Growth response to enteral feeding by children with cerebral palsy.

This study evaluated the growth of 51 children with cerebral palsy after the initiation of enteral tube feedings. The children were divided into three groups according to how soon after their central nervous system (CNS) insult they were started on enteral feedings. Group 1 consisted of 14 children who were within a year of their CNS insult; they were underweight for age, but had normal length as well as weight for length. Within 6 months of initiating enteral tube feedings, most children in this group had normalized their weights. Group 2 consisted of 27 children who were within 8 years of their CNS insult; they were stunted and were underweight for both their age and their length. Within 6 months of initiating enteral feeds, the group increased both weight and weight for length to near normal, but their gains in length reached a plateau at 90% of ideal for age. Group 3 consisted of 10 children who were more than 8 years after their CNS insult. This group was severely malnourished but had some improvement in their weight for age and for length but, length for age showed no significant change. We conclude that the earlier adequate nutritional management of children with severe cerebral palsy is initiated, the more readily the nutritional deficits will reverse.