Factors associated with age of presentation of pediatric feeding disorder

Aim: Understanding the association between pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) and age of presentation is limited. We aimed to investigate factors associated with PFD among different age groups. Methods: Retrospective analysis of medical records of infants and toddlers diagnosed with PFD, according to the World Health Organization-based definition. We compared children aged 1–12 months to those aged 13–72 months. Results: Included were 253 children with PFD (median [interquartile range] age 16.4 [9.5–33] months at diagnosis, 56% boys). Significantly more children in the younger age group were girls (52.6% vs. 34.4%, respectively, p =.03) and preterm (25% vs. 14%, p =.03). They had more hospitalizations (34% vs. 23%, p =.03) and needed more prescription medications (36% vs. 17%, p <.01). Additionally, disturbances in oral intake were primarily linked to feeding skills dysfunction in the younger group and nutritional dysfunction in the older group (39.6% vs. 23.7% and 55% vs. 38%, respectively, p =.02). Conclusions: Infants under 1 year old with PFD represent a distinct patient group with unique characteristics and outcomes. The age of presentation plays a significant role in children with PFD, necessitating tailored treatment strategies.