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Nutritional
ANTHROPOMETRY

Anthropometric measurements are often used to help assess the nutritional status of patients with neurological disorders.

The following measurements should be utilized:

Weight
Height/length
Length segments
Mid-upper arm circumference
Subcutaneous folds

Using weight and height/length, the corresponding z-scores and percentiles may be calculated. Using the cerebral palsy (CP) growth charts allows for the child with CP to be compared to peers rather than to children without a neurological impairment who may grow differently.¹ In Canada, CP growth charts are typically used to evaluate the development of children with CP.

It is necessary to carry out a follow-up at least every 6 months, and frequency may be increased with very young children.

We have developed a range of resources to support you in this area of practice, from demonstration videos to step by step guides.

Further testing may be helpful

If there are specific concerns you or your patient’s caregivers have, you may want to refer to other healthcare professionals to perform the following additional tests:²

Hematological and biochemical analysis
- May include the following: protein (albumin and prealbumin), iron and zinc levels as well as Ca, P, Mg, ALP, PTH, vitamin D and B₁₂, folic acid, Na, K, urea, Cr, glycemia and liver enzymes
- If possible, analysis should be completed on an annual basis
Bone mineral density
Observation of ingestion and videofluoroscopy
- To assess the presence of dysphagia
Endoscopy
- To assess the presence of esophagitis

Osteoporosis risk
Bone mineral density may need to be considered because of risk of osteoporosis.

References:

Brooks J, Day S, Shavelle R et al. Low weight, morbidity and mortality in children with cerebral palsy: new clinical growth charts. Pediatrics. 2011;128:e299–307.
Romano C, van Wynckel M, Hulst J et al. European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Guidelines for the Evaluation and Treatment of Gastrointestinal and Nutritional Complications in Children with Neurological Impairment. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2017;65(2):242-64.

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The content on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered to be medical advice. It is not intended to replace the advice of your child’s healthcare team. Please consult your child’s healthcare team with any questions about your child’s symptoms or feeding concerns.

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Nutritional ANTHROPOMETRY

Neurological Disorders Anthropometrics

Further testing may be helpful

Nutritional
ANTHROPOMETRY