GROWTH DEFICITS AND NUTRIENT INTAKE OF INFANTS AND TODDLERS WITH INFANTILE ANOREXIA AND SENSORY FOOD AVERSIONS AT CHILDREN'S NATIONAL MEDICAL CENTER IN WASHINGTON DC

Abstract

<bold>Objective/Design:</bold> To determine growth and nutrient intake of children with IA (1-3 y), at diagnosis, and after counseling sessions.

<bold>Results/Discussion:</bold> Both diagnostic groups (IA and IA+SFA) met criteria for wasting and underweight on average, however the two diagnoses did not present with significantly different mean growth percentiles or z-scores. Girls (n=28) had poorer mean (±SE) weight-for-height z-scores, -2.3 (±0.17), than boys (n=34), -1.8 (±0.14), respectively (P<0.05). Girls met the DRIs for nutrients investigated, while boys did not. After counseling, girls' intake remained stable, whereas boys increased intake of all nutrients (P<0.05). Catch up weight gain was not adequate for boys or girls of either diagnosis to restore weight related growth percentiles and z-scores during the study period (mean of 7 mo.).

<bold>Conclusion:</bold> These data establish the first IA growth rate benchmarks that may be improved upon with further clinical intervention, particularly for IA boys.