Depending on your child's diagnosis and reason for the visit, there are many possible tests that may be performed. Some tests may be measured at every visit and other tests are usually periodically measured. Possible tests include :
- Weight, height, head circumference: growth measurements taken on a scale, stadiometer and using a tape measure.
- Recording of dietary intake: may be just a 24-hour recall or you may be requested to fill out a form for a 3-day food record.
- Skinfold measurements: assesses body fat and muscle stores using calipers.
- Labs: check blood levels for electrolytes, liver function test, vitamin and mineral levels and others as needed.
- Urine samples: assessing for electrolyte, glucose and/or protein losses.
- Stool collections: could be a one-time test or a 72-hour collection to check for fat malabsorption. If necessary, may need to analyze it for other nutrient losses.
- Indirect calorimetry: assesses energy expenditure using computerized system where the patient lies under a clear hood so the expired CO2 is collected and analyzed.
Our services include :
- Nutritional assessment including growth and dietary assessment and monitoring
- Co-ordinating the provision of disease specific diets while an inpatient
- Nutrition education of disease specific diets
- Education, provision and monitoring of diets for weight loss, weight gain and weight maintenance
- Assessment and advice on initiation, continuation and cessation of enteral and parenteral nutrition
- A lifestyle change intervention (action plan) with intensive treatment during six clinic visits within three to six months followed by maintenance visits up to one year.
- Psychologist treatment plan based on initial screening.
- Maintenance and relapse prevention visits with the clinical team.
The NutritionAssesmentLaboratory, located in the Endoscopy Unit of the Division of GI/Nutrition, provides state of the art techniques for the assesment of body composition and energy expenditure. Percent body fat and lean body mass are measured with a non-invasive technique called "bioelectrical impedance analysis" or BIA. Energy expenditure is also measured non-invasively with indirect calorimetry.
