Impact of Telehealth Follow-Up on Nutritional Status in Children with Neurological Disabilities
Overview
This study evaluated the impact of telemedicine follow-up on the nutritional status of children with neurological impairments. Findings indicated no significant differences in nutritional outcomes between telemedicine and standard care groups, with baseline BMI z-score being the only predictor of nutritional worsening.
Background
Children with neurological impairments are at a heightened risk for malnutrition, necessitating regular nutritional monitoring. Telemedicine has emerged as a potential tool to facilitate follow-up care, yet its effectiveness in improving nutritional outcomes remains uncertain.
Data Highlights
No significant differences were observed in BMI z-score at follow-up (p = 0.877), change in BMI z-score (p = 0.458), nutritional status at follow-up (p = 0.356), or nutritional outcome (p = 0.329) between telemedicine and standard care groups.
Key Findings
152 children with neurological impairment participated in the study.
Baseline BMI z-score was associated with nutritional worsening (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.04-1.50; p = 0.013).
Telemedicine follow-up did not show a significant association with nutritional outcomes (p = 0.166).
Children in the telemedicine group were younger and had a higher prevalence of PEG (p = 0.013).
No significant differences in gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) severity were observed between groups.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians should continue to monitor baseline BMI z-scores as a critical factor in assessing nutritional risk.
Conclusion
The study highlights the importance of baseline nutritional status in children with neurological disabilities.
by Francesca Eletti, Veronica Perico, Alessandro Visioli, Chiara Montanari, Veronica Maria Tagi, Sara Vizzuso, Valeria Calcaterra, Barbara Borsani, Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
