title: Nutritional management of the chronically ill child. Congenital heart disease and myelomeningocele.
abstract: We have presented some of the nutritional complications encountered in two major pediatric congenital disorders. Although these conditions represent two more common major defects, it is unlikely that many health care providers will manage large numbers of these patients. Nevertheless, the nutrition principles apply to other nutritional dilemmas of chronically ill children. When an infant consumes a low volume intake, regardless of etiology, concerns such as provision of adequate nutrition, within the confines of the infant's water balance, become paramount. Methods have been discussed for increasing caloric density and for monitoring dietary safety and adequacy. When an infant has a propensity for becoming obese one needs to consider preventive measures such as providing sound nutrition information, support, and follow-up for both patient and family. Nutritional problems can become magnified unless adequate support is provided for total health and social needs of the family. The role of the dietitian must be one active participation within the the framework of an interdisciplianry team so that appropriate innovative nutrition programs can be developed and implemented.
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D005598:Fractures, Spontaneous / Q000150:complications; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000150:complications; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008591:Meningomyelocele / Q000628:therapy*; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D016135:Spinal Dysraphism / Q000628:therapy*