[Feeding disorders in infants and toddlers: At-risk situations and predisposing factors]

Abstract

Feeding disorders and food refusal can be found in 25% of infants, with a minority of them having an organic explanation. Failure to thrive and/or severe malnutrition are found in 3-5% of infants in this population. The objective of this study was to analyze the risk factors of feeding disorders in infants and children less than 3 years of age. This study was conducted from January 2011 to December 2014 and included 103 children, 57 with feeding and/or eating disorders and 46 healthy children considered to be normal eaters. Parents participated in a structured interview and completed a data sheet to record the mode of delivery, neonatal status, medical history, milk feeding, and medical treatment. Statistical analysis indicated that cesarean delivery, prematurity, neonatal diseases, history of eating disorders in the family, consumption of protein hydrolysates, and treatment with proton pump inhibitors were highly significant risk factors in children with eating disorders. In the present study, we showed that several prenatal and postnatal conditions or interventions were associated with the development of eating disorders in young children. Recommendations for future studies include identifying environmental risk factors and implementing prevention programs focused on family, caregivers, as well as healthcare professionals. The objective is to allow physicians to efficiently sort out the wide variety of conditions, categorize them for therapy, and when necessary refer patients to specialists in the field.