HMC organises first paediatric medical nutrition symposium

The dietetics department at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), in collaboration with the Paediatrics Department, organised the ‘First Paediatric Medical Nutrition Symposium’. The symposium aimed to raise awareness among dietitians and paediatricians about the importance of dietetics, diseases and disorders associated with paediatric nutrition and appropriate feeding methodologies.More than 120 participants comprising dietitians, paediatricians and dietetics experts from HMC, Primary Health Care Corporation, Sidra Medical and Research Center, private sector hospitals and clinics, and Qatar University, took part in the one-day event. A dietetics expert from the UK was also present.Reem al-Saadi, head of HMC’s dietetics department, said, “Topics such as allergies to cow milk and esophageal reflux in paediatric patients were discussed. The symposium also focused on the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding tube method used for children with special needs who suffer muscle atrophies and swallowing difficulties.“Behavioural issues in children with nutritional risks were also discussed. Speakers at the symposium reiterated the importance of teamwork through the collaborative efforts of dietitians, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals as central to the success of nutritional care plans.” Dr Ahmad al-Hammadi, senior consultant and chairman of HMC’s paediatrics department, indicated that allergies to cow milk are common among infants and toddlers with a prevalence rate of 2 to 4% in children younger than one year of age. He stressed the importance of an early diagnosis of an allergy to cow milk, which is characterised by symptoms such as a rash, vomiting, diarrhoea, and chest wheezing. “These symptoms may appear immediately after ingesting cow milk or 72 hours after ingestion. This disorder may recede once the child reaches the age of five,” he explained.“A cow milk or baby formula allergy is sometimes accompanied by other types of allergies such as gluten, cereal and nut allergies. Results of allergy tests, body weight and height, and family history must also be taken into account to reach a precise diagnosis,” Dr al-Hammadi pointed out.Children diagnosed with a formula allergy are put on medicated formula at Hamad General Hospital. Dietitians at the hospital place these children under observation and follow-up, and prescribe the appropriate diet for them. Dr al-Hammadi advised parents to watch their children’s weight as a low body mass index, especially within the first two years of age, may sometimes be a sign of health problems such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, or malnutrition. He called on parents to ensure they provide their children with balanced diets. However, he said parents should never force their children to eat but rather encourage them.