AUTHOR=Dumont Eric , Jansen Anita , Duker Pieter C. , Seys Daniel M. , Broers Nick J. , Mulkens Sandra 

TITLE=Feeding/Eating problems in children: Who does (not) benefit after behavior therapy? A retrospective chart review

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Pediatrics

VOLUME=Volume 11 - 2023

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pediatrics/articles/10.3389/fped.2023.1108185

DOI=10.3389/fped.2023.1108185

ISSN=2296-2360

ABSTRACT=Abstract

Background: Treating disordered feeding at a young age reduces risks of future feeding problems, but not all children profit equally; can we define predictors of a worse prognosis?
Objectives: In 252 children, with a mean age of 4;7 years (SD=3 years; range 5 months to 17;10 years), who had undergone behavioral day treatment in the past, several variables were investigated, retrieved from initial consultation (t1) and re-assessed at follow-up (t2). 
Method: Logistic regressions were carried out with sex, gastro-intestinal problems, refusal of the first nutrition, syndrome/intellectual disability, Down’s syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, comorbidity of medical diseases (other than gastro-intestinal problems), restrictive caloric food intake and selective food intake, as the predictor variables from t1, and age-appropriate food intake at t2 as the dependent variable. The potential role of sensory processing problems was reviewed at t2. 
Results: About 73% had improved towards an age-appropriate food intake. Sex (boys), syndrome/intellectual disability, and a lack of varied nutritional intake at t1 were predictors of  a  worse prognosis. We found a small, but significant correlation between current selective eating patterns and general sensory processing problems. 
Conclusion: Feeding disordered children, especially boys, with intellectual disabilities or selective eating patterns are at risk for not achieving an age-adequate food intake at a later age, despite behavioral treatment