Oral feeding outcomes in neonates with congenital cardiac disease undergoing cardiac surgery

A Systematic Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Malnutrition in Children with Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the most common inborn disorders, with a prevalence of 0.8-1.2%. Affected children are often malnourished due to increased dietary requirements. This may lead to severe long-term complications. Several authoritative organizations have published guidelines addressing nutritional intervention in children with CHD. We aimed to systematically assess the consistency of recommendations, the methodological quality of these guidelines, and the quality of evidence supporting each recommendation. PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Database, World Health Organization Global Index Medicus, and 16 scientific societies' websites were searched for the period until September 2023. The guideline quality was assessed using the AGREE II tool. After screening 765 records, only 2 guidelines published in 2013 and 2022 met our inclusion criteria. The main reason for exclusion was the absence of any system for rating the evidence. The main issues concerned the lack of implementation advice or tools and the lack of criteria to measure the application of guideline recommendations. The included guidelines were of good quality and within specific recommendations, both publications were largely in agreement, and the score for the overall assessment was high (83%). There is a pressing need for comprehensive, multi-threaded guidelines incorporating implementation strategies and methods for the performance assessment of children with malnutrition and CHD.

Comparing Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Infants With Patent Ductus Arteriosus Stenting Versus Blalock-Taussig-Thomas Shunt: A Pilot Study

Background

Patent ductus arteriosus stenting (PDAS) is a nonsurgical alternative to Blalock-Taussig-Thomas shunt (BTTS) for infants with ductal-dependent congenital heart disease. In this single-center study, we aimed to compare neurodevelopmental outcomes in children who underwent BTTS as initial palliation versus PDAS.

Methods

Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development Screening Test (Bayley-III) reports and mode of feeding data were collected for any patient who underwent PDAS or BTTS at Rady Children's Hospital from 2013 to 2021. We also prospectively administered the Parents' Evaluation of Development Status questionnaire (PEDS) to parents of children aged 2-8 years in this patient population.

Results

Of the 99 patients, 64 received a Bayley-III assessment and/or PEDS screen. Of the 35 who had a Bayley-III, there was a higher proportion of patients with PDAS who scored as developmentally appropriate compared with BTTS. PEDS screen showed that a higher proportion of patients with PDAS had no parental concern for delay than that of patients with BTTS (63% vs 30%). Patients with BTTS were more likely to undergo gastrostomy tube placement than patients with PDAS.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that neurodevelopmental measures are feasible, clinically relevant, and should be included in comparative effectiveness studies of infant congenital interventions. Whether PDAS offers neurodevelopmental benefit over BTTS should be confirmed in a prospective powered randomized controlled clinical trial.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Tube-Feeding at Discharge in Infants following Early Congenital Heart Disease Surgery: A Single-Center Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

Oral feeding difficulty is common in infants after congenital heart disease (CHD) surgical repair and is associated with prolonged hospital stay and increased risk for tube-feeding at discharge (TF). The current understanding of the enteropathogenesis of oral feeding difficulty in infants requiring CHD surgery is limited. To determine the prevalence and risk factors for TF following CHD surgery in early infancy.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a 6-year single-center retrospective cohort study (2016-2021) of infants under 6 months who had CHD surgery. Infants required TF were compared with infants who reached independent oral feeding (IOF).

RESULTS

Of the final sample of 128 infants, 24 (18.8%) infants required TF at discharge. The risk factors for TF in univariate analysis include low birth weight, low 5-minute Apgar score, admitted at birth, risk adjustment in congenital heart surgery categories IV to VI, presence of genetic diagnosis, use of Prostin, higher pre- and postsurgery respiratory support, lower weight at surgery, lower presurgery oral feeding, higher presurgery milk calory, delayed postsurgery enteral and oral feeding, higher pre- and postsurgery gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), need for swallow study, abnormal brain magnetic resonance imaging (p < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, only admitted at birth, higher presurgery milk calories, and GERD were significant risk factors for TF. TF had significantly longer hospital stay (72 vs. 17 days) and lower weight gain at discharge (z-score: -3.59 vs. -1.94) compared with IOF (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of TF at discharge in our study is comparable to previous studies. Infants with CHD admitted at birth, received higher presurgery milk calories, and clinical GERD are significant risk factors for TF. Mitigating the effects of identified risk factors for TF will have significant impact on the quality of life for these infants and their families and may reduce health care cost.

KEY POINTS

· Oral feeding difficulty in infants after congenital heart disease surgical repair is common.. · Such infants require prolonged hospital stay and higher risk for tube-feeding at discharge.. · Identifying modifiable risk factors associated with tube-feeding can enhance clinical outcomes..

Feeding after congenital heart surgery: a mixed-methods study of the caregiver experience

OBJECTIVES

Feeding difficulties after congenital heart surgery are a common concern for caregivers of children with CHD. Insight into the intricacies of their experience is lacking. With a better understanding, healthcare providers can continue to optimize the approach and support mechanisms for these families. This study will explore the psychosocial impacts on caregivers, define barriers to care, and identify areas to improve their care.

STUDY DESIGN

This mixed-methods study combined semi-structured interviews with surveys. Purposive sampling targeted caregivers of a child who underwent heart surgery and was discharged with alternative enteral feeding access. A hybrid inductive-deductive methodology was used to analyse interview transcripts. Survey scores were compared to interview content for concordance.

RESULTS

Fifteen interviews were conducted with socio-demographically diverse caregivers. Feeding difficulties were often identified as their greatest challenge, with the laborious feeding schedule, sleep deprivation, and tube management being common contributors. Most caregivers described feeling overwhelmed and worried. Time-intensive feeding schedules and lack of appropriate childcare options precluded caregivers' ability to work. Barriers to care included imperfect feeding education, proximity of specialist clinics, and issues with medical supply companies. Caregiver proposals for improved care addressed easing the transition home, improving emotional support mechanisms, and intensifying feeding therapy for expedited tube removal.

CONCLUSION

This study describes the psychosocial toll on the caregiver, typical barriers to care, and ideas for improved provision of care. These themes and ideas can be used to advance the family-centered approach to feeding difficulties after heart surgery.

The final hospital need in children discharged from a cardiology acute care unit: a single-centre survey study

OBJECTIVE

Children with heart disease may require inpatient care for many reasons, but ultimately have a final reason for hospitalisation prior to discharge. Factors influencing length of stay in paediatric cardiac acute care units have been described but the last reason for hospitalisation has not been studied. Our aim was to describe Final Hospital Need as a novel measure, determine Final Hospital Need in our patients, and describe factors associated with this Need.

METHODS

Single-centre survey design. Discharging providers selected a Final Hospital Need from the following categories: cardiovascular, respiratory, feeding/fluid, haematology/ID, pain/sedation, systems issues, and other/wound issues. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed separately for outcomes "cardiovascular" and "feeding/fluid."

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Survey response rate was 99% (624 encounters). The most frequent Final Hospital Needs were cardiovascular (36%), feeding/fluid (24%) and systems issues (13%). Probability of Final Hospital Need "cardiovascular" decreased as length of stay increased. Multivariate analysis showed Final Hospital Need "cardiovascular" was negatively associated with aortic arch repair, Norwood procedure, and Final ICU Need "respiratory" and "other." Final Hospital Need "feeding/fluid" was negatively associated with left-sided valve procedure, but positively associated with final ICU need "respiratory," and tube feeding at discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

Final Hospital Need is a novel measure that can be predicted by clinical factors including age, Final ICU Need, and type of surgery. Final Hospital Need may be utilised to track changes in clinical care over time and as a target for improvement work.

The Impact of Early Enteral Nutrition on Post-operative Hospital Stay and Complications in Infants Undergoing Congenital Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Introduction: The congenital cardiac diseases (CHDs) are the leading cause of death in children. The CHDs detection and management have greatly improved over the past few decades. This review aimed to assess the effectiveness of early enteral nutrition (EEN) on postoperative outcomes in infants undergoing congenital cardiac surgery. Methods: Electronic databases PubMed, Clinical Key, UpToDate, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched for studies published in the English language, between 2004 and 2021. This review carried out based on PRISMA statement and studies qualities assessed using "Downs and Black score". Hospital stay, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, mechanical ventilation support, aortic cross clamping and cardiopulmonary bypass were as primary outcomes. Similarly infections, vomiting and mortality were as secondary outcomes of included studies. Results: This review consists of 887 infants from 10 studies. Of these, 470 infants were assigned to the intervention group and 417 to the control group. The post-operative hospital stay shorted in the EEN group than the control group (SMD=-0.63, 95% CI: -1.03 to -0.22, P=0.0, I²=87%). Similarly, EEN group lessen the ICU stay (SMD=-0.15, 95% CI: -0.42, 0.11, P=0.0, I²=71%), mechanical ventilation support (SMD=-0.31, 95% CI: -0.51, -08, P=0.08, I²=47%), aortic cross clamping (SMD=-0.92, 95% CI: -0.31, 2.4, P=0.00, I²=96%), and cardiopulmonary bypass (SMD=-0.0, 95% CI: -0.42 to 43, P=0.00, I²=71%). Secondary postoperative complications such as infections (RR=0.68, 95% CI: 0.43 to 1.08, P=0.40, I²=3%). vomiting (RR=1.47, 95% CI: 0.80 to 2.69, P=0.90, I²=0%) and postoperative mortality (RR=0.42, 95% CI: 0.03 to 5.82, P=0.00: I²=80%) significantly reduced. Conclusion: Postoperative outcomes were improved in the intervention group compared to the control group, including shorter hospital stays, ICU stays, mechanical ventilation, and less postoperative complications.

Prolonged Enteral Tube Feeding in Infants With a Functional Single Ventricle Is Associated With Adverse Outcomes After Fontan Completion

OBJECTIVES

To define the baseline characteristics of long-term tube-fed single ventricle patients, investigate associations between long-term enteral tube feeding and growth, and determine associations with long-term outcomes after Fontan procedure.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients in the Australia and New Zealand Fontan Registry undergoing treatment at the Royal Children's Hospital, the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Royal Melbourne Hospital, and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital from 1981-2018. Patients were defined as tube-fed (TF) or non-tube-fed (NTF) based on enteral tube feeding at age 90 days. Feeding groups were compared regarding BMI trajectory, BMI at last follow-up, and long-term incidence of severe Fontan failure.

RESULTS

Of 390 patients (56(14%) TF, 334(86%) NTF), TF was associated with right ventricular dominance, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, Norwood procedure, increased procedures prior to Fontan, extracardiac conduit Fontan, Fontan fenestration, and atrioventricular valve repair/replacement. TF patients were less likely to be in the higher compared with lowest 0-6 month BMI trajectory (P<0.01,P=0.03), had lower 6month weight-for-age z-scores (P<0.01) and length-for-age z-scores (P=0.01). TF were less likely to be overweight/obese at pediatric follow-up (HR=0.31,95%CI:0.12-0.80;P=0.02) and more likely to be underweight at adult follow-up ((HR=16.51; 5%CI:2.70-101.10;P<0.01).TF compared with NTF was associated with increased risk of severe Fontan failure (HR=4.13;95%CI=1.65,10.31;P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Prolonged infant enteral tube feeding is an independent marker of poor growth and adverse clinical outcomes extending long-term post-Fontan procedure.

Risk Factors for Tube Feeding at Discharge in Infants Undergoing Neonatal Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease: A Systematic Review

Approximately 30-50% of infants undergoing neonatal surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD) cannot meet oral feeding goals by discharge and require feeding tube support at home. Feeding tubes are associated with increased readmission rates and consequent hospital, payer, and family costs, and are a burden for family caregivers. Identification of modifiable risk factors for oral feeding problems could support targeted care for at-risk infants. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review is to determine risk factors for tube feeding at discharge in infants undergoing neonatal surgery for CHD. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a search was conducted using MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Studies published before 2010 were excluded. The search resulted in 607 records, of which 18 were included. Studies were primarily retrospective cohort designs and results were often inconsistent. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Critical Appraisal Tools. As a group, the studies exhibited substantial risk for bias. Based on the findings, infants who struggle with feeding preoperatively, experience increased nil per os duration and/or low oral feeding volume postoperatively, experience increased duration of mechanical ventilation, or have vocal cord dysfunction may be at risk for tube feeding at hospital discharge. Factors warranting further examination include cardiac physiology (e.g., aortic arch obstruction) and the relationship between neurodevelopment and oral feeding. Clinicians should use caution in assuming risk for an individual and prioritize early implementation of interventions that facilitate oral feeding development.

Evaluation of an Outpatient and Telehealth Initiative to Reduce Tube Dependency in Infants with Complex Congenital Heart Disease

Infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) often require supplemental nutrition via tube feeding, even after corrective surgical repair. The need for tube feeding can persist months after discharge home, and outpatient weaning from the tube can be a slow and difficult process. Lack of consensus exists in the literature as to the best approach to this challenge. We describe a single institution's initiative to decrease tube dependency after discharge through an intensive, telehealth-centric program for children with CHD. Of 16 children aged 1-26 months, 94% were able to be successfully tube weaned at home, with median time to tube-free of 12 days. No significant weight loss was noted during or after the wean process. Longer tube wean time was associated with older age at onset and comorbid genetic syndrome. Our telehealth-based intensive tube weaning program was successful but required a multidisciplinary team, targeted pre-participation patient evaluation, and frequent communication.

Assessing the Impact of Nasotracheal Intubation on Postoperative Neonates With Congenital Heart Disease: A Quality Improvement Project at a Single Heart Center

OBJECTIVES

Nasotracheal intubation (NTI) is associated with fewer unplanned extubations and improved oral motor skills compared with orotracheal intubation (OTI). Our study aimed to implement a practice change from OTI to NTI for neonatal cardiac surgery and assess impact on postoperative outcomes.

DESIGN

Single-center, prospective, quality improvement study.

SETTING

Academic children's hospital.

PATIENTS

One hundred thirty neonates undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.

INTERVENTIONS

NTI during index cardiac surgery.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Data were collected between January 2019 and April 2021. The study was implemented in three phases: retrospective: OTI neonates ( n = 43), I: safety and feasibility of NTI ( n = 17), and II: speech language pathology (SLP) evaluation on postoperative day 1 facilitated by NTI ( n = 70). Retrospective and phase I patients were combined for analysis. Groups were compared using Kruskal-Wallis test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test.Ninety-one percent of eligible neonates were nasotracheally intubated. There were no clinically significant complications. Days to first SLP encounter decreased from a median 4.5 days (interquartile range [IQR], 3.8-6.2) to 1.1 days (IQR, 1.0-1.9; p < 0.001). Oral readiness time decreased from a median of 6.6 days (IQR, 5.4-8.9) to 4.3 days (IQR, 3.4-8.6; p < 0.001). .

CONCLUSIONS

NTI is feasible and safe in neonatal cardiac surgery. System-level engagement with stakeholders is necessary to change clinical practice. NTI facilitates early SLP evaluation and treatment and significantly affects oral readiness after neonatal cardiac surgery.

Oral feeding dysfunction in post-operative infants with CHDs: a scoping review

Post-operative oral feeding difficulties in neonates and infants with CHD is common. While pre-operative oral feeding may be normal, oral feeding challenges manifest in the post-operative period without a clearly defined aetiology. The objective of this scoping review was to examine post-operative oral feeding in full-term neonates and infants with a CHD. Electronic databases query (1 January 1975-31 May 2021), hand-search of the reference lists of included studies, contact with experts, and review of relevant conferences were performed to identify quantitative studies evaluating post-operative oral feeding in full-term neonates and infants with a CHD. Associations with additional quantitative variables in these studies were also examined. Twenty-five studies met inclusion criteria. Eighty per cent were cohort studies that utilised retrospective chart review from a single institution. The primary variable of interest in all studies was oral feeding status upon discharge from neonatal hospitalisation. The most common risk factors evaluated with poor feeding at time of discharge were birth weight (36% of included studies), gestational age (44%), duration of post-operative intubation (48%), cardiac diagnosis (40%), and presence of genetic syndrome or chromosomal anomaly (36%). The most common health-related outcomes evaluated were length of hospital stay (40%) and length of ICU stay (16%). Only the health-related outcomes of length of hospital stay and length of ICU stay were consistently significantly associated with poor post-operative oral feeding across studies in this review. A clear aetiology of poor post-operative oral feeding remains unknown.

Surgically Acquired Vocal Cord Palsy in Infants and Children with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD): Description of Feeding Outcomes

Impaired swallowing in infants can impact upon the ability to feed orally, often resulting in dependency on supplementary feeding. Such difficulties can lead to an increased burden of care and associated costs. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the impact of vocal cord palsy (VCP), acquired intraoperatively during cardiac surgery, on the feeding outcomes of infants at a tertiary metropolitan children's hospital. An additional aim was to obtain preliminary information on the impact of feeding difficulties in this group on the quality of life of parents and families. A review of 48 patients who had been referred to the speech pathology service was undertaken. Participants presented with heterogeneous cardiac diagnoses, and had an initial Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS) at a median corrected age of 3.6 weeks. Sixty percent of participants presented with silent aspiration on VFSS. Thirty percent of participants required supplementary tube feeding more than 6 months post-surgery. Six percent of participants with poor feeding progress and persistent aspiration required further surgical intervention to support nutrition. Findings revealed no significant relationship between participant factors and the presence of feeding difficulties, however, infants with concomitant genetic and syndromic conditions were found to be most at-risk for long-term feeding difficulties. Analysis of informal parent questionnaire responses indicated parents experienced stress and anxiety after their child's discharge. This was noted in regard to their child's feeding, which impacts quality of life across a number of domains. Findings of this study highlight the importance of communicating the potential feeding difficulties to parents of at-risk infants prior to cardiac surgery. This study further highlighted the importance of routine post-operative otorhinolaryngology examinations following high-risk surgeries, as well as speech pathology management for all infants and children identified with VCP. Post-operative input from appropriately trained Speech Pathologists is vital in assisting parents to support and mitigate their child's difficulties through the provision of early intervention for feeding difficulties.

Evaluating dysphagia in infants with congenital heart disease using Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing

OBJECTIVE

Dysphagia is common in infants with congenital heart disease (CHD). However, there is minimal published data regarding its management outside of the perioperative period. The objective of this study is to describe the role of Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) in the diagnosis and management of dysphagia in infants with CHD.

METHODS

Infants with CHD who underwent FEES exam for evaluation of swallowing dysfunction between February 2015 and February 2021 at a university-based, tertiary care urban pediatric hospital were studied. Demographic data, presenting symptoms, medical history, and dysphagia history were examined. The validated Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale (DOSS) was used to standardize and compare dysphagia severity.

RESULTS

62 FEES exams were performed on 48 patients. All 48 patients were diagnosed with dysphagia and had a mean dysphagia severity score (DOSS) of 2.68. Patients with wet laryngeal congestion on presentation had worse mean DOSS score and were more likely to demonstrate aspiration on FEES exam (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in mean DOSS or presence of aspiration when comparing infants who had cardiothoracic surgery, vocal cord paralysis, or lower respiratory tract illness with those who had not (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

A FEES exam is an effective and well-tolerated procedure for evaluating swallowing dysfunction in pediatric patients with CHD and its use reduces radiation exposure for this vulnerable population. Wet laryngeal congestion was found to be predictive of more severe dysphagia and aspiration. There is no significant association between severity of dysphagia or aspiration on FEES exam and history of cardiac surgery, vocal cord paralysis, or lower respiratory tract illness.

Effects of different feeding intervals on the feeding outcomes of infants who underwent surgical repair of ventricular septal defects

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the present study is to explore the effect of different feeding intervals on the feeding outcomes of infants who underwent ventricular septal defect (VSD) closure.

METHODS

This study is a prospective, randomized controlled trial conducted by a provincial hospital in China. According to different feeding intervals, 78 eligible participants were randomly divided into Group A (2-h interval, n = 39) and Group B (3-h interval, n = 39). The basic clinical data, total feeding time, incidence of feeding intolerance, and nurse job satisfaction scores of the two groups were collected.

RESULTS

The total feeding time in Group A was significantly longer than that in Group B (142.5 ± 15.4 vs. 132.0 ± 16.1 min/d, p = .020). The nurse job satisfaction scores in Group A were significantly lower than those in Group B (101.7 ± 9.8 vs. 108.8 ± 10.1, p = .005). There were no significant differences in the duration of mechanical ventilation (3.7 ± 1.1 vs. 3.9 ± 1.0 d, p = .272), length of ICU stay (4.5 ± 1.1 d vs. 4.7 ± 0.9 d, p = .451), or length of hospital stay (13.2 ± 1.4 vs. 13.3 ± 1.0 d, p = .642) between the two groups. Although the incidence of feeding intolerance in Group A was slightly lower than that in Group B, the difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Feeding at an interval of 2 or 3 h has no significant effect on the feeding outcomes of infants, and feeding at intervals of 3 h can reduce nurses' workload and improve nursing job satisfaction.

Disruptions in the development of feeding for infants with congenital heart disease

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect for infants born in the United States, with approximately 36,000 affected infants born annually. While mortality rates for children with CHD have significantly declined, there is a growing population of individuals with CHD living into adulthood prompting the need to optimise long-term development and quality of life. For infants with CHD, pre- and post-surgery, there is an increased risk of developmental challenges and feeding difficulties. Feeding challenges carry profound implications for the quality of life for individuals with CHD and their families as they impact short- and long-term neurodevelopment related to growth and nutrition, sensory regulation, and social-emotional bonding with parents and other caregivers. Oral feeding challenges in children with CHD are often the result of medical complications, delayed transition to oral feeding, reduced stamina, oral feeding refusal, developmental delay, and consequences of the overwhelming intensive care unit (ICU) environment. This article aims to characterise the disruptions in feeding development for infants with CHD and describe neurodevelopmental factors that may contribute to short- and long-term oral feeding difficulties.

Enteral Nutrition in Term Infants with Congenital Heart Disease: Knowledge Gaps and Future Directions to Improve Clinical Practice

Optimal nutrition is essential to improve short- and long-term outcomes in newborns with congenital heart disease (CHD). Nevertheless, several issues on nutritional management and concerns about the potential risk of complications related to enteral feeding exist. This narrative review aims to summarize and discuss the available literature on enteral feeding in term infants with CHD. A wide variability in feeding management exists worldwide. Emerging approaches to improve nutritional status and outcomes in infants with CHD include: implementation of a standardized enteral feeding protocol, both preoperative and postoperative, clearly defining time of initiation and advancement of enteral feeds, reasons to withhold, and definitions of feeding intolerance; early minimal enteral feeding; enteral feeding in stable term infants on hemodynamic support; evaluation of enteral feeding in term infants with umbilical arterial catheters and during prostaglandin infusion; assessment and support of oro-motor skills; and promotion and support of breastfeeding and provision of mother's own milk or donor milk when mother's own milk is not available. As evidence from term infants is scarce, available observations and recommendations partially rely on studies in preterm infants. Thus, well-designed studies assessing standardized clinically relevant outcomes are needed to provide robust evidence and shared recommendations and practices.

Analysis of factors associated with prolonged post-operative course after surgical repair of aortic coarctation

OBJECTIVE

We sought to describe patient characteristics associated with prolonged post-operative length of stay in a contemporary cohort of infants who underwent isolated repair of aortic coarctation.

METHODS

We reviewed patients less than 1 year of age who underwent isolated repair of aortic coarctation at our institution from 2009 to 2016. Prolonged post-operative length of stay was defined as length of stay within the upper tertile for the cohort. Bivariate and multi-variable analyses were performed to determine independent risk factors for prolonged length of stay.

RESULTS

We reviewed 95 consecutive patients who underwent isolated repair of aortic coarctation, of whom 71 were neonates at the time of diagnosis. The median post-operative length of stay was 6.5 days. The upper tertile for post-operative length of stay was greater than 10 days; 32 patients within this tertile and 1 patient who died at 8.5 days after surgery were analysed as having prolonged post-operative length of stay. In a multi-variable analysis, pre-maturity (odds ratio: 3.5, 95% confidence interval: 1.2, 10.7), genetic anomalies (odds ratio: 4.7, 95% confidence interval: 1.2, 18), absence of pre-operative oral feeding (odds ratio: 7.4, 95% confidence interval: 2.4, 22.3), and 12-hour vasoactive-ventilation-renal score greater than 25 (odds ratio: 7.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.9, 29) were independently associated with prolonged length of stay.

CONCLUSIONS

In neonates and infants who underwent isolated repair of aortic coarctation, pre-maturity, genetic anomalies, lack of pre-operative oral feedings, and 12-hour vasoactive-ventilation-renal score more than 25 were independent risk factors for prolonged post-operative length of stay. Further study on the relationship between pre-operative oral feedings and post-operative length of stay should be pursued.

Effect of the Addition of Human Milk Fortifier to Breast Milk on the Early Recovery of Infants After Congenital Cardiac Surgery

Objective: This article studied the effect of breast milk supplemented with human milk fortifier (HMF) on the early recovery of infants after congenital cardiac surgery. Methods: Infants undergoing congenital cardiac surgery were randomly divided into an intervention group (n = 27) and a control group (n = 27). Infants in the intervention group received HMF, and those in the control group were exclusively breastfed. The nutritional indicators at discharge, the postoperative recovery status, and nutritional-related complications were recorded. Results: Compared with the control group at the time of discharge, the weight and albumin and prealbumin levels of the intervention group were significantly increased (P < 0.05). The length of hospital stay of the intervention group was significantly reduced compared with that of the control group (P < 0.05). Although the length of ICU stay for the intervention group was shorter than that of the control group, the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). No significant difference in the incidence of postoperative nutrition-related complications was noted between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Compared with breastfeeding alone, with HMF can improve postoperative weight gains, reduce the length of stay, and promote infants' early recovery after congenital cardiac surgery.

Gastrostomy Button Placement in Infants With Cyanotic Versus Acyanotic Congenital Heart Disease

BACKGROUND

Infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) may exhibit increased metabolic demands, and many will undergo placement of a gastrostomy to achieve adequate nutritional intake. There is a paucity of data, however, comparing the operative risks and overall complications of gastrostomy placement in cyanotic versus acyanotic infants with CHD. We hypothesized that patients with cyanotic CHD would have a higher rate of gastrostomy-associated complications than infants with acyanotic CHD.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent gastrostomy button placement after cardiac surgery for CHD between 2013 and 2018. Patients were stratified into cyanotic CHD and acyanotic CHD cohorts. Patient data were extracted from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons database and merged with clinical data related to gastrostomy placement and complications from chart review. Unadjusted analyses were used to find covariates associated with cyanotic CHD and acyanotic CHD, using a t-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test for continuous data, depending on normalcy, and χ² or Fisher's exact tests for categorical data depending on the distribution.

RESULTS

There were 257 infants with CHD who underwent gastrostomy placement during the study period, of which 86 had cyanotic CHD. There were no significant differences in baseline weight or preoperative albumin levels between the two groups. Patients with cyanotic CHD had a lower incidence of comorbid syndromes (P = 0.0001), higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons-European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery scores (P < 0.0001), and higher postoperative mortality rate (P = 0.0189). There was a higher rate of granulation tissue formation in patients with acyanotic CHD (48.5% versus 22.1%, P < 0.0001). There were no differences in other gastrostomy button-related complications, including leakage, wound infection, or dislodgement.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with acyanotic CHD demonstrated a higher incidence of granulation tissue. We found no difference in gastrostomy-specific complication rates between the two groups, with the notable exception of granulation tissue formation. Based on this study, the diagnosis of cyanotic CHD does not increase the risk of gastrostomy-related complications.

Individualized Family-Centered Developmental Care: An Essential Model to Address the Unique Needs of Infants With Congenital Heart Disease

BACKGROUND

Infants born with critical congenital heart disease (cCHD) who require surgical intervention in the newborn period are often hospitalized in a cardiac intensive care unit (CICU). Cardiac surgery and the CICU environment are traumatic to infants and their families. Infants are exposed to overwhelming stress, which can result in increased pain, physiologic instability, behavioral disorganization, disrupted attachment, and altered brain development. Individualized Family-centered Developmental Care (IFDC) is a model that can address the unique needs and developmental challenges of infants with cCHD.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this article is to (1) clearly describe the uniqueness of the infant with cCHD, including the medical, neurological, and parental challenges, and (2) propose methods to apply IFDC to support recovery of infants with cCHD in the CICU.

CONCLUSIONS

The experiences in the CICU shape the developing brain and alter recovery and healing, thus adversely impacting development. Individualized Family-centered Developmental Care is a promising model of care that nurses can integrate into the CICU to promote neuroprotection and development. Nurses can effectively integrate IFDC into the CICU by understanding the unique characteristics of infants with cCHD and applying IFDC interventions that include both maturity and recovery perspectives.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

The incorporation of IFDC interventions is essential for the infant with cCHD and should be a standard of care. Applying IFDC with a recovery perspective in all aspects of caregiving will provide opportunities for individualization of care and parent engagement, allowing infants in the CICU to recover from surgery while supporting both short- and long-term neurodevelopment.

Use of test weights for breastfeeding infants with congenital heart disease in a cardiac transitional care unit: a best practice implementation project

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this project was to promote breastfeeding among infants with congenital heart disease in a quaternary care academic children's hospital. We aimed to increase the total number of breastfeeding episodes among all patients in the Pediatric Cardiac Transitional Care Unit with implementation of pre- and post-breastfeeding (test) weights.

INTRODUCTION

Infants with congenital heart disease are able to breastfeed, but are often not encouraged to do so by healthcare providers. Fears and concerns relating to the inability to account for exact intake volumes through breastfeeding often prevent providers from supporting breastfeeding in these patients.

METHODS

This project used Joanna Briggs Institute's Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (JBI PACES) and Getting Research into Practice (GRiP) audit tool for promoting health practice change. A baseline medical record audit was conducted, followed by staff nurse education on breastfeeding test weights and the development of a parent education program. One follow-up audit measured compliance with best practice criteria for using breastfeeding test weights in infants with congenital heart disease.

RESULTS

Compliance rates for use of breastfeeding test weights and provision of parent education, with baseline rates of 7% and 0%, respectively, rose to 90%. Identification of maternal intent to breastfeed upon admission to the unit increased to 78% compliance from 0%. Eighty-four percent of healthcare staff were educated on breastfeeding test weights.

CONCLUSIONS

The safety of breastfeeding very ill infants was established. Breastfeeding episodes of all patients in the unit significantly increased after implementation of breastfeeding test weights and mothers of the sample patients expressed more confidence in breastfeeding their sick infants. Although barriers to breastfeeding for patients with congenital heart disease still persisted, this project had a positive impact on the culture of breastfeeding within the project unit. Increased healthcare provider education on breastfeeding will be essential to sustaining outcomes of this implementation.

Longitudinal growth in patients with single ventricle cardiac disease receiving tube-assisted feeds

OBJECTIVE

Children with single ventricle cardiac disease (SVCD) have poor growth in early life. Tube-assisted feeding (TF) is used to improve weight gain, but its impact on long-term growth remains unknown. We sought to compare the longitudinal growth of SVCD patients receiving TF after initial cardiac surgery with those fed entirely by mouth.

DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of SVCD patients who underwent initial surgical palliation between 1999 and 2009. We defined TF as the use of nasogastric, gastrostomy, or jejunostomy TF. We compared maximal attained growth z-scores for each year of life between TF and non-TF patients. A secondary analysis compared surgical and clinical factors between groups.

RESULTS

A total of 134 patients were included; 64% were male and 68% underwent the Norwood operation. One third of patients (44) received TF. Adjusting for age, TF patients had an average of 0.56 lower weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) than non-TF patients (P = 0.007) through the age of 6 years. Longitudinal height was not affected by TF status (P = 0.15). In a subanalysis of Norwood patients, TF patients had lower WAZ at initial hospital discharge despite longer LOS. TF patients had diminished WAZ after adjusting for complications, interstage hospitalizations, and timing of subsequent operations.

CONCLUSIONS

In this single-center study, patients with SVCD requiring TF at discharge from initial surgical palliation had diminished WAZ at discharge and on long-term follow-up, despite controlling for other identifiable risk factors. Further investigation is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon and to risk stratify infants who go home on TF.

Creation of a Standard Model for Tube Feeding at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Discharge

BACKGROUND

Feeding dysfunction is a common consequence of prematurity and illness in neonates, often requiring supplemental nasogastric (NG) or gastrostomy (GT) feeding tubes. A standardized approach to the discharge of infants receiving home enteral nutrition (HEN) is currently lacking.

METHODS

The Home Enteral Feeding Transitions (HEFT) program was developed to identify patients eligible for HEN and create a standard discharge process. A structured tool helped determine discharge timing and route, and a dedicated outpatient clinic was created for infants discharged on HEN. Demographic, inpatient, and outpatient data were prospectively collected and compared with a historical cohort.

RESULTS

A total of 232 infants discharged from our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) over 9 months met inclusion criteria. Ninety-eight (42%) were discharged with HEN, 68 NG and 30 GT, compared with 134 (58%) receiving full oral feeds. This represented a 10% increase in HEN utilization (P = 0.003) compared with our historical control group. Median HEN length of stay was 31.5 days compared with our historical average of 41 days (P = 0.23). Frequency of emergency department visits and admissions because of HEN was unchanged postintervention. Parents were satisfied (8.6/10), and 98% said they would choose HEN again. The median time to NG discontinuation after discharge was 13.5 days, with an estimated cost savings of $2163 per NICU day.

CONCLUSION

Our program is the first of which we know to use a standard care-process model to guide the decision-making and utilization of HEN at NICU discharge. HEFT shows that HEN at NICU discharge can be safe and effective, with high parental satisfaction.

Prevalence and outcomes for assisted home feeding in medically complex neonates

OBJECTIVE

To describe the prevalence and outcome of assisted home feeding (AHF) in medically complex neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients, and to identify variables associated with AHF in this population.

STUDY DESIGN

1223 infants who survived to discharge from 2013 to 2015 were identified in our single-center, retrospective cohort study at a large tertiary referral NICU. Demographic and selected disease-specific variables were compared between infants discharged on full oral feeding (PO) versus AHF.

RESULT

404 (33%) infants were discharged on AHF (NG = 201, GT = 186, NJ = 17). AHF neonates were born at an earlier gestational age, lower birth weight, had longer hospital admission, greater post-menstrual age at discharge, and had more associated co-morbidities compared to the PO group.

CONCLUSION

AHF was a frequently used and safe intervention in our large cohort of infants.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Treatment Study Level III.

Symptoms of problematic feeding in children with CHD compared to healthy peers

Children with CHD often experience difficulty with oral feeding, which contributes to growth faltering in this population. Few studies have explored symptoms of problematic feeding in children with CHD using valid and reliable measures of oral feeding. The purpose of this study was to describe symptoms of problematic feeding in children with CHD compared to healthy children without medical conditions, taking into account variables that may contribute to symptoms of problematic feeding. Oral feeding was measured by the Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool, a parent report assessment of feeding with evidence of validity and reliability. This secondary analysis used data collected from web-based surveys completed by parents of 1093 children between 6 months and 7 years of age who were eating solid foods by mouth. General linear models were used to evaluate the differences between 94 children with CHD and 999 children without medical conditions based on the Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool total score and four subscale scores. Covariates tested in the models included breathing tube duration, type of CHD, gastroesophageal reflux, genetic disorder, difficulty with breast- or bottle-feeding during infancy, cardiac surgery, and current child age. Children with CHD had significantly more symptoms of problematic feeding than healthy children on the Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool total score, more physiologic symptoms, problematic mealtime behaviours, selective/restrictive eating, and oral processing dysfunction (p &lt;0.001 for all), when taking into account relevant covariates. Additional research is needed in children with CHD to improve risk assessment and develop interventions to optimise feeding and growth.

High-energy nutrition in paediatric cardiac critical care patients: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that feeding a high-energy formula (HF) to infants after cardiac surgery increases energy intake, with fewer side effects on cardiopulmonary function. However, impacts on weight gain and gastrointestinal function remain unclear.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To determine the impact of HF compared with standard formula on weight gain and gastrointestinal tolerance in postoperative infants with congenital heart disease.

DESIGN

This was a randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

The setting of the study was at a 20-bed cardiac intensive care unit at a tertiary children's hospital in China. Study population included infants <1 year of age who underwent cardiac surgery and were allocated to the intervention group (n = 32) or control group (n = 32). The intervention group received HF (100 kcal/100 mL), and the control group received standard formula (67 kcal/100 mL) for 7 days during the stabilized postoperative period at the cardiac intensive care unit. Primary outcomes were weight gain and gastrointestinal intolerance. Secondary outcomes were energy intake and standard intensive care characteristics.

RESULTS

Infants who received HF (n = 30) showed less weight loss than those who received standard formula (n = 29); -16 g [95% confidence interval (CI): -74 to 42] versus -181 g (95% CI: -264 to -99), P = 0·001. The evaluation of gastrointestinal intolerance showed that the intervention group had several side effects, such as abdominal distension (n = 1), gastric retention (n = 2) and diarrhoea (n = 1), while the control group had no problems. Enteral energy intake in the intervention group was higher than the control group from day three.

CONCLUSION

Infants after cardiac surgery fed with HF gained more weight but had increased feeding intolerance. However, the feeding intolerance symptoms could be relieved by medication and did not affect feeding advancement.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Paediatric intensive care clinicians should consider gradually increasing the energy density of the formula during feeding and assess feeding intolerance signs in some children with malnutrition after cardiac surgery.

Postoperative feeding problems in patients with tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary atresia, and major aortopulmonary collaterals undergoing unifocalisation surgery

BACKGROUND

Patients with tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary atresia, and major aortopulmonary collaterals are at risk for prolonged hospitalisation after unifocalisation. Feeding problems after congenital heart surgery are associated with longer hospital stay. We sought to determine the impact of baseline, intra-operative, and postoperative factors on the need for feeding tube use at the time of discharge.

METHODS

We included patients with the aforementioned diagnosis undergoing unifocalisation from ages 3 months to 4 years from 2010 to 2016. We excluded patients with a pre-existing feeding tube. Patients discharged with an enteric tube were included in the feeding tube group. We compared the feeding tube group with the non-feeding-tube group by univariable and multi-variable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of the 56 patients studied, 41% used tube feeding. Median age and weight z-score were similar in the two groups. A chromosome 22q11 deletion was associated with the need for a feeding tube (22q11 deletion in 39% versus 15%, p=0.05). Median cardiopulmonary bypass time in the feeding tube group was longer (335 versus 244 minutes, p=0.04). Prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation was associated with feeding tube use (48 versus 3%, p=0.001). On multi-variable analysis, prolonged mechanical ventilation was associated with feeding tube use (odds ratio 10.2, 95% confidence intervals 1.6; 63.8).

CONCLUSION

Among patients with tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary atresia, and major aortopulmonary collaterals who were feeding by mouth before surgery, prolonged mechanical ventilation after unifocalisation surgery was associated with feeding tube use at discharge. Anticipation of feeding problems in this population and earlier feeding tube placement may reduce hospital length of stay.

The development of a consensus-based nutritional pathway for infants with CHD before surgery using a modified Delphi process

IntroductionDespite improvements in the medical and surgical management of infants with CHD, growth failure before surgery in many infants continues to be a significant concern. A nutritional pathway was developed, the aim of which was to provide a structured approach to nutritional care for infants with CHD awaiting surgery.Materials and methodsThe modified Delphi process was development of a nutritional pathway; initial stakeholder meeting to finalise draft guidelines and develop questions; round 1 anonymous online survey; round 2 online survey; regional cardiac conference and pathway revision; and final expert meeting and pathway finalisation.

RESULTS

Paediatric Dietitians from all 11 of the paediatric cardiology surgical centres in the United Kingdom contributed to the guideline development. In all, 33% of participants had 9 or more years of experience working with infants with CHD. By the end of rounds 1 and 2, 76 and 96% of participants, respectively, were in agreement with the statements. Three statements where consensus was not achieved by the end of round 2 were discussed and agreed at the final expert group meeting.

CONCLUSIONS

Nutrition guidelines were developed for infants with CHD awaiting surgery, using a modified Delphi process, incorporating the best available evidence and expert opinion with regard to nutritional support in this group.

Predictors of Postoperative Rehabilitation Therapy Following Congenital Heart Surgery

Background

Patients with congenital heart disease are at risk of motor, cognitive, speech, and feeding difficulties after cardiac surgery. Rehabilitation therapy could improve functional outcomes in this population if applied in the acute postcardiac surgical in‐hospital stay. However, information on the types of acute postcardiac surgery therapy needs in children is scarce. Our goal was to describe rehabilitation therapy following congenital heart surgery and pre/intraoperative factors associated with need for therapy.

Methods and Results

This is a retrospective cohort study of patients <18 years undergoing heart surgery at our center from January 1, 2013 to January 31, 2015. Demographic, and pre‐, intra‐, and postoperative clinical and rehabilitation therapy (physical, occupational, speech, feeding therapy, and neurodevelopment intervention) data were collected. Need for rehabilitation therapy in the acute postoperative period, particularly following palliative repair, was the outcome variable in a multivariable logistic regression model to identify independent pre‐ and intraoperative factors associated with therapy. A total of 586 out of 1415 (41%) subjects received rehabilitation therapy postsurgery. Certain subgroups had increased rehabilitation therapy use such as neonates (80%). On multivariable analysis, palliative repair, prematurity, genetic syndrome, presurgical hospital stay of more than 1 day, and prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time were independently associated with rehabilitation therapy.

Conclusions

Nearly half of patients who underwent post–congenital heart surgery received rehabilitation therapy. Frequency of use and types of therapy vary according to patient characteristics; however, certain pre‐ and intraoperative factors are associated with need for rehabilitation therapy, and may aid decision‐making for appropriate resource allocation.

Oral feeding outcomes in infants with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to explore oral feeding outcomes in infants born with type-C esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of all infants born between January 2005 and December 2015 undergoing surgery for type-C EA/TEF at the University of Alberta Hospital was performed.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven infants were identified, of which 61.4% were exclusively orally feeding at discharge home. Variables anticipated to predict oral feeding were explored. Only 46% of babies with a structural cardiac anomaly had exclusive oral feeding compared to 79% without cardiac anomaly, p=0.055. Logistic regression identified the presence of structural cardiac anomaly and corrected gestational age at discharge as significant negative predictor variables for exclusive oral feeding at discharge home. Additional regression analyses found early transanastomotic feeding to be a significant positive predictor for the discontinuation of PN.

CONCLUSION

We report the rate of oral feeding at discharge for infants born with type-C EA/TEF and identify predictor variables. This information is important for health care professionals and the families of children born with EA/TEF, because a significant number will go home with supplemental nutrition by gavage tube or other routes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 2.

Evaluating the Impact of a Feeding Protocol in Neonates before and after Biventricular Cardiac Surgery

INTRODUCTION

Feeding difficulties and malnutrition are important challenges when caring for newborns with critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) without clear available guidelines for providers. This study describes the utilization of a feeding protocol with the focus on standardization, feeding modality, and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) utilization postoperatively.

METHODS

Patients included neonates with CCHD undergoing complex biventricular repair using cardiopulmonary bypass. Data were collected in 2013 preintervention and from 2015 to 2017 postintervention. The feeding protocol outlined guidelines for and postoperative use of TPN. Adverse outcomes data included rates of central line-associated bloodstream infections, necrotizing enterocolitis, chylothorax, and vocal cord dysfunction. Balance outcomes measured were weight for age Z-score at discharge, number of abdominal radiographs obtained, readmission within 90 days, and central venous line utilization.

RESULTS

We included a total of 121 neonates: 49 in the preintervention group and 72 in the postintervention group. The protocol standardized feeding practices in CCHD neonates undergoing surgery with improved compliance from 70% early in the study period to 90% at the end of the study. Infants were fed enterally more preoperatively (86% versus 67%; P = 0.023), reached a fluid goal sooner (63 hours versus 72 hours; P = 0.035), and postoperative duration of TPN usage was significantly shorter in the postintervention period (48 hours versus 62 hours; P = 0.041) with no increase in adverse outcome events or unintended consequences.

CONCLUSIONS

By implementing a feeding protocol, we reduced practice variation among providers, increased the number of patients fed enterally preoperatively and reduced postoperative use of TPN without increased complications.

Toward standardization of care: The feeding readiness assessment after congenital cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND

Feeding practices after neonatal and congenital heart surgery are complicated and variable, which may be associated with prolonged hospitalization length of stay (LOS). Systematic assessment of feeding skills after cardiac surgery may earlier identify those likely to have protracted feeding difficulties, which may promote standardization of care.

METHODS

Neonates and infants ≤3 months old admitted for their first cardiac surgery were retrospectively identified during a 1-year period at a single center. A systematic feeding readiness assessment (FRA) was utilized to score infant feeding skills. FRA scores were assigned immediately prior to surgery and 1, 2, and 3 weeks after surgery. FRA scores were analyzed individually and in combination as predictors of gastrostomy tube (GT) placement prior to hospital discharge by logistic regression.

RESULTS

Eighty-six patients met inclusion criteria and 69 patients had complete data to be included in the final model. The mean age of admit was five days and 51% were male. Forty-six percent had single ventricle physiology. Twenty-nine (42%) underwent GT placement. The model containing both immediate presurgical and 1-week postoperative FRA scores was of highest utility in predicting discharge with GT (intercept odds = 10.9, P = .0002; sensitivity 69%, specificity 93%, AUC 0.913). The false positive rate was 7.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

In this analysis, systematic and standardized measurements of feeding readiness employed immediately before and one week after congenital cardiac surgery predicted need for GT placement prior to hospital discharge. The FRA score may be used to risk stratify patients based on likelihood of prolonged feeding difficulties, which may further improve standardization of care.

Noncompliance to a Postoperative Algorithm Using Feeding Readiness Assessments Prolonged Length of Stay at a Pediatric Heart Institute

Introduction:

Variable compliance to postoperative feeding algorithms after pediatric cardiac surgery may be associated with suboptimal growth, decreased parental satisfaction, and prolonged hospital length of stay (LOS). Our heart center performed an audit of compliance to a previously introduced postoperative feeding algorithm to guide quality improvement efforts. We hypothesized that algorithm noncompliance would be associated with increased LOS.

Methods:

We retrospectively identified children ≤ 3 months admitted for their first cardiac surgery between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2016. The algorithm uses objective oral feeding readiness assessments (FRA). At the end of a predefined evaluation period, a “sentinel” FRA score is assigned. The sentinel FRA and FRA trend guide decisions to pursue gastrostomy tube (GT) or oral-only feeds. Among those who reached the sentinel FRA, we defined compliance as ≤ 3 days before pursuing GT or oral-only feeds once indicated by the algorithm.

Results:

Sixty-nine patients were included. Forty-nine complied with the algorithm (71%), and 45 received GT (65.2%). Noncompliers had significantly longer LOS (34 versus 25 days; P = 0.01). Among GT recipients, noncompliers waited 6 additional days for a GT compared with compliers (P ≤ 0.001). Subjective decisions to extend oral feeding trials or await results of a swallow study were associated with algorithm noncompliance.

Conclusions:

This audit of compliance to a feeding algorithm after pediatric cardiac surgery highlighted variability of practice, including relying on subjective appraisals of feeding skills over objective FRAs. This variability was associated with increased LOS and can be hypothesis-generating for future quality improvement efforts.

Feeding difficulties in neonates following cardiac surgery: determinants of prolonged feeding-tube use

Aim The aims of this study were to examine the prevalence and potential correlates of feeding difficulties in infants who underwent cardiac surgery in the neonatal period and to investigate resource utilisation by infants with feeding difficulties.

METHODS

All neonates who underwent their first cardiac surgery at the Heart Centre for Children, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, between January and December, 2009 were included. Demographic, preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were collected via electronic medical records. For the purpose of this study, feeding difficulty was defined as the requirement for ongoing tube feeding at the time of discharge home or transfer to another hospital.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 79 neonates, 24 (30%) were discharged home or transferred to another hospital with a feeding tube. Feeding difficulties were associated with the presence of a genetic syndrome (p<0.0001), assisted feeding preoperatively (odds ratio (OR)=4.4, p=0.03), and having a palliative procedure before biventricular repair (OR=5.1, p=0.02). Infants with feeding difficulties had significantly more reviews by speech pathologists (M=5.9, SD=7.9), dieticians (M=5.9, SD=5.4), and cardiac clinical nurse consultants (M=1.2, SD=1.4) compared with those without feeding difficulties.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified factors that can be used in the early recognition of infant feeding difficulties, to help guide the direction of limited health resources, as well as being focal points for future research and clinical practice improvement.

Preoperative Intubation and Lack of Enteral Nutrition are Associated with Prolonged Stay After Arterial Switch Operation

Mortality for the arterial switch operation (ASO) has diminished significantly over the past few decades. Some patients do, however, continue to have protracted and complicated courses after surgery. We attempted to determine which preoperative factors were best associated with prolonged hospital stay after ASO. We retrospectively reviewed all patients that underwent an ASO over a 10-year period. Outcomes of patients with postoperative stays (POS) >14 days (long stay group-LS) were compared with those patients with POS < 7 days (short stay group-SS). The following variables were evaluated: age at surgery, weight, septostomy performed (BAS) and management the day prior to surgery including use of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), inotropes, intubation status and the establishment of enteral feeds. The SS group had 25 patients and the LS group had 32 patients. Both groups (SS vs. LS) were similar in PGE1 use (48 vs. 69 %), BAS (76 vs. 59 %), age at surgery (6 vs. 7 days) and preoperative inotropes (12 vs. 38 %). The SS group had significantly higher incidence of preoperative feeding (80 vs. 31 %, p < 0.001) and less frequent intubation (12 vs. 47 %, p < 0.001). Patients who are intubated and have not yet begun to receive enteral feeds at the time of their ASO are more likely to have prolonged POS. It is unclear if prolonged stays were a result of operating on patients with worse preoperative hemodynamics or a consequence of a preoperative management strategy that did not allow for extubation and establishment of feeds prior to surgery.

Nutrition Support for Children Undergoing Congenital Heart Surgeries: A Narrative Review

Energy imbalance in infants and children with congenital heart disease (CHD) is common and influenced by age, underlying cardiac diagnoses, and presence or absence of congestive heart failure. During the surgical hospitalization period, these children are prone to nutritional deterioration due to stress of surgery, anesthetic/perfusion techniques, and postoperative care. Poor nutrition is associated with increased perioperative morbidity and mortality. This review aims to examine various aspects of nutrition in critically ill children with CHD, including (1) energy expenditure, (2) perioperative factors that contribute to energy metabolism, (3) bedside practices that are potentially able to optimize nutrient delivery, and (4) medium- to long-term impact of energy balance on clinical outcomes. We propose a nutrition algorithm to optimize nutrition of these children in the perioperative period where improvements in nutrition status will likely impact surgical outcomes.

Nutritional status and clinical outcome in postterm neonates undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease

OBJECTIVE

Poor growth is a common complication in infants with congenital heart disease. There has been much focus on low birth weight as having increased risk of adverse outcomes following neonatal heart surgery. In this study, we examined whether preoperative nutritional status, measured by admission weight-for-age z score, was associated with postoperative clinical outcome.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

SETTING

Pediatric Cardiac ICU at the Royal Brompton Hospital.

PATIENTS

Neonates undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease. Those undergoing ductus arteriosus ligation alone were excluded. Children with coexisting noncardiac morbidity were excluded. Outcome variables included prevalence of postoperative complications (including sepsis, delayed chest closure, renal impairment, and necrotizing enterocolitis), duration of ventilation, intensive care stay, postoperative mortality, and mortality at 1 year after surgery.

INTERVENTIONS

None. Analysis of patient data only.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Two hundred forty-eight neonates fulfilled the entry criteria. Median (interquartile range) age was 7 days (2-15 d), median (interquartile range) weight was 3.3 kg (2.91-3.6 kg), and median weight-for-age z score was -0.77 (-1.44 to 0.01). Twenty-eight children (11%) had a weight-for-age z score of less than -2. There was no evidence that children with lower weight-for-age z score had less severe surgery as measured by the Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery 1 score. In multivariable regression analysis, the weight-for-age z at admission had strong correlation with the number of days free of respiratory support (invasive and noninvasive ventilation) at 28 days (p < 0.0001) and with all-cause mortality at 1 year (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Poor nutritional status as measured by weight-for-age z is associated with adverse short- and long-term outcomes in neonates undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease.

Supporting Oral Feeding Skills Through Bottle Selection

Infants who have feeding difficulties often struggle with coordinating sucking, swallowing, and breathing, and have difficulty eating sufficient quantities for adequate growth. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) need advanced expertise across a number of areas (e.g., development, medical, swallowing) to work effectively with these young infants, and they use a variety of strategies when treating this population. Therapists working with infants who have feeding difficulties use bottles as a primary therapy tool; how the infant tolerates the flow rate from the bottle/nipple is a major consideration. Caregivers must understand the influence of bottle/nipple flow rates on eating skills, so they can support the emerging oral skill development for these fragile infants, and help parents decide what bottle system to use in their home. Both infant and equipment factors influence bottle/nipple flow rates. This article discusses the influencing factors that need to be considered when determining the optimal flow rate for an individual infant.

Improved nutrition delivery and nutrition status in critically ill children with heart disease

BACKGROUND

This initiative sought to improve nutrition delivery in critically ill children with heart disease admitted to the cardiac ICU (CICU) and neonates undergoing stage 1 palliation (S1P) for single-ventricle physiology through interdisciplinary team interventions. Specific goals were increased caloric and protein delivery for all patients and a more nourished state for infants with single ventricles at the time of discharge.

METHODS

We developed a nutrition flow sheet in the electronic health record to track whether daily nutrition goals were met. Interventions included nurses reporting daily whether caloric and protein goals were met, mandatory involvement of feeding specialists, and introduction of an enteral nutrition guideline. For infants undergoing S1P, weight-for-age z score (as an indicator for assessing malnutrition) was calculated at admission and discharge.

RESULTS

The percentage of patient days per month when daily caloric goals were met increased from 50.1% to 60.7%, and protein goals met increased from 51.6% to 72.7%. Hospital length of stay, need for ventilation, and mortality did not differ. Patients undergoing S1P demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in weight-for-age z score compared with the preintervention group (P = .003). Thirteen S1P patients were discharged undernourished in the preintervention group; 5 were severely undernourished. In the intervention group, 4 patients were discharged undernourished, and none were severely undernourished.

CONCLUSIONS

This initiative resulted in improved nutrition delivery for a heterogeneous population of cardiac patients in the CICU as well as significant improvements in weight gain and nourishment status at discharge in infants undergoing S1P.

Evaluation of swallowing in infants with congenital heart defect

Introduction Surgical repair of congenital heart disease in the first years of life compromises the coordination of the suction, breathing, and swallowing functions. Objective To describe the alterations in swallowing found in infants with congenital heart defect during their hospitalization. Methods Prospective, cross-sectional study in a reference hospital for heart disease. The sample consisted of 19 postsurgical patients who underwent an evaluation of swallowing. The infants included were younger than 7 months and had a diagnosis of congenital heart defect and suspected swallowing difficulties. Results Of the 19 infants with congenital heart defect, the median age was 3.2 months. A significant association was found between suction rhythm and dysphagia (p = 0.036) and between oral-motor oral feeding readiness and dysphagia (p = 0.014). Conclusions The data suggest that dysphagia often occurs after surgery in infants with congenital heart defect. Infants with congenital heart defect had very similar behavior to preterm infants in terms of oral feeding readiness.

Perspectives on statistics education: observations from statistical consulting in an academic nursing environment

Statistics knowledge is essential for understanding the nursing and health care literature, as well as for applying rigorous science in nursing research. Statistical consultants providing services to faculty and students in an academic nursing program have the opportunity to identify gaps and challenges in statistics education for nursing students. This information may be useful to curriculum committees and statistics educators. This article aims to provide perspective on statistics education stemming from the experiences of three experienced statistics educators who regularly collaborate and consult with nurse investigators. The authors share their knowledge and express their views about data management, data screening and manipulation, statistical software, types of scientific investigation, and advanced statistical topics not covered in the usual coursework. The suggestions provided promote a call for data to study these topics. Relevant data about statistics education can assist educators in developing comprehensive statistics coursework for nursing students.