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The Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System in a population‐based sample of preschool children with cerebral palsy
Author(s) -
Benfer Katherine A,
Weir Kelly A,
Bell Kristie L,
Ware Robert S,
Davies Peter S W,
Boyd Roslyn N
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
developmental medicine and child neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.658
H-Index - 143
eISSN - 1469-8749
pISSN - 0012-1622
DOI - 10.1111/dmcn.13403
Subject(s) - gross motor function classification system , cerebral palsy , intraclass correlation , odds ratio , cohort , population , medicine , dysphagia , physical therapy , pediatrics , psychology , psychometrics , surgery , clinical psychology , environmental health
Aim To determine (1) the reproducibility of the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System ( EDACS ); (2) EDACS classification distribution in a population‐based cohort with cerebral palsy ( CP ); and (3) the relationships between the EDACS and clinical mealtime assessment, other classifications, and health outcomes. Method This was a cross‐sectional population‐based cohort study of 170 children with CP at 3 years to 5 years (mean 57.6mo, standard deviation [ SD ] 8.3mo; 105 males, n =65 females). Functional abilities were representative of a population sample (Gross Motor Function Classification System level I=74, II =34, III =21, IV =18, V=23). The EDACS was the primary classification of mealtime function. The Dysphagia Disorders Survey was the clinical mealtime assessment. Gross motor function was classified using the Gross Motor Function Classification System. Results EDACS classification had 88.3% intrarater agreement ( κ =0.84, intraclass correlation coefficient=0.95; p <0.001) and 51.7% interrater agreement ( κ =0.36, intraclass correlation coefficient=0.79; p <0.001). In total, 56.5% of children were classified as EDACS level I. There was a strong stepwise relationship between the Dysphagia Disorders Survey and EDACS ( r =0.96, p <0.001). Parental stress (odds ratio=1.3, p =0.05) and feeding tubes (odds ratio=6.4, p <0.001) were significantly related to more limited function on the EDACS . Interpretation The EDACS presents a viable adjunct to clinical assessment of feeding skills in children with CP for use in surveillance trials and clinical practice. A rating addendum would be a useful contribution to the tool to enhance reproducibility.