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Nutrition Interventions for Children with Special Health Care Needs

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Section 3 - Condition-Specific <strong>Nutrition</strong> <strong>Interventions</strong><br />

the chylous drainage (8). Depending on the long chain fat content of the diet or<br />

<strong>for</strong>mula used, it may be necessary to supplement long chain fatty acids to prevent<br />

essential fatty acid deficiency.<br />

<strong>Nutrition</strong> goals <strong>for</strong> infants/children <strong>with</strong> CHD (6):<br />

• Provide adequate calories and protein, taking into account potentially increased<br />

needs.<br />

• Promote normal weight gain and growth velocity.<br />

• Promote oral feeding as able. Chronic illness or extended hospitalization may<br />

result in oral feeding challenges.<br />

• Maintain normal/near normal electrolyte levels. Watch closely <strong>for</strong> abnormalities if<br />

the child is on highly concentrated enteral feedings or certain medications.<br />

If a child has documented growth failure or is having difficulty meeting nutrition<br />

needs <strong>with</strong> an oral diet, supplemental tube feedings may be considered <strong>for</strong> additional<br />

energy and protein (4,10). There are several factors to consider be<strong>for</strong>e deciding<br />

if a temporary or permanent feeding tube should be placed. These factors include<br />

the length of time, ease of care, appearance and the risks of nasogastric versus<br />

gastrostomy tube feeding. A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube (PEG) is a<br />

safe and reliable technique to support enteral nutrition in children <strong>with</strong> severe CHD<br />

(10). This technique allows enteral nutrition support <strong>with</strong>out the disadvantages<br />

related to long term nasogastric tube feeding (10).<br />

The remainder of this chapter presents guidelines <strong>for</strong> nutrition assessment,<br />

intervention, and evaluation/outcome <strong>for</strong> children <strong>with</strong> CHD (Table 18-2).<br />

<strong>Nutrition</strong> <strong>Interventions</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Children</strong> With <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Care</strong> <strong>Needs</strong> 205

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