International classification of functioning, disability and health framework (ICF) based adaptive functioning outcomes of children with organic acidemias from a middle-income country.

OBJECTIVE

The World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Framework (ICF) states that a child's health conditions, functions, activities, participation in life and contextual factors shape disability. Research on the development of children with organic acidemias (OA) mostly focused on cognitive and medical outcomes. This study aimed to examine adaptive functioning of children with OAs based on ICF.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, children with propionic academia, methylmalonic acidemia and maple syrup urine disease receiving care at Ankara University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Metabolism Division were recruited. Comprehensive developmental assessments included ICF-based methods. Adaptive functioning was measured with Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-Second Edition.

RESULTS

The sample comprised 22 children with a median age of 47.5 months (IQR: 35-73.5). Most mothers (64%) had less than 5 years of education, half had depression. Two children (9%) were attending to school, 14 (64%) were not regularly playing with friends. Fourteen children (64%) had significant communication delays, 12 (55%) had significant problems in daily living skills, and 12 (55%) in social skills. Mean adaptive behavior composite score was 65.5 ± 16.8 (low), children with feeding disorders had significantly more low adaptive behavior composite scores than children with no feeding disorder diagnosis (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results imply that children with OAs from Turkey, a middle-income country had major difficulties in functioning, activities, participation and contextual factors. Feeding problems appeared as a risk factor for lower adaptive functioning. ICF-based assessments and interventions are urgently needed in the management of children with OAs.