- Email: [email protected]
Pediatric Nutrition Characteristics in Children With Autism
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
POSTER SESSION: PROFESSIONAL SKILLS/NUTRITION ASSESSMENT/MEDICAL NUTRITION THERAPY Title: THE RELATIONSHIP OF WEIGHT STATUS OF SCHOOLAGED CHILDREN TO SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS OF PRIMARY CAREGIVERS Author(s): C. H. Bourbon,1 G. P. Syler,2 S. Y. Branscum,2 E. Jackson3; 1 Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, MO, 2Human Environmental Studies, Southeast Missouri State U, Cape Girardeau, MO, 3Nursing, Southeast Missouri State U, Cape Girardeau, MO Learning Outcome: To determine if an association exists between the primary caregivers’ age, ethnicity, and family role and school-age children’s body mass index-for-age. Text: The influence of parents or primary caregivers on children’s dietary practices is well established. The purpose of this study was to study selected characteristics of primary caregivers in relation to their children’s BMI-for age. A researcher developed survey gathered demographic and anthropometric data of second and fifth grade children and their caregivers. A response rate of 76% yielded 165 subjects; 16.4% of the children’s BMI-for-age were in the 85-95%ile (“at risk for overweight”) and 15.8% of children’s BMI-for-age were ⬎95%ile (“overweight”). There was a significantly higher number of males in the ⬎95%ile category. There was a non significant difference between BMIfor-age and age of the participants. Chi Square analysis showed a significant difference in BMI-for-age and ethnicity; 92.7% of the child participants were White, thus the ethnic diversity sample was too small for valid interpretation. The single African-American and two Latino child participants were in the ⬎95%ile BMI category. There was no significant difference in family role of the primary caregiver and children’s BMI-for-age. Spearman rank-order correlation indicated a non-significant relationship between BMI-for-age and the age of the child’s primary caregiver. No significant difference between caregivers’ ethnicity and children’s BMI-for-age was found. In conclusion, no significant relationships were found between selected caregiver characteristics and their children’s BMI-for-age; the sample of convenience, sample size, and limited ethnic diversity may have influenced the findings. Replication with a larger and more diverse sample may provide further insight. Dietitians are compelled to investigate mitigating factors to help prevent overweight in childhood.
Title: UTILIZING A NUTRITION AND FITNESS WEBSITE TO INCREASE KNOWLEDGE AMONG COLLEGE FRESHMEN Author(s): S. Kowal,1 S. Gentille,1 N. Tipirneni,1 A. Vandermeys,1 N. Needleman,1 M. Agamir,1 H. Xiao,1 Y. Ahmed,1 B. Wu,1 K. Korelitz,1 N. Brenowitz2; 1University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 2Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD Learning Outcome: To understand the current state of nutrition and fitness knowledge in college freshmen and to evaluate the change in such knowledge after directing them to a team- designed nutrition and fitness website. Text: In order to increase knowledge and positive habits in nutrition and fitness among college students, a comprehensive fitness and nutrition website was designed and advertised. 282 freshmen at the University of Maryland, College Park were given a pre- and post- test on common nutrition and fitness topics and current habits, and in the semester between, were encouraged to utilize the website. Out of a total score of 15, the average score on this questionnaire was 6.54. 31% of respondents claimed they were on a low-fat diet, and 38% cited that they wished to be on a low-fat diet. 35% also noted that they wanted to start exercising regularly. Of the post-test respondents, 34% were now on a low-fat diet and 40% wanted to be. The number of respondents who wanted to exercise regularly also increased to 40%. After the study period, 128 people had visited the website at least once and their average score out of 15 increased from 4.77 to 7.23. Further data analysis will be conducted to determine if this difference is statistically significant and to control for other factors such as outside nutrition education. Based on this data, it appears that those who did poorly on the pre-test were motivated to visit the website and thus improved their nutrition and fitness knowledge. The website may have been a more effective method of delivering this information if the study period had been longer or if more incentives were provided to the participants to visit the website. Funding Disclosure: Gemstone Program, University of Maryland
Funding Disclosure: None Title: PEDIATRIC NUTRITION CHARACTERISTICS IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
Title: RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF SERUM PROTEIN STATUS IN CHILDREN FED THE KETOGENIC DIET VIA GASTROSTOMY TUBE
Author(s): S. M. Ekvall,1 P. Fugazzi,2 F. Stevens3; 1Nutritional Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 2Cincinnati Childrenh’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 3Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
Author(s): Y. C. Liu,1 H. L. Lowe,2 E. J. Donner,1 J. Kobayashi2; 1 Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada, 2Child Development Program, Bloorview Kids Rehab, Toronto, ON, Canada
Learning Outcome: Participants must be able to list characteristics in autism which may relate to nutrition in screening such as: low nutrient dense foods in dietary, picky eating and sameness of food, and pica in behavior, anthropometric measurements related to growth, multivitamin/mineral use and counseling. Text: In order to determine which autistic characteristics may relate to nutritional intake, all of the children with autism for that year, a total of 87 children, aged 1 to 13 years, were evaluated. Ages were: 26% 16 months - 3 years, 58% 3-5 years and 16% 5-10 years. Anthropometric measures were obtained according to standardized procedures. Population ethnicity was 60%Caucasian, 33% African American, and 7% Other. Eighty% were male and 20% female. Mothers were 21 - 30 years. During pregnancy, 21% used tobacco while 24 % used alcohol or drugs. Only 32% of children took multivitamin/mineral supplements. Mothers characterized 72% of the children as uncooperative and 62% had delayed self-feeding skills. A mealtime of 15-30 minutes was usual for 45% of the population. Picky eating or food jags occurred in 70% with sameness of food a problem, picky eating in 23% and allergies in 5%. The Food Summary Score based on the food groups indicated that by percent of children the intake of fruits and vegetables was low in 74% and whole grains in 68%. Favorite food were chicken tender nuggets, potato chip/French fries, candy/sweets, bananas, green beans, and soft drinks/Kool-Aid/Gatorade. Calories were adequate but nutrient dense foods lacking. Anthropometric measures followed the growth curve for age. Nutritional assessment tools and counseling skills appear needed for this high risk pediatric population with autism. Funding Disclosure: None
A-28 / August 2007 Suppl 3—Abstracts Volume 107 Number 8
Learning Outcome: The participant will be able to utilize the information from our abstract presentation to learn that despite a limited protein intake from the ketogenic diet given via gastrotomy tube, careful management of the diet maintains an adequate protein status in patients.
Text: Research Outcome: This study is to examine the protein status of children fed the ketogenic diet (KD) via gastrostomy tube (G-tube). The KD is an effective therapy for intractable seizures in the pediatric population. The KD is nutritionally unbalanced, with the majority of calories (89-91 %) provided by fat to produce ketosis. A study presented at the American Epilepsy Society Conference (2001) indicated that 40% children fed the KD via G-tube had hypoproteinemia. This study is to re-visit protein status among children fed the KD via G- tube. Methods: Retrospective review of 16 children’s protein status (10 boys, 6 girls) (starting diet age: 1.2 to 11.4 years old, mean⫾SD: 4.4⫾1.7; duration on the diet: 0.2 to 9.0 years, mean⫾SD: 3.1⫾2.5). Fourteen children were admitted for the KD from 2001 to 2006; two children were admitted before 2001. All children are on the classic 4:3, 4:1 or 3.5:1 ratio KD. Two liquid formulas are used. Fourteen children receive Ross Carbohydrate Free formula and 2 children receive Ketocal. These formulas are mixed with Polycose and Microlipid to achieve the prescribed diet ratio. Protein intake is 0.8 to 2.0 gm/kg/day, mean⫾SD: 1.29⫾0.33. Results: Sixteen children have total protein of 57 to 82 g/L, mean⫾SD:66.4 ⫾ 5.93 (normal range: 53-85 g/L) and albumin of 35 to 50 g/L, mean⫾ SD: 41.1⫾ 4.28 (normal range: 32-56 g/L). Despite protein intake, all children’s protein status is adequate with the KD. Conclusion: With careful management of the KD via G-tube, our children maintain an adequate protein status. Funding Disclosure: None
POSTER SESSION: PROFESSIONAL SKILLS/NUTRITION ASSESSMENT/MEDICAL NUTRITION THERAPY Title: THE RELATIONSHIP OF WEIGHT STATUS OF SCHOOLAGED CHILDREN TO SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS OF PRIMARY CAREGIVERS Author(s): C. H. Bourbon,1 G. P. Syler,2 S. Y. Branscum,2 E. Jackson3; 1 Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, MO, 2Human Environmental Studies, Southeast Missouri State U, Cape Girardeau, MO, 3Nursing, Southeast Missouri State U, Cape Girardeau, MO Learning Outcome: To determine if an association exists between the primary caregivers’ age, ethnicity, and family role and school-age children’s body mass index-for-age. Text: The influence of parents or primary caregivers on children’s dietary practices is well established. The purpose of this study was to study selected characteristics of primary caregivers in relation to their children’s BMI-for age. A researcher developed survey gathered demographic and anthropometric data of second and fifth grade children and their caregivers. A response rate of 76% yielded 165 subjects; 16.4% of the children’s BMI-for-age were in the 85-95%ile (“at risk for overweight”) and 15.8% of children’s BMI-for-age were ⬎95%ile (“overweight”). There was a significantly higher number of males in the ⬎95%ile category. There was a non significant difference between BMIfor-age and age of the participants. Chi Square analysis showed a significant difference in BMI-for-age and ethnicity; 92.7% of the child participants were White, thus the ethnic diversity sample was too small for valid interpretation. The single African-American and two Latino child participants were in the ⬎95%ile BMI category. There was no significant difference in family role of the primary caregiver and children’s BMI-for-age. Spearman rank-order correlation indicated a non-significant relationship between BMI-for-age and the age of the child’s primary caregiver. No significant difference between caregivers’ ethnicity and children’s BMI-for-age was found. In conclusion, no significant relationships were found between selected caregiver characteristics and their children’s BMI-for-age; the sample of convenience, sample size, and limited ethnic diversity may have influenced the findings. Replication with a larger and more diverse sample may provide further insight. Dietitians are compelled to investigate mitigating factors to help prevent overweight in childhood.
Title: UTILIZING A NUTRITION AND FITNESS WEBSITE TO INCREASE KNOWLEDGE AMONG COLLEGE FRESHMEN Author(s): S. Kowal,1 S. Gentille,1 N. Tipirneni,1 A. Vandermeys,1 N. Needleman,1 M. Agamir,1 H. Xiao,1 Y. Ahmed,1 B. Wu,1 K. Korelitz,1 N. Brenowitz2; 1University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 2Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD Learning Outcome: To understand the current state of nutrition and fitness knowledge in college freshmen and to evaluate the change in such knowledge after directing them to a team- designed nutrition and fitness website. Text: In order to increase knowledge and positive habits in nutrition and fitness among college students, a comprehensive fitness and nutrition website was designed and advertised. 282 freshmen at the University of Maryland, College Park were given a pre- and post- test on common nutrition and fitness topics and current habits, and in the semester between, were encouraged to utilize the website. Out of a total score of 15, the average score on this questionnaire was 6.54. 31% of respondents claimed they were on a low-fat diet, and 38% cited that they wished to be on a low-fat diet. 35% also noted that they wanted to start exercising regularly. Of the post-test respondents, 34% were now on a low-fat diet and 40% wanted to be. The number of respondents who wanted to exercise regularly also increased to 40%. After the study period, 128 people had visited the website at least once and their average score out of 15 increased from 4.77 to 7.23. Further data analysis will be conducted to determine if this difference is statistically significant and to control for other factors such as outside nutrition education. Based on this data, it appears that those who did poorly on the pre-test were motivated to visit the website and thus improved their nutrition and fitness knowledge. The website may have been a more effective method of delivering this information if the study period had been longer or if more incentives were provided to the participants to visit the website. Funding Disclosure: Gemstone Program, University of Maryland
Funding Disclosure: None Title: PEDIATRIC NUTRITION CHARACTERISTICS IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
Title: RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF SERUM PROTEIN STATUS IN CHILDREN FED THE KETOGENIC DIET VIA GASTROSTOMY TUBE
Author(s): S. M. Ekvall,1 P. Fugazzi,2 F. Stevens3; 1Nutritional Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 2Cincinnati Childrenh’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 3Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
Author(s): Y. C. Liu,1 H. L. Lowe,2 E. J. Donner,1 J. Kobayashi2; 1 Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada, 2Child Development Program, Bloorview Kids Rehab, Toronto, ON, Canada
Learning Outcome: Participants must be able to list characteristics in autism which may relate to nutrition in screening such as: low nutrient dense foods in dietary, picky eating and sameness of food, and pica in behavior, anthropometric measurements related to growth, multivitamin/mineral use and counseling. Text: In order to determine which autistic characteristics may relate to nutritional intake, all of the children with autism for that year, a total of 87 children, aged 1 to 13 years, were evaluated. Ages were: 26% 16 months - 3 years, 58% 3-5 years and 16% 5-10 years. Anthropometric measures were obtained according to standardized procedures. Population ethnicity was 60%Caucasian, 33% African American, and 7% Other. Eighty% were male and 20% female. Mothers were 21 - 30 years. During pregnancy, 21% used tobacco while 24 % used alcohol or drugs. Only 32% of children took multivitamin/mineral supplements. Mothers characterized 72% of the children as uncooperative and 62% had delayed self-feeding skills. A mealtime of 15-30 minutes was usual for 45% of the population. Picky eating or food jags occurred in 70% with sameness of food a problem, picky eating in 23% and allergies in 5%. The Food Summary Score based on the food groups indicated that by percent of children the intake of fruits and vegetables was low in 74% and whole grains in 68%. Favorite food were chicken tender nuggets, potato chip/French fries, candy/sweets, bananas, green beans, and soft drinks/Kool-Aid/Gatorade. Calories were adequate but nutrient dense foods lacking. Anthropometric measures followed the growth curve for age. Nutritional assessment tools and counseling skills appear needed for this high risk pediatric population with autism. Funding Disclosure: None
A-28 / August 2007 Suppl 3—Abstracts Volume 107 Number 8
Learning Outcome: The participant will be able to utilize the information from our abstract presentation to learn that despite a limited protein intake from the ketogenic diet given via gastrotomy tube, careful management of the diet maintains an adequate protein status in patients.
Text: Research Outcome: This study is to examine the protein status of children fed the ketogenic diet (KD) via gastrostomy tube (G-tube). The KD is an effective therapy for intractable seizures in the pediatric population. The KD is nutritionally unbalanced, with the majority of calories (89-91 %) provided by fat to produce ketosis. A study presented at the American Epilepsy Society Conference (2001) indicated that 40% children fed the KD via G-tube had hypoproteinemia. This study is to re-visit protein status among children fed the KD via G- tube. Methods: Retrospective review of 16 children’s protein status (10 boys, 6 girls) (starting diet age: 1.2 to 11.4 years old, mean⫾SD: 4.4⫾1.7; duration on the diet: 0.2 to 9.0 years, mean⫾SD: 3.1⫾2.5). Fourteen children were admitted for the KD from 2001 to 2006; two children were admitted before 2001. All children are on the classic 4:3, 4:1 or 3.5:1 ratio KD. Two liquid formulas are used. Fourteen children receive Ross Carbohydrate Free formula and 2 children receive Ketocal. These formulas are mixed with Polycose and Microlipid to achieve the prescribed diet ratio. Protein intake is 0.8 to 2.0 gm/kg/day, mean⫾SD: 1.29⫾0.33. Results: Sixteen children have total protein of 57 to 82 g/L, mean⫾SD:66.4 ⫾ 5.93 (normal range: 53-85 g/L) and albumin of 35 to 50 g/L, mean⫾ SD: 41.1⫾ 4.28 (normal range: 32-56 g/L). Despite protein intake, all children’s protein status is adequate with the KD. Conclusion: With careful management of the KD via G-tube, our children maintain an adequate protein status. Funding Disclosure: None