Urinary calcium excretion in enterally fed disabled children.(Statistical Data Included)

Abstract

The urine calcium/creatinine (Ca/Cr) ratio was measured in 17 enterally tube fed disabled children. Urine Ca/Cr ratios were inversely related to dietary calcium intake in immobile children (r = -0.57, p [less than] 0.05) but not in those who were able to stand or walk (mobile children) (r = 0.4, p = 0.51). None of the subjects had evidence of nephrocalcinosis or renal calculi detectable by renal ultrasonography.

(Arch Dis Child 2001;85:58-59)

Keywords: hypercalciuria; mobility; enteral feeding

Genetic factors, weight bearing physical activity, and adequate dietary intake of minerals such as calcium are important for normal skeletal development. Children with disabilities are prone to atraumatic fractures associated with reduced bone mineral density, [1,2] which in turn is associated with immobility and non-weight-bearing. [2] Recommended nutrient intakes (RNI) for calcium for mobility impaired disabled children have not been established. Furthermore, no data are available on the risks and benefits of increasing calcium intake in these children above current RNI for healthy children. [3] We hypothesised that immobile children, who are enterally tube fed on liquid feeds containing nutrients in fixed …