Purpose: Undernutrition is common in neurologically impaired children. It increases the burden of comorbidities and affects the quality of life of these children. This study aimed primarily to compare the efficacy of whey-based partially hydrolyzed formula (WPHF) versus isocaloric polymeric formula on the nutritional status reflected by growth parameters and feeding tolerance in undernourished children with neurological impairment (NI). The secondary aim was to follow up on the changes in these parameters after using WPHF for 3 and 6 months
This prospective open-label randomized study was conducted over 6 months on children with NI aged 2- 6 years. Patients were divided into two groups: one group received 50% of their caloric requirements as isocaloric polymeric formula (standard ) and 50% standard nutritional feeding according to ESPGHAN guidelines (group I), the second group received 50% of their caloric requirements as WPHF, and the other 50% standard nutritional feeding according to ESPGHAN guidelines (group II). At the start of the study, detailed clinical and nutritional history was recorded for all children in the two groups. Anthropometric measurements were measured, and the Z score was calculated for all parameters. Symptoms of feeding intolerance and frequency of chest infections were assessed and reported. These parameters were reassessed after 3 months and 6 months of nutritional intervention and compared between the two groups.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
100
Peptamen junior, 100 kcal/100 ml (Nestlé Health Science, Vevey, Switzerland).
protein and micronutrient requirements according to the recommended dietary allowance (RDA)
Alexandria University Children Hospital
Alexandria, Egypt
To compare the efficacy of whey-based partially hydrolyzed formula versus standard feeding on the weight in kilogram in undernourished children with neurological impairment (NI).
Identify the Efficacy Of Whey-Based Partially Hydrolyzed Formula on the weight in Kilogram measured using the double weighing method (weight of the parent subtracted from the combined weight of parent and child) on a digital scale.
Time frame: 6 months
To compare the efficacy of whey-based partially hydrolyzed formula versus standard feeding on the height/length in centimeter in undernourished children with neurological impairment (NI).
Identify the Efficacy Of Whey-Based Partially Hydrolyzed Formula on the height/length in Centimeter measured by a stadiometer. In children with joint contractions, spasticity, and/or scoliosis, the length was measured by segmental length measurements using sliding calipers. Then the length was estimated by simple equations such as knee-heel length (L = (2.69 x KH) + 24.2), tibia length (L = (3.26 x TL) + 30.8).
Time frame: 6 months
To compare the efficacy of whey-based partially hydrolyzed formula versus standard feeding on the body mass index (BMI) in children with neurological impairment (NI).
Identify the Efficacy Of Whey-Based Partially Hydrolyzed Formula on the body mass index (BMI) calculated as \[weight in kg\]/ \[height in m\]2
Time frame: 6 months
To compare the efficacy of whey-based partially hydrolyzed formula versus standard feeding on the head circumference in centimeter in undernourished children with neurological impairment (NI)
Identify the Efficacy Of Whey-Based Partially Hydrolyzed Formula on the head circumference (HC) in Centimeter measured by non-stretchable tape
Time frame: 6 months
To follow up the efficacy of whey-based partially hydrolyzed formula versus standard feeding on the weight in kilogram in undernourished children with neurological impairment (NI) for 3 and 6 months
Follow up the Efficacy Of Whey-Based Partially Hydrolyzed Formula on the weight in Kilogram measured using the double weighing method (weight of the parent subtracted from the combined weight of parent and child) on a digital scale for 3 and 6 months
Time frame: 6 months
To follow up the efficacy of whey-based partially hydrolyzed formula versus standard feeding on the height/length in Centimeter in undernourished children with neurological impairment (NI) for 3 and 6 months
Follow up the Efficacy Of Whey-Based Partially Hydrolyzed Formula on the height/length in Centimeter measured by a stadiometer. In children with joint contractions, spasticity, and/or scoliosis, the length was measured by segmental length measurements using sliding calipers. Then, the length was estimated by simple equations such as knee-heel length (L = (2.69 x KH) + 24.2), tibia length (L = (3.26 x TL) + 30.8) for 3 and 6 months.
Time frame: 6 months
To follow up the efficacy of whey-based partially hydrolyzed formula versus on the body mass index in undernourished children with neurological impairment (NI) for 3 and 6 months
Follow up the Efficacy Of Whey-Based Partially Hydrolyzed Formula on the body mass index (BMI) calculated as \[weight in kg\]/ \[height in m\]2 for 3 and 6 months
Time frame: 6 months
To follow up the efficacy of whey-based partially hydrolyzed formula versus standard feeding on the head circumference in Centimeter in undernourished children with neurological impairment (NI) for 3 and 6 months
Follow up the Efficacy Of Whey-Based Partially Hydrolyzed Formula on the head circumference (HC) in Centimeter measured by non-stretchable tape for 3 and 6 months
Time frame: 6 months
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.