Constipation and its relationship whit caloric, fiber and water intake in children and adolescent whit Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

A common problem in children and adolescent whit cerebral palsy (CP) is chronic constipation.  An adequate caloric, fiber and water intake is essential for the prevention and/or improvement of associated symptoms.

The aim of this study was to assess the presence of constipation and caloric intake of fiber and water, in relation to the recommendations for children and adolescent (aged 5-19 years) whit CP in Córdoba in 2018.

A descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional analysis was carried out with sequential sampling. There were incluided two educational institutions in Córdoba. Anthropometric nutritional status was analyzed according to WHO (2007) and CP (Brooks, 2011) parameters. Demographic data and food intake were obtain through a questionnaire and 24-hour food reminder. The data was analyzed whit Sara 1.2.12 and Medcalc 12.5.0.0 software.

A total of 51 subjects were studied, 61% (n=31 CI95% 46,40-75,16) were male and 59% (n=30 CI95% 44,34-73,31) had severe CP. 23 surveys were conducted: 17% (n=4 CI95% 4,95-38,78) had a low calorie intake, 83% did not follow the recommended amount of daily fiber intake (n=19 CI95% 62,22-95,05), and 70% did not follow the recommended water intake (n=16 CI95% 47,08-86,79). The prevalence of constipation in the population was 35% (n=8 CI95% 13,14-56,42), of which a higher prevalence was evidenced in more severe degrees (levels IV and V).

The results allow to conclude that chronic constipation is a prevalent disorder in subjects whit CP, more frequent in more severe cases. Although children and adolescent whit CP have difficulties in following there recommended fiber and water intake, food intake would not be attributable as the only factor in the etiology of constipation.