Nutritional Status and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Institutionalized Adults with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a set of permanent disorders that limit physical activity and increase the risk of developing other diseases, such as metabolic syndrome (MS). Adequate nutrition can contribute to the prevention of associated symptoms. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the nutritional status and the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors in adults with CP and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels between IV and V. Materials and Methods: A sample of 41 adults with CP and GMFCS levels from IV to V were studied. The variables used in the study were age, sex, weight, height, mean age, and GMFCS level range. To evaluate nutritional status, body mass index and the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), a nutritional screening tool, were used. To assess cardiometabolic risk, data on obesity, central obesity, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides were collected. Results: More than 80% of the population studied was malnourished or at risk of malnutrition, according to the MNA tool classification ranges, and around 35% of the studied population was within the underweight range. Regarding cardiometabolic risk factors, only one adult with CP was diagnosed with MS. Conclusions: The studied population of adults with CP and GMFCS levels between IV and V is not a population at risk of MS; however, the high prevalence of malnutrition, as well as some of the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factors, should be taken into consideration.

Commonalities in biomarkers and phenotypes between mild cognitive impairment and cerebral palsy: a pilot exploratory study

“…They were visual-spatial organization skills, semantic memory, BMI, diastolic BP, and resting heart rate. Notably, cognitive impairment has been shown to be prevalent as individuals with CP progress into adulthood [ 25 , 26 ]. Furthermore, we previously showed that metabolic syndrome is a prominent clinical characteristic of CP [ 8 , 14 , 27 ].…”

Diet quality in adults with cerebral palsy: a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease prevention

“…While both over-and underweight issues have been reported in children and adults with CP, few studies have looked at actual nutritional intake and quality. 12 Better nutritional intake is thought to play a role in enhanced survival in the most severely involved children with CP. Other studies, however, have found overweight issues beginning in adolescence and even younger children with CP.…”

Malnutrition in Hospitalized Adults With Cerebral Palsy

“…As hypothesized, adults with CP and malnutrition fare more poorly when they are hospitalized. One small Spanish study showed a strong correlation between the severity of CP, measured by GMFCS levels, and the prevalence of malnutrition 24 . In our larger US national study, malnutrition was recognized and coded as a secondary diagnosis in >1 of every 8 hospitalized adult patients with CP.…”

“…One small Spanish study showed a strong correlation between the severity of CP, measured by GMFCS levels, and the prevalence of malnutrition. 24 In our larger US national study, malnutrition was recognized and coded as a secondary diagnosis in >1 of every 8 hospitalized adult patients with CP. Prevention, recognition, and treatment of malnutrition among populations with disabilities should be a public health priority, given the need to reduce disparities and inequities.…”