Assessment of neurodisability and malnutrition in children in Africa.

Melissa Gladstone, Mac Mallewa, Alhaji Alusine Jalloh, Wieger Voskuijl, Douglas Postels, Nora Groce, Marko Kerac, Elizabeth Molyneux

Journal: Seminars in pediatric neurology 2014;21(1):50-7

PMID: 24655405

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Abstract

Neurodevelopmental delay, neurodisability, and malnutrition interact to contribute a significant burden of disease in global settings. Assessments which are well integrated with plans of management or advice are most likely to improve outcomes. Assessment tools used in clinical research and programming to evaluate outcomes include developmental and cognitive tools that vary in complexity, sensitivity, and validity as well as the target age of assessment. Few tools have been used to measure socioemotional outcomes and fewer to assess the disabled child with malnutrition. There is a paucity of tools used clinically which actually provide families and professionals with advice to improve outcomes. Brain imaging, electroencephalography, audiology, and visual assessment can also be used to assess the effect of malnutrition on brain structure and function. The interaction of neurodisability and malnutrition is powerful, and both need to be considered when assessing children. Without an integrated approach to assessment and management, we will not support children and families to reach their best potential outcomes.

Address: Department of Women and Children's Health, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England, UK. Electronic address: [email protected].; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi; Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi.; International Neurologic and Psychiatric Epidemiology Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI.; Leonard Cheshire Disability and Inclusive Development Centre, University College London, London, England.; Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi; Leonard Cheshire Disability and Inclusive Development Centre, University College London, London, England.

DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2014.01.002