Cerebral Palsy (CP)NCT07351695
Assessment of Nutritional Status Using Mid-Upper Arm Circumference Z-Score in Children With Cerebral Palsy
An observational study of Cerebral Palsy (CP) and Malnutrition in Children, run by Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Children with cerebral palsy are at increased risk of malnutrition due to motor impairment, feeding difficulties, and chronic health problems. Accurate assessment of nutritional status in this population can be challenging, particularly when standard anthropometric measurements are difficult to obtain. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 months to 18 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Cerebral Palsy (CP), Malnutrition in Children
- How many people
- 84 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Oct 2023to 30 Jan 2025
- How long will I take part?
- 1 Day
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 months to 18 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child, Adult
Study population: The study population consists of children and adolescents with a confirmed diagnosis of cerebral palsy who are followed at a tertiary referral center. Participants are recruited during routine outpatient follow-up visits and represent a wide spectrum of motor and feeding functional severity. The population includes patients across all levels of gross motor function and eating and drinking ability, allowing evaluation of nutritional status across varying degrees of functional impairment. Anthropometric and clinical data are collected as part of standard care, without any modification to routine clinical management. This population reflects a real-world clinical setting in which nutritional assessment is routinely performed in children with cerebral palsy, including those with severe motor and feeding limitations.
Who may be able to join
- Children and adolescents with a confirmed diagnosis of cerebral palsy
- Age between 18 months and 18 years at the time of assessment
- Attendance at routine outpatient follow-up at the study center during the study period
- Availability of anthropometric measurements required for nutritional assessment
- Availability of functional classification using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and/or the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS)
- Written informed consent obtained from a parent or legal guardian
Who cannot join
- Presence of acute illness or infection at the time of assessment that could interfere with anthropometric measurements
- Known genetic syndromes or metabolic disorders affecting growth independently of cerebral palsy
- Incomplete clinical or anthropometric data preventing classification of nutritional status
- Previous major surgery or hospitalization within a period that could significantly influence nutritional measurements (as determined by the treating clinician)
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Muğla Sıtkı Koçman Research and Training Hospital
Menteşe, Muğla, 48000
About this study
Official title: Assessment of Nutritional Status in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Children with cerebral palsy are at increased risk of malnutrition due to motor impairment, feeding difficulties, and chronic health problems. Accurate assessment of nutritional status in this population can be challenging, particularly when standard anthropometric measurements are difficult to obtain.
This observational study aims to evaluate nutritional status in children with cerebral palsy using the mid-upper arm circumference Z-score (MUACZ) and to examine its relationship with functional severity levels. Anthropometric measurements and clinical data will be collected during routine outpatient visits. Nutritional status will be classified using predefined reference standards, and associations with motor and feeding function classifications will be analyzed.
The findings of this study are expected to contribute to a better understanding of practical approaches for nutritional assessment in children with cerebral palsy across different ages and functional levels.
Read the detailed description
Cerebral palsy is a non-progressive neurodevelopmental condition frequently associated with motor dysfunction, feeding difficulties, and impaired growth. Malnutrition remains a common and clinically important comorbidity in children with cerebral palsy and is associated with adverse health outcomes, including increased susceptibility to infections, reduced muscle strength, and diminished quality of life. Despite its clinical relevance, accurate nutritional assessment in this population is often complicated by postural limitations, contractures, and difficulties in obtaining reliable weight and height measurements.
This cross-sectional, observational study is designed to assess nutritional status in children with cerebral palsy using anthropometric indicators, with a particular focus on the mid-upper arm circumference Z-score (MUACZ). MUACZ is derived from age- and sex-adjusted reference standards and can be obtained with minimal equipment, making it potentially suitable for use across a wide range of functional severity levels.
The study will include pediatric patients with a confirmed diagnosis of cerebral palsy who attend routine follow-up visits at a tertiary care center. Anthropometric measurements, including mid-upper arm circumference, body mass index-for-age, and height-for-age Z-scores, will be recorded according to standardized procedures. Functional severity will be classified using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS).
Nutritional status will be categorized based on predefined Z-score thresholds. Statistical analyses will examine the distribution of nutritional status across functional severity levels and evaluate the performance of MUACZ in identifying undernutrition using established cutoff values. All analyses will be conducted using appropriate statistical software, and the study will adhere to relevant ethical standards, with informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians.
This study does not involve any intervention or alteration of standard clinical care. Data are collected solely for observational and analytical purposes.
- Conditions
- Cerebral Palsy (CP), Malnutrition in Children
- Keywords
- Cerebral palsy, Child nutrition disorders, Anthropometry, Body Mass Index, Feeding and Eating Disorders, Malnutrition, Motor Activity, Nutritional Status
- Medical subject headings
- Cerebral Palsy, Child Nutrition Disorders, Feeding and Eating Disorders, Malnutrition, Motor Activity
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Cerebral Palsy | This observational study includes a single cohort of pediatric patients with a confirmed diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Participants are enrolled during routine outpatient follow-up visits at a tertiary care center. Within the cohort, participants are categorized according to nutritional status based on predefined anthropometric criteria and according to functional severity using established classification systems. No separate control group is included. Comparisons are performed within the cohort across nutritional status categories and functional severity levels to evaluate distributions and associations. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Prevalence of undernutrition in children with cerebral palsy
Undernutrition status will be determined using predefined anthropometric Z-score criteria. Undernutrition is defined as the presence of wasting (body mass index-for-age Z-score ≤ -2) and/or stunting (height-for-age Z-score ≤ -2), based on standardized growth references.
Measured: At study enrollment (single assessment during routine outpatient visit).
Secondary outcomes (3)
Distribution of nutritional status across functional severity levels
The distribution of undernutrition will be evaluated across functional severity categories as defined by the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS).
Measured: At study enrollment.
Association between MUACZ and functional severity classifications
The relationship between mid-upper arm circumference Z-score (MUACZ) values and functional severity levels (GMFCS and EDACS) will be analyzed using appropriate statistical methods.
Measured: At study enrollment.
Performance of MUACZ in identifying undernutrition
The ability of MUACZ to identify undernutrition will be evaluated using receiver operating characteristic analysis with a predefined cutoff value (≤ -2).
Measured: At study enrollment.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted20 Jan 2026
- Study start1 Oct 2023
- Primary completion30 Jan 2025
- Study completion30 Jan 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Cerebral Palsy (CP)Studies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Case only
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 84 participants (actual)
- Target duration
- 1 Day
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Hülya Kayılıoğlu, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07351695
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- CP-220086
- Status last verified
- Jan 2026
- First submitted
- 10 Jan 2026
- Last updated
- 20 Jan 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: De-identified individual participant data underlying the results reported in this study, including demographic variables, anthropometric measurements, and functional classification data.
Publications
Orucoglu Baska G, Kayilioglu H. Diagnostic accuracy of mid-upper arm circumference-for-age Z-score (MUACZ) for detecting malnutrition in children with cerebral palsy: a cross-sectional study. BMC Pediatr. 2026 Mar 6;26(1):306. doi: 10.1186/s12887-026-06639-3.
PubMed 41792652
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 20 Jan 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Assessment of Nutritional Status in Children With Cerebral Palsy
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07351695
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- CP-220086
- Conditions
- Cerebral Palsy (CP), Malnutrition in Children
- Keywords
- Cerebral palsy, Child nutrition disorders, Anthropometry, Body Mass Index, Feeding and Eating Disorders, Malnutrition, Motor Activity, Nutritional Status
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 84 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Muğla Sıtkı Koçman UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Oct 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Jan 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 Jan 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 20 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Children with cerebral palsy are at increased risk of malnutrition due to motor impairment, feeding difficulties, and chronic health problems. Accurate assessment of nutritional status in this population can be challenging, particularly when standard anthropometric measurements are difficult to obtain.
This observational study aims to evaluate nutritional status in children with cerebral palsy using the mid-upper arm circumference Z-score (MUACZ) and to examine its relationship with functional severity levels. Anthropometric measurements and clinical data will be collected during routine outpatient visits. Nutritional status will be classified using predefined reference standards, and associations with motor and feeding function classifications will be analyzed.
The findings of this study are expected to contribute to a better understanding of practical approaches for nutritional assessment in children with cerebral palsy across different ages and functional levels.
Detailed description
Cerebral palsy is a non-progressive neurodevelopmental condition frequently associated with motor dysfunction, feeding difficulties, and impaired growth. Malnutrition remains a common and clinically important comorbidity in children with cerebral palsy and is associated with adverse health outcomes, including increased susceptibility to infections, reduced muscle strength, and diminished quality of life. Despite its clinical relevance, accurate nutritional assessment in this population is often complicated by postural limitations, contractures, and difficulties in obtaining reliable weight and height measurements.
This cross-sectional, observational study is designed to assess nutritional status in children with cerebral palsy using anthropometric indicators, with a particular focus on the mid-upper arm circumference Z-score (MUACZ). MUACZ is derived from age- and sex-adjusted reference standards and can be obtained with minimal equipment, making it potentially suitable for use across a wide range of functional severity levels.
The study will include pediatric patients with a confirmed diagnosis of cerebral palsy who attend routine follow-up visits at a tertiary care center. Anthropometric measurements, including mid-upper arm circumference, body mass index-for-age, and height-for-age Z-scores, will be recorded according to standardized procedures. Functional severity will be classified using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS).
Nutritional status will be categorized based on predefined Z-score thresholds. Statistical analyses will examine the distribution of nutritional status across functional severity levels and evaluate the performance of MUACZ in identifying undernutrition using established cutoff values. All analyses will be conducted using appropriate statistical software, and the study will adhere to relevant ethical standards, with informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians.
This study does not involve any intervention or alteration of standard clinical care. Data are collected solely for observational and analytical purposes.
Study design
- Observational model
- Case only
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Target follow-up
- 1 Day
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Cerebral Palsy | – | –This observational study includes a single cohort of pediatric patients with a confirmed diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Participants are enrolled during routine outpatient follow-up visits at a tertiary care center. Within the cohort, participants are categorized according to nutritional status based on predefined anthropometric criteria and according to functional severity using established classification systems. No separate control group is included. Comparisons are performed within the cohort across nutritional status categories and functional severity levels to evaluate distributions and associations. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 months to 18 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
- Study population
- The study population consists of children and adolescents with a confirmed diagnosis of cerebral palsy who are followed at a tertiary referral center. Participants are recruited during routine outpatient follow-up visits and represent a wide spectrum of motor and feeding functional severity. The population includes patients across all levels of gross motor function and eating and drinking ability, allowing evaluation of nutritional status across varying degrees of functional impairment. Anthropometric and clinical data are collected as part of standard care, without any modification to routine clinical management. This population reflects a real-world clinical setting in which nutritional assessment is routinely performed in children with cerebral palsy, including those with severe motor and feeding limitations.
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Children and adolescents with a confirmed diagnosis of cerebral palsy
- Age between 18 months and 18 years at the time of assessment
- Attendance at routine outpatient follow-up at the study center during the study period
- Availability of anthropometric measurements required for nutritional assessment
- Availability of functional classification using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and/or the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS)
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Presence of acute illness or infection at the time of assessment that could interfere with anthropometric measurements
- Known genetic syndromes or metabolic disorders affecting growth independently of cerebral palsy
- Incomplete clinical or anthropometric data preventing classification of nutritional status
- Previous major surgery or hospitalization within a period that could significantly influence nutritional measurements (as determined by the treating clinician)
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Primary outcome
Prevalence of undernutrition in children with cerebral palsy
Time frame: At study enrollment (single assessment during routine outpatient visit).
Undernutrition status will be determined using predefined anthropometric Z-score criteria. Undernutrition is defined as the presence of wasting (body mass index-for-age Z-score ≤ -2) and/or stunting (height-for-age Z-score ≤ -2), based on standardized growth references.
3 secondary outcomes
Distribution of nutritional status across functional severity levels
Time frame: At study enrollment.
Association between MUACZ and functional severity classifications
Time frame: At study enrollment.
Performance of MUACZ in identifying undernutrition
Time frame: At study enrollment.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 20 Jan 2026.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 41792652Orucoglu Baska G, Kayilioglu H. Diagnostic accuracy of mid-upper arm circumference-for-age Z-score (MUACZ) for detecting malnutrition in children with cerebral palsy: a cross-sectional study. BMC Pediatr. 2026 Mar 6;26(1):306. doi: 10.1186/s12887-026-06639-3.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. De-identified individual participant data underlying the results reported in this study, including demographic variables, anthropometric measurements, and functional classification data.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Cerebral Palsy (CP) and Malnutrition in Children, run by Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 20 Jan 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Prevalence of undernutrition in children with cerebral palsy (time frame: At study enrollment (single assessment during routine outpatient visit).). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07351695, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 20 Jan 2026.