A Hospital-Based Observational Study on Nutritional Status, Functional Impairment, and Etiological Correlates in Children with Cerebral Palsy at a Tertiary Care Center

Abstract

 Introduction: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive neurodevelopmental disorder manifesting in early childhood with variable motor and functional impairments. Nutritional deficiencies frequently coexist due to feeding difficulties, oral-motor incoordination, and comorbid conditions, exacerbating disability and compromising quality of life. Aim and Objective: This study aimed to assess the nutritional status, functional impairment, and etiological correlations in children with cerebral palsy. The objectives were to: 1) evaluate the prevalence of undernutrition, stunting, and wasting across age and gender; and 2) examine associations between nutritional status, GMFCS grading, and etiological factors. Materials & Methods: A hospital-based observational study was conducted from May 2020 to April 2021 at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital. Children aged ≤10 years with clinically diagnosed CP attending pediatric OPD/IPD were included. Exclusion criteria involved motor deficits due to non-central causes or progressive/chronic illnesses. Ethical clearance and informed consent were obtained. Data on nutritional status, functional grading (GMFCS), and etiological factors were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Results: Among 100 children, 59% were male and 49% were aged 0-4 years. Birth asphyxia (59%) was the leading etiology, followed by neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (26%). Undernutrition was observed in 56%, stunting in 43%, and wasting in 45%. Higher GMFCS grades (IV–V) were significantly associated with worse nutritional indices (p<0.001). Birth asphyxia correlated with severe motor impairment (p=0.017), while milder etiologies were linked to better functional grades. Conclusion: Birth asphyxia, neonatal jaundice, and prematurity are major contributors to CP. Nutritional deficits worsen with increasing motor disability. Early perinatal care and comprehensive nutritional and rehabilitative support are essential for improving health outcomes in children with CP.