Metabolic assessment of pediatric patients with chronic disease

Randy B. Leung, John R. Schaub, Daniel S. Klein, Peggy R. Borum. Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL Background: Chronic disease can exacerbate obesity, type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and problems with children’s growth. Changes in diet can impact these health issues. Objective: Develop a program for a comprehensive metabolic assessment of patients seen in pediatric clinics for chronic disease. Methods: Patient interviews conducted at a weekly clinic for pediatric HIV+ patients included a 24-hour diet recall; activity recall; height, weight, anthropometric skinfold and circumference measurements; and bioelectrical impedance analysis. Tools were created and refined to better define the above concerns, in order to better evaluate health issues. Results: Tools were developed for the following concerns and tested at a weekly clinic: