congenital heart disease, mental retardation, short stature, and decreased muscle tone. Risk for obesity Related to short stature and limited activity Constipation Poor suck in infancy Gum disease Increased risk of heart disease Osteoporosis Alzheimer’s
Prader-Willi syndrome A genetic disorder marked by hypotonia, short stature, hyperphagia, and cognitive impairment; when not carefully managed, characterized by obesity. Risk for obesity Failure to thrive in infancy N/A Poor suck in infancy Abnormal food-related problems Risk of diabetes mellitus
Autism Classified as a type of pervasive developmental disorder; diagnostic criteria include communication problems, ritualistic behaviors, and inappropriate social interaction N/A N/A N/A Limited food selection Strong food dislikes Pica Medication/nutrient interaction
Cystic fibrosis (CF) An inherited disorder of the exocrine glands, primarily the pancreas, pulmonary system, and sweat glands, characterized by abnormally thick luminal secretions. N/A Increased nutrient intake Decreased food intake Decrease of nutrients related to pancreatic insufficiency and chronic pulmonary infection N/A N/A Increase in secondary illnesses: Diabetes Liver disease Ostcoporosis
Spina bifida (Myeolomeningocele) Results from a midline defect of the skin, spinal column, and spinal cord. Characterized by hydrocephalus, mental retardation, and lack of muscular control. Risk for obesity Altered energy needs based on short stature and limited mobility Constipation Swallowing problems caused by the Arnold Chiari malformation of the brain Urinary tract infections

They were developed using very small populations, do not include all growth parameters, and some use very old and retrospective data (38,39).