Abstract

There is lack of references on how to best estimate the goals to be achieved in the growth of children with encephalopathy. This study aims to describe anthropometric data in infants with encephalopathy when followed in a tertiary clinic. Children with disturbed neurological function (N = 132) had their anthropometric measures taken every six months, from the 6^th to 24^th day, and compared to the data from 125 healthy infants. Nutritional orientation, speech therapy for deglutition disorders and physiotherapy were provided during follow up. Infants, aged 6 to 24 months with encephalopathy and who were even under close support on nutritional orientation, presented significant impairment of their body growth parameters. When compared with healthy and preterm infants, they were significantly smaller than term patients with encephalopathy. However, it was seen that dysphagia was associated with poor growth parameters in those infants.

Key words: Encephalopathy, growth, infant.