Journal of Nutritional Disorders & Therapy

Real food through the tube renewed interest in an old feeding strategy

International Conference on Pediatric Nutrition

August 01-02, 2016 New Orleans, USA

Teresa W Johnson and Amy Spurlock

Troy University, USA

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Nutr Disorders Ther

Abstract:

For most of human history, attempts to feed individuals unable to eat by mouth utilized blended whole foods as the feeding substrate. In the late 20th century health care providers abandoned blended food tube feeding (BFTF) in favor of commercial formulas due to concerns of high bacterial loads, clogged tubes and unknown nutrient composition. Advances in surgical procedures, improved tubing and pumps, medical plan cost coverage and a myriad of standard and disease-specific formulas has made BFTF practically a relic in nutrition support until recently. Although commercial formulas are easy to administer and typically well tolerated, a subset of the population experiences tube feeding intolerance unresponsive to standard interventions and others desire a more physiologic feeding including parents of tube fed children. Scant evidence demonstrates BFTF alleviates tube feeding intolerance and may advance oral feeding in children. We surveyed registered dietitians/nutritionists (RDN) working with tube fed children about their experiences with BFTF in clinical practice. In this convenience sample (N=244), nearly 58% reported they use and recommend BFTF when patient selection criteria are met. Twenty eight percent were familiar with BFTF but wanted more information and 12% did not use or recommend it due to previously identified concerns or lack of ability to follow up with families. Among RDNs who use it, nearly 80% percent reported overall positive outcomes and 70% cited parent request as the most common initiator. Younger RDNs had less experience and wanted more information on BFTF compared to older RDNs. Basic information and suggested resources are identified.

Biography :

Email: tjohnson@troy.edu