Medical Nutrition Therapy

MNT: Special Needs (2015)

• Intervention
  In patients with intellectual disabilities or special needs (including Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Neural Tube Defects), what is the effectiveness of MNT provided by the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) on nutrition-related outcomes (i.e., weight, feeding difficulties, nutrient intake, nutrient deficiencies)?

  • Conclusion
    There is a paucity of research assessing the effectiveness of MNT provided by nutrition professionals (registered dietitian, nutritionist, etc.) for the intellectual disability and special needs population. Only one positive-quality RCT was identified since 1975 meeting this project’s inclusion criteria. This study supports the effectiveness of MNT by a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) at improving anthropometric outcomes in 20 adolescents with Autism or Down Syndrome. Additional research is required to evaluate the frequency and duration of MNT visits by RDN in patients with intellectual disabilities and special needs population.
  • Grade: IV
    • Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
    • Grade II is Fair;
    • Grade III is Limited/Weak;
    • Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
    • Grade V is Not Assignable.
    • High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
    • Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
    • Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
    • Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
    • Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.
  • Evidence Summary: In patients with intellectual disabilities or special needs (e.g., Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, neural tube defects), what is the effectiveness of MNT provided by the registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) on nutrition-related outcomes (i.e., weight, feeding difficulties, nutrient intake, nutrient deficiencies)?
    • Detail
    • Quality Rating Summary
      For a summary of the Quality Rating results, click here.
    • Worksheets
      • Ptomey LT, Sullivan DK, Lee J, Goetz JR, Gibson C, Donnelly JE. The use of technology for delivering a weight loss program for adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2015; 115(1): 112-118.
  • Search Plan and Results: MNT: Special Needs 2015
     
  In patients with intellectual disabilities or special needs (including Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Neural Tube Defects), what is the cost effectiveness of MNT by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) on non-nutrition related outcomes (i.e., hospitalization, medication use, use of health care system, number of medical visits)?

  • Conclusion
    No published research was identified to assess the cost benefit of MNT provided by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) on nutrition-related outcomes for patients with intellectual disabilities or special needs. Future research is required to ascertain the cost effectiveness, benefit or savings of MNT provided by a RDN for this patient population.
  • Grade: V
    • Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
    • Grade II is Fair;
    • Grade III is Limited/Weak;
    • Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
    • Grade V is Not Assignable.
    • High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
    • Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
    • Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
    • Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
    • Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.
  • Evidence Summary: What is the cost effectiveness of MNT by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) on non-nutrition related outcomes (i.e., hospitalization, medication use, use of health care system, number of medical visits) in patients with special needs?
    • Detail
  • Search Plan and Results: MNT: Special Needs 2015