PAEDIATRICS
Although we recognize malnutrition being more common amongst the lower class, elderly & chronically ill we have to also acknowledge that 15% of children are malnourished on admission to hospitals.
Malnutrition in paediatric patients
Nutritional requirements of children will vary widely e.g. Age, Sex, Diagnosis etc. However infants and children will have fewer body reserves than adults, particularly energy:-
- Adults 90 days energy stores
- Full term infant 32 days energy stores
- Pre-term infant 5 days energy stores
Poor nutritional status outcome
- Children who have tumors of the digest tract (mouth, stomach, intestines are at risk of not getting enough nutrients.
- Treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery can cause nausea vomiting, diarrohea or constipation, and poor appetite.
- Other side effects can include chewing difficulties when the mouth, throat, or esophagus becomes too dry or sore.
- In addition, the child’s sense of taste may change so that he/she no longer taste their favourite foods.
- Radiation to the digestive tract can make it sore, or keep it from working.
- Some patients lose interest in food, (especially if they have not been allowed to eat for several days).
- Patients who are tired, in discomfort or pain, and stressed about their condition may have poor appetites.
Nutritional Management
The goals of child nutrition, is to help the patient achieve a normal growth and weight gain, so that he/she can continue normal activities, preventing problems later in life.
Oral Feeding
Each patient has individual nutritional needs determined by a dietitian. If oral intake remains below goals, the child will be encourage to take high-calorie, high-protein foods or supplements to grow and build a strong body
Tube Feeding
Occasionally it may be necessary to supplement the child's regular diet with tube feedings if the child is unable to eat enough to provide enough calories for optimal nutrition, nutritional needs can be met through tube feedings for as long as needed. Often, tube feeding is used for just a short time. Then the tube is removed when the child is able to eat normally and meet post-operative nutritional requirements.
Literature and Products
Nestlé Sondalis Junior Powder
