A Population-Based Study on Comorbidity in Children with Severe Motor and Intellectual Disabilities: Focus on Feasibility and Prevalence
Year: 2006
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Comorbidity is common in children with severe motor \\nand intellectual disabilities (SMID). We performed a population-based \\nstudy in 196 children with SMID, focusing on respiratory infections, \\nrespiratory function, constipation, dysphagia, gastro-oesophageal \\nreflux and nutritional state.\\nAlthough respiratory problems are common, no pulmonary function \\nmethod was available. We showed that the interrupter technique \\n(respiratory resistance) is feasible in a majority of the children \\nwith SMID, with a moderate but acceptable reproducibility. \\nFurthermore, we propose rejection criteria to evaluate measurements \\nwith the interrupter technique that are not population specific. \\nNext, a pilot study in 36 children with SMID has demonstrated that \\nBioelectric Impedance Analysis (BIA) is a feasible nutritional \\nassessment method. Since it was well tolerated by most children, its \\nvalue for use in this specific population deserves further research. \\nAnother studied comorbidity is constipation. Regular pediatric \\ndefinitions are not applicable in children with SMID; therefore we \\npropose a new definition. We showed that 54% of the children used \\nlaxatives. Even still, 22% was constipated. No correlations with \\nintake or disability severity were found. Dairies on dietary intake \\nshowed!\\n that most children do no meet the criteria for water and fiber \\nintake. In the general discussion of the thesis we focus not only on \\nthe feasibility of the used diagnostic methods, but use our \\nexperience in research practice in children with SMID to formulate \\nrecommendations for future research practice.
Author: Rebekka Veugelers
Language: English
Subfield: Rehabilitation
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1569939310