Search for a command to run...
<h3>Objectives</h3> Our aim was to determine the prevalence of selective eating patterns in children with SCD in our service and subsequently utilise the information to develop guidelines for the assessment and management of the condition.<sup>1</sup> <h3>Methods</h3> The sample was obtained retrospectively by including 50 children on our Social Communication Assessment waiting list and analysing their clinic reports. These children were seen in clinic between July-October 2022. Study limitations included information being taken exclusively from clinic reports. We did not consider sensory issues related to selective eating patterns in this cohort. The focus was solely on blood tests. <h3>Results</h3> Our cohort consisted of 50 children; 76% (38/50) male. When first seen in clinic, 38% (19/50) of the children were between 2–3years, 34% (17/50) between 3–4years and 28% (14/50) between 4–5years old. Forty-eight percent (24/50) of parents reported concerns about their child’s eating and 52% (26/50) had no concerns. Figure 1 below demonstrates the parents’ description of their child’s eating habits. Strategies given by the clinicians were to reduce milk intake (for milk drinkers), establish mealtime routine and encourage food exploration by the child. As shown in table 1 below, 71% (17/24) of the children with eating concerns had blood tests – full blood count (FBC), ferritin, bone profile and vitamin D. In this group, 41% (7/17) had low vitamin D levels with 24% (4/17) requiring supplementation. Forty-seven percent (8/17) had low ferritin and/or anaemia, with 24% (4/17) needing iron supplements. Dietitian referrals were made for 12% (2/17) of the children with iron and vitamin D deficiencies. In the group of children with no eating concerns, 81% (21/26) had similar blood tests. None had vitamin D treatment, although 14% (3/21) had low vitamin D levels. Fourteen percent (3/21) had low ferritin and/or anaemia with only 10% (2/21) requiring iron supplements. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Parents of children with SCD have concerns about their eating and a proportion of these children suffer nutritional deficiencies requiring treatment and/or referrals. These families require support and guidance. Therefore we developed a guideline to assess and manage this issue: Blood tests (FBC, vitamin D, bone profile, ferritin, vitamin B12, folate levels and other tests dependent on underlying issues e.g. thyroid and coeliac disease). A parental history questionnaire obtaining detailed feeding information, with telephone follow-up. Referral to occupational therapist, dietitian and under 5’s Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service, dependent on history. A patient information leaflet offering strategies for the management of this condition.