PD918 - WEIGHT CHANGE IN CHILDREN UNDERGOING INPATIENT REHABILITATION: A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY (2010–2023)

PD918

WEIGHT CHANGE IN CHILDREN UNDERGOING INPATIENT REHABILITATION: A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY (2010–2023)

N. Levinton Ashkenazy^1,*

¹Pediatric and Youth Department, Loewenstein Rehabilitation Hospital, Raanana, Israel

 

Rationale: Childhood obesity poses increased risk during rehabilitation, yet pediatric data are limited.

Objetive: To assess pediatric weight changes during subacute rehabilitation hospitalization and identify clinical or demographic factors contributing to weight gain.  

Methods: This retrospective cohort study (2010–2023) examined weight changes in 235 children hospitalized for at least two months in a tertiary pediatric rehabilitation center. From 320 records reviewed, 235 met inclusion criteria: age ≥3 years and complete data. Exclusions were age <3 years, rehabilitation <2 months, or missing information. Data extracted included demographics, diagnosis, surgeries, feeding methods, ADL and mobility status, and medications at admission and during rehabilitation. Weight was measured at admission and after two months to assess change.

 

 

 

Results: Children were divided into two groups: those who gained ≥5% body weight (n=132) and those with stable weight (n=103). Overall, 56.2% gained ≥5%, with an average gain of 4.41 kg vs. 0.38 kg in the stable group (p<0.001). Weight gain was linked to earlier admission, spinal cord injury, no dopaminergic medications, greater independence at admission, and larger FIM improvements. Trends also appeared for cognitive impairment and fewer orthopedic injuries.

 

 

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Conclusion: Findings highlight that more than half of children experience clinically significant weight gain during early rehabilitation. Targeted monitoring, nutrition counseling, and structured physical activity are recommended to mitigate excess weight gain while supporting recovery.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared