Castang and Novartis Foundation Conference on Undernutrition in Children with Cerebral Palsy: Survey of participants about decision-making for enteral (gastrostomy) feeding

Abstract

Purpose. Undernutrition is a prevalent and serious problem in children with cerebral palsy (CP) who have severe cognitive and motor impairment. Decision‐making concerning the initiation of enteral (gastrostomy) feeding is complex, for many reasons. The Castang and Novartis Foundations convened a meeting to present research pertinent to the management of undernutrition in children with CP. The meeting was held in London on 5 and 6 February 2004. Methods. Twenty‐five participants representing the disciplines usually involved in decision‐making about the need for enteral feeding came from 11 countries on 4 continents. Conference participants had a mean of 16.5 years of experience treating undernutrition in children with CP. To ascertain the opinion of participants about management issues, a case‐based format was used. Cases were briefly presented and questions about them addressed important issues in decision‐making about instituting enteral feeding. Opinions were based on clinical experience and knowledge o...