What are limitations to using standard height and weight measurement tools in CP patients? What are commonly used methods for assessing height and weight in children with CP? Are there other anthropometric measures that may be useful?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

• The limitations of standard height and weight measurement tools in CP patients include:
- Limb contractures
- Scoliosis
- Muscle spasms
- Inability to stand
• For children less than 2 yrs of age, recumbent length can be obtained on a length board
• Stature is used for individuals from 2 to 20 yrs of age. CP patients may require use of alternative methods to estimate height such as:
-
- Knee height
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- Arm span
- Tibia length
- Upper-arm length
• Specialized scales using handrails or ones that can be used with a wheelchair may be needed for CP patients. Some other types of available scales include: chair, bucket, and bed scales.
• Otherwise, a parent or caregiver may be needed to hold the child while obtaining the weight and then have their weight subtracted from that value.
• Other anthropometric measurements of utility:
- Head circumference for those of < 2 yrs of age
- Triceps skinfolds may be useful as an indicator of malnutrition in CP patients, applying a cut-off value of < 10th percentile. .
- Bioelectrical impedance (though no validated equations are available for CP patients to determine LBM)