A child is defined as “medically fragile” when, due to abuse or neglect, illness, congenital disorder or brain injury, he/she requires medications, treatments and/or specialized care or equipment.

Some conditions that may qualify a child as medically fragile are:

• Fetal alcohol syndrome
• Chronic conditions such as Cystic Fibrosis, Down syndrome or post organ transplant care
• Cerebral Palsy
• Prematurity
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Epilepsy
• Failure to thrive

Common treatments and procedures that a medically fragile child may require are:

• A feeding tube placed in the nose, stomach or small intestine to deliver nutrients.
• Intravenous therapy
• Oxygen support or ventilator
• Urinary catherization
• Cardiorespiratory monitoring

Reviewed by Melissa Hendrickson, RN and Director of Health Services at Penfield Children’s Center.

The Medically Fragile Child. <medicallyfragilechild.com>