Gastrointestinal-nutritional problems in the child with neurodisability : part 1

Abstract

Neurodisability is increasingly being recognized as an important niche within pediatrics, more so since being recognized as a distinct subspeciality within the UK-STA in 2003. The spectrum of disorders encompassed in neurodisability includes learning disability, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, auHstlc spectrum disorders, head injury rehabilitation and neuromatabolic disorders. The child with neurodisability (ND) can be a challenge on several levels of care and it is incumbent upon the primary care physician, or pediatrician, to recognize the ramifications of the neurodisability to other systems including nutritional and gastrointestinal disorders. This article will address the nutritional complications of ND in childhood, feeding strategies, and the impact and management of disordered motility resulting in gastroesophageal disease and constipation in these patients. The second installment of this series will address dietary modifIcation in ND syndromes including autism.