Mapeamento Geográfico, Clínico e Adequação do Consumo Alimentar de Crianças e Adolescentes com Diagnóstico de Epilepsia

Abstract

Objectives: To assess household distribution, food consumption and the epidemiological and clinical profile of children and adolescents diagnosed with epilepsy in the state of Pará, treated at a university hospital in Belém. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study of cases seen at the epilepsy outpatient clinic at the Bettina Ferro de Souza University Hospital. To assess the geographical distribution and sociodemographic profile, the Epilepsy Epidemiological Profile Form in Pará was used, while for the clinical profile and food consumption, the "Clinical-Nutritional Assessment Form" and "24-hour Recall" instruments were used, which were collected in triplicate with a seven-day difference between them. After collection, the nutritional composition of the diets was analyzed and then compared with the reference values of the DRI's to assess the adequacy of the intake. Results: The data shows that the families are more concentrated in the northeast region of the state, with a slightly higher percentage of males, concentrated in the 9-13 age group, with an average age of 9 years and 4 months, households with an average of 4 residents. The majority of those responsible have an income of up to 1 salary, receive social benefits, do not work outside the home, have completed high school and come from the interior of the state. The first seizure occurred at an average age of 2.1 years, the majority have not had seizures for six months, but require antiepileptic medication, are generalized seizures and use polytherapy. The intake of Vitamin A, Iron and Vitamin C was more adequate in all age groups. In Vitamin E, the profile of inadequacy overlapped in all ranges; in phosphorus and zinc, adequacy was 100% in the early ranges, while in the 9-13 and 14-18 ranges, inadequacy overlapped. Intake below the recommended level was higher for potassium in all age groups, with the exception of males in the 9-13 age group. As for calcium, only in the 1-3 and 9-13 age groups among males was the intake within the recommended range. Intake of fiber in the 1-3, 4-8 and 9-13 age groups in females was lower than recommended, while sodium intake was mostly below the maximum tolerable intake, with the exception of the 1-3 age group. Conclusion: The data shows the need for constant monitoring of food consumption, as the standard of adequacy will serve to treat and/or prevent nutritional deficiencies that could influence clinical treatment.