Weaning children off enteral nutrition by netcoaching versus onsite treatment: a comparative study

Telemedicine in nutritional management of children with severe neurological impairment: implication for quality of life

Children with severe neurological impairment (SNI) frequently present feeding problems requiring a close monitoring of their nutritional status. In addition to constant clinical monitoring of body composition and nutritional indexes in these patients, frequent reports of dietary intake and weight gain variations are useful to ensure proper nutritional management. Furthermore, non-oral feeding is often needed to avoid malnutrition or aspiration pneumonia, constantly necessitating medical assistance. Despite their necessity for frequent hospital accesses, these patients' disabilities represent an important obstacle to accessing care, generating anxiety and concern in children and their families. Telemedicine has proven to be a promising instrument for improving pediatric patients' healthcare in several fields. By breaking down geographical and temporal barriers, telehealth may represent a valuable tool to implement in clinical practice, in order to improve patients' outcomes and quality of life. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the main nutritional issues in children with SNI, the potential implications of telemedicine in their management and the available evidence regarding the effects and benefits of telehealth.

Structured Tube Weaning Using the Hunger Provocation Method in Infants with Single Ventricle Heart Defects: A Multicenter Study

Despite improvement in hemodynamics, children with single ventricle heart disease remain on feeding tubes long after stage 2 palliation (S2P). Use of a hunger provocation method in a multidisciplinary team setting has been successful at weaning these children from feeding tubes. The objective of this study is to describe patient characteristics and outcomes in the single ventricle population who underwent a formal tube weaning process using a standardized hunger provocation method. Single ventricle patients after S2P from six centers were included. Patient data collected included baseline demographics, swallow evaluation results, and feeding characteristics such as percent oral intake at the start of tube wean. Tube wean data included tube weaning process and duration, interruptions to the tube wean, adverse events, and weights before, during, and after the tube wean. 94% (60 of 64) of patients achieved oral independence. The median time to tube wean was 12.5 days. 62% of patients had transient weight loss during the tube wean. 61% of the cohort was taking less than 10% goal volumes by mouth with 90% of those patients successfully tube weaned. All patients with history of aspiration were successfully tube weaned. 75% of successfully weaned patients were above baseline weight at 1-month post-tube wean. The most common cause of tube wean interruption was contraction of a viral illness. Use of a standardized tube weaning process via hunger provocation method is both feasible and safe in the single ventricle population, resulting in successful feeding tube removal in a timely manner with minimal adverse effects.

Experiences in Tube Weaning Children with Congenital Heart Disease and Oral Feeding Aversion

Infants and children with congenital heart disease (CHD) often require supplemental nutrition via tube feeding before and after surgery. Tube feeding may be required due to poor weight gain, inadequate oral-motor skills, and/or reduced endurance for oral feeding. Our team has described a successful approach to weaning this population (Horsley et al. (2022) Pediatr Cardiol 43:1429-1437). A subgroup of tube-fed patients with CHD who demonstrate oral feeding aversion (OA) presents unique challenges to the tube weaning process. We discuss our team's experience with tube weaning orally averse children with CHD. Of 36 patients enrolled in the Cincinnati Children's Heart Institute Cardiology Feeding Tube Wean Clinic, 11 (31%) were determined to have oral feeding aversion (OA) by a speech-language pathologist (SLP). Descriptive data comparing the OA group to the non-averse group was gathered prior to and during the wean. Both groups had the ability to tube wean successfully, although the OA group had lower median oral intake (9 vs 24%) and higher age at start of the wean (9 vs 4 months). Those with OA also had a longer median duration of wean in days (17 vs 12 days) and higher likelihood of return to tube feeds within six-month post-wean (22 vs 0%). Additionally, the OA group had a higher percentage of genetic syndromes (36 vs 16%), although this was not found to be statistically significant in this study. Children with OA present with unique challenges for tube weaning. The results of this study show that weaning children with CHD and OA is possible with a multidisciplinary team who is knowledgeable about this population.

Pediatric Tube Weaning: A Meta-Analysis of Factors Contributing to Success

Approximately 3-10% of children have severe feeding issues, and some require enteral/tube nutrition to grow and thrive. For many children, tube feeding is temporary, making efficacious interventions for tube weaning essential. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of tube weaning treatments. Outcomes included percentage of participants completely weaned from the tube, and mean percentage of kilocalories consumed orally following treatment. Data were extracted from 42 studies, including cohort studies and single-subject research design studies. We evaluated moderators of treatment success, including treatment setting, use of behavioral approaches, use of hunger provocation, and use of a multidisciplinary approach. Results indicated that, after treatment, children received significantly more calories orally, and 67-69% of children were fully weaned. These analyses suggest that current interventions are generally effective; however, variability within treatments exist. Prospective randomized clinical trials are needed to understand effective components of weaning interventions.

The Association of Tube Weaning and Oral Skill Development in Infants With Tube Dependency: A Prospective Study

OBJECTIVE

This study was the first of its kind by assessing oral skills development during and after applying the "Graz Model" of tube weaning.

METHODS

This prospective case series study included data of 67 (35 females, 32 males, treated from March 2018 to April 2019) tube dependent children, who participated in the effective "Graz Model" of tube weaning. Parents filled out the standardized Pediatric Assessment Scale for Severe Feeding Problems (PASSFP) prior to and immediately after completion of the program. Paired sample t tests were conducted to examine pre-to-post changes in the children's oral skills.

RESULTS

The study showed that oral skills increased significantly during tube weaning PASSFP score of 24.76 (standard deviation, SD = 12.38) prior to versus 47.97 (SD = 6.98) after completion of the program. Furthermore, significant changes in their sensory and tactile perception and in their general eating behavior were observed. Children also showed reduced oral aversion symptoms and food pocketing, could enjoy their meals, and increased their food repertoire. Mealtime duration could be decreased, and parents were less anxious about their infants' intake and less frustrated because of their children's eating behavior.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study demonstrated for the first time that tube dependent children can improve their oral skills significantly during and after their participation in the child-led approach of the "Graz model" of tube weaning.

A time and cost analysis of speech pathology paediatric feeding services delivered in-person versus via telepractice

INTRODUCTION

Telepractice models of care have the potential to reduce the time and financial burdens that consumers may experience accessing healthcare services. The current study aimed to conduct a time and financial cost analysis of paediatric feeding appointments accessed via telepractice (using videoconferencing) compared to an in-person model.

METHODS

Parents of 44 children with paediatric feeding disorders (PFDs) residing in a metropolitan area completed three questionnaires relating to (a) demographics, (b) time and cost for in-person care and (c) time and cost for telepractice. Both cost questionnaires collected data required for direct and indirect costs comparisons (e.g. out-of-pocket costs associated with the appointment (direct), time away from usual duties (indirect)). Average number of services accessed by each participant, and PFD appointments conducted annually by the service, were collected from service statistics. Analysis involved cost minimisation and cost modelling from a societal perspective.

RESULTS

The telepractice appointment resulted in significant time (p = 0.007) and cost (AUD$95.09 per appointment, SD = AUD$64.47, p = < 0.0001) savings per family. The health service cost was equivalent for both models (AUD$58.25). Cost modelling identified cost savings of up to AUD$475.45 per family if 50% of appointments in a 10-session block were converted to telepractice. Potential cost savings of AUD$68,750.07 per annum to society could be realised if 50% of feeding appointments within the service were provided via telepractice.

DISCUSSION

The telepractice model offered both time and cost benefits. Future service re-design incorporating hybrid services (in-person and telepractice) will help optimise benefits and minimise burden for families accessing services for PFDs.

Evaluating Outcome Measure Data for an Intensive Interdisciplinary Home-Based Pediatric Feeding Disorders Program

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an interdisciplinary home-based feeding program, which is a unique service delivery model. Methods: Data were provided on oral intake, tube feeding elimination, and weight for patients who were dependent on tube feedings (n = 78). Weight data were collected for patients who showed failure to thrive (n = 49). Number of foods consumed and percentage of solids were collected for patients who were liquid-dependent (n = 23), and number of foods consumed were collected for patients who were food-selective (n = 61). Results: Data were analyzed using paired sample t-test with 95% confidence interval. For patients dependent on tube feedings, 81% achieved tube feeding elimination. Tube elimination was achieved after 8 months of treatment on average. All failure-to-thrive patients showed weight gain from baseline to discharge. For liquid-dependent patients, there was an increase in foods consumed from 2 foods at admission to 32 foods at discharge. For food selective patients, there was an increase from 4 foods at admission to 35 foods at discharge. For all dependent variables, results showed statistical significance and a large-sized effect. Conclusions: These data show that an intensive interdisciplinary home-based program can be successful in treating complex feeding problems in children.

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.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Young Children With Feeding and Eating Problems and Disorders and Their Families

OBJECTIVES

The incidence of feeding and eating problems and disorders (FEPD) in children increased during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young children with FEPD and their parents.

METHODS

Cross-sectional survey: parents of children with FEPD (0-11 years) in the Netherlands completed an online questionnaire (January-April 2021). This questionnaire included 4 demographic questions (including criteria of pediatric feeding disorder [PFD] and/or avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder [ARFID]) and 11 questions related to experienced impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Parental responses regarding children with FEPD (including PFD and ARFID) were compared with those of healthy controls (HCs).

RESULTS

In total, 240 children (median age, 5.5 years; interquartile range [IQR], 3.5-7.9 years; 53.3% female) were included; 129 children with FEPD and 111 HC. Most children with FEPD fulfilled criteria for PFD (n = 119; 92.2%) and/or ARFID (n = 117; 90.7%). Parents of children with FEPD reported more stress (of their child [ P = 0.014] and parental stress [ P = 0.014]), worse eating by the child ( P < 0.001), more negative relations within the family ( P = 0.006), and less support from the environment ( P = 0.001) compared with parents of HC during the COVID-19 pandemic than before.

CONCLUSIONS

It seems that the COVID-19 pandemic had great impact on young children with FEPD and their parents because parents of children with FEPD reported significantly more perceived stress within both the child and parents, more difficult eating behavior of the child, more negative behavior between family members, and less support from the environment as compared with HC.

Behavior Analytic Feeding Interventions: Current State of the Literature

The purpose of this paper was to review the current state of the behavior analytic feeding intervention literature. We highlight studies that we found to be important contributions to the recent literature in the following areas: food selectivity, chewing, packing, and food refusal/tube weaning and provide suggestions for future research and clinical work in these areas. We also discuss several current topics relevant to the field in hopes to further advance research and clinical practice. These topics include considering the benefits of innovative models of service delivery such as telehealth and caregiver-implemented interventions, the importance of evaluating long-term outcomes of behavioral feeding interventions, and lastly, ethical issues to consider in the designing and implementation of behavioral feeding interventions and training of practitioners in our field.

Appetite guided approach to pediatric enteral tube weaning in the home setting pilot study

BACKGROUND

Infants and children, who temporarily use feeding tubes to maintain body composition and growth, often have difficulty resuming oral feeds once medically stable. We report survey results from Growing Independent Eaters (GIE), an interdisciplinary approach providing home-based virtual support during a child-led appetite guided enteral wean.

METHOD

Surveys addressing participant wean success, weight, and feeding practices were sent to 76 families who participated in a GIE-led wean; 31 surveys were completed and returned.

RESULTS

All participants who were not eating or drinking orally pre-wean, fully or partially weaned off enteral support. Infants weaned faster (37.7 days) than children (80.1 days). Mean weight loss during the intervention was 6.6% for infants and 5.9% for children. Six-months post-wean 93% of participants surpassed their pre-wean weight.

CONCLUSION

The GIE method was successful for weaning infants and children off enteral support. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Weaning children from prolonged enteral nutrition: A position paper

Enteral nutrition (EN) allows adequate nutritional intake in children for whom oral intake is impossible, insufficient or unsafe. With maturation and health improvements, most children ameliorate oral skills and become able to eat orally, therefore weaning from EN becomes a therapeutic goal. No recommendations currently exist on tube weaning, and practices vary widely between centres. With this report, the French Network of Rare Digestive Diseases (FIMATHO) and the French-Speaking Group of Paediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Nutrition (GFHGNP) aim to develop uniform clinical practice recommendations for weaning children from EN. A multidisciplinary working group (WG) encompassing paediatricians, paediatric gastroenterologists, speech-language therapists, psychologists, dietitians and occupational therapists, was formed in June 2018. A systematic literature search was performed on those published from January 1, 1998, to April 30, 2020, using MEDLINE. After several rounds of e-discussions, relevant items for paediatric tube weaning were identified, and recommendations were developed, discussed and finalized. The WG members voted on each recommendation using a nominal voting technique. Expert opinion was applied to support the recommendations where no high-quality studies were available.

Telepractice and Dysphagia Management: The Era of COVID-19 and Beyond

The COVID-19 pandemic drove rapid and widespread uptake of telepractice across all aspects of healthcare. The delivery of dysphagia care was no exception, with telepractice recognized as a service modality that could support social distancing/infection control, overcome service delivery challenges created by lockdowns/service closures, and address consumer concerns about attending in-person appointments. Now, almost two years since most services first rapidly deployed telepractice, it is time to reflect on the big picture, and consider how telepractice will continue as a service option that is sustained and integrated into mainstream dysphagia care. It is also timely to consider the research agenda needed to support this goal. To this end, in this paper we present 4 discussion topics, which raise key considerations for the current and future use of telepractice within adult and pediatric dysphagia services. These are (1) Dysphagia services must meet consumer and service needs; (2) Aspects of dysphagia services can be safely and reliably provided via telepractice; (3) Telepractice can be used in flexible ways to support the delivery of dysphagia services; and (4) Providing quality dysphagia services via telepractice requires planned implementation and evaluation. Then directions for future research are discussed. These considerations are presented to help shift perspectives away from viewing telepractice as simply a COVID-19 "interim-care solution". Rather, we encourage clinicians, services, and researchers to embrace a future of "integrated care", where traditional dysphagia services are combined with telepractice models, to enhance the quality of care provided to our clients.

The evolution and utilization of telehealth in ambulatory nutrition practice

The term telehealth is often used interchangeably with telemedicine. Telemedicine involves the electronic exchange of medical information between two remote sites for the optimization of patient care, whereas telehealth is the application of all electronic communication and delivery systems in the provision of healthcare. Telehealth gives patients an opportunity to communicate with their healthcare providers and, overall, access ambulatory care that otherwise is not available in their area of residence. Several telehealth delivery systems are available for electronic communication. Telehealth and other communications technologies used in the delivery of healthcare services are regulated at both the federal and state levels. Coverage and payment policies vary among the different insurers (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, and private plans), and policies may further be defined by state telehealth parity laws. Telenutrition involves the use of digital technology to provide nutrition care to patients and caregivers and shows potential to optimize nutrition care and outcomes. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has contributed to sweeping legislative and regulatory changes that allowed the temporary expansion of telehealth delivery and reimbursement to maintain continuity of care for patients who were not able to come in for an in-person office visit with their healthcare provider. The purpose of this review is to introduce key concepts of telehealth delivery systems including policy, legal, and regulatory considerations for ambulatory care as well as the role of telenutrition in nutrition care, and highlight the evolving role of telehealth in optimizing patient and nutrition care during a pandemic and beyond.

Weaning children from prolonged enteral nutrition: A survey of practice on behalf of the French Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition

BACKGROUND

No consensus currently exists on tube-weaning practice worldwide. The aim of this study was to describe tube-weaning practice (indications and modalities) of a panel of pediatric gastroenterologists involved in the management of prolonged enteral nutrition (EN).

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey of pediatric gastroenterologists involved in the management of children receiving prolonged (>3 months) EN who were likely to be weaned was conducted. A questionnaire containing 24 questions was disseminated to the French Speaking Group of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition members. The association between weaning practice and the experience of respondents was investigated.

RESULTS

In total, 311 professionals were approached, and 64 questionnaires were completed (response rate 21%). Nearly all respondents (n = 61, 95%) reported using individualized weaning programs. Weaning attempts were performed more frequently at home, and follow-up was performed in the outpatient clinic (97%) by progressive EN volume reduction (83%). Inpatient weaning was performed by only 28% of participants. The choice of the setting was predominantly (59%) based on parental request. Management and follow-up involved mainly the referring pediatric gastroenterologist and the dietitian. Fifty-one (80%) of the respondents experienced ≥1 weaning failure.

CONCLUSIONS

This is one of only a few studies examining real-life pediatric tube-weaning practices. Considerable practice variation between centers was observed; some of the common practices included the setting of weaning (outpatient vs inpatient) and the eligibility criteria. Increasing knowledge about weaning modalities is the starting point for the design of consensual standardized programs.

Factors Associated With Success and Failure of Weaning Children From Prolonged Enteral Nutrition: A Retrospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

The aims of the present study were to assess the efficacy of a tube weaning program, and to identify factors associated with success and failure.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study including all pediatric patients on enteral nutrition (EN) for ≥6 months for whom at least 1 attempt of weaning was performed in a single tertiary referral center from 2012 to 2017, with a minimum follow-up of 6 months after EN discontinuation. Weaning program was individualized to each child. Weaning success was defined a priori. Factors associated with success were investigated using multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Ninety-four patients were enrolled, in whom a total of 114 attempts of weaning were performed at a median age of 51 ± 40 months. Success was achieved in 80 attempts (success rate of 70%). One hundred three (92%) weaning attempts were performed at home with a follow-up in the outpatient clinic, mostly (74%) by a progressive (>1 month) reduction of tube feeding. Patients who required psychological support during weaning had more failures than patients who did not (odds ratio = 5.7, 95% confidence interval [1.2-27.0], P = 0.03). The presence of impaired oral feeding skills at the time of EN discontinuation was also predictive of failure (odds ratio = 6.2, 95% confidence interval [0.05-0.5], P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Our progressive, mostly outpatient-based, patient-tailored program of weaning from EN is effective for tube-dependent children. Children who need psychological support during weaning and those who present impaired oral feeding skills represent a subgroup of at-risk patients for whom alternative weaning strategies may need to be considered.

Insights into paediatric tube feeding dependence: A Speech-language pathology perspective

Purpose: To explore possible factors contributing to paediatric tube feeding dependency from the speech-language pathology perspective. Tube feeding dependency can have serious repercussions for children and their families with failed or slow weaning/transitioning from tube to oral feeding, more likely after the age of five.Method: A mixed methods approach was conducted. During the first quantitative phase, an online national survey of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) from the health and non-health sectors was carried out followed by interviews with a subset of the respondents. Forty-three SLPs completed the survey. In the second qualitative phase, 10 participants from the survey were interviewed in depth as to their opinions about why tube dependency occurs. Survey data from phase one were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi square comparisons. Interview data were categorised using thematic analysis. Findings from both methodologies were combined to report the results.Result: Two interlinking meta-themes were identified from the combined data sets. These were: (1) Medicalisation of tube fed children in infancy as a root cause of tube feeding dependency and (2) Fragmentation of the tube fed child's continuity of care. The specific results indicated several possible reasons for tube feeding dependency including medical emphasis on weight gain, prolonged nasogastric tube feeding and waiting too long for transition from tube to oral feeding. A lack of integrated care and clinician confidence in non-health settings also appeared to be a factor contributing to tube feeding dependency.Conclusion: Early and ongoing biomedical focus on weight gain affected long-term goals for transitioning leading, subsequently, to tube feeding becoming normalised by school age.

A simple remote nutritional screening tool and practical guidance for nutritional care in primary practice during the COVID-19 pandemic

Challenging periods like the COVID-19 pandemic require fast and efficient adaptations of the healthcare system. It is vital that every patient has access to nutritional care as a part of primary healthcare services, even if social distancing measures are adopted. Therefore, we propose a simple remote nutritional screening tool and practical guidance for nutritional care in primary practice, and their implementation into telemedicine processes and digital platforms suitable for healthcare providers. The acronym for the tool is R-MAPP, as for Remote – Malnutrition APP, while the tool will be available also as an app. This protocol consists of two simple validated clinical tools for identifying nutritional risk and loss of muscle mass and function –Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (‘MUST’) and SARC-F (5-item questionnaire: Strength, Assistance with walking, Rise from a chair, Climb stairs and Falls) - and additional practical guidance on nutritional interventions for family physicians.

Characterizing International Approaches to Weaning Children From Tube Feeding: A Scoping Review

Approaches to tube weaning enterally fed children and evaluating outcomes vary widely. This limits the utility of research for identifying both "what works" and successful implementation of research outcomes. We used a qualitative scoping review methodology to examine internationally published research. Our primary aim was to identify the main philosophies underpinning intervention design and the main outcome variables used to demonstrate success of existing programs. This information can be used to inform future research design and clinical practice. Literature up until June 2019 was sourced via Medline, Scopus, Ovid, and CINHAL databases; hand searching; and gray literature using Google Advanced Search. Three predominant approaches to tube-weaning interventions were identified: behavioral, child- and family-centered, and biomedical. A wide range of intervention variables were identified, with the level of parental involvement and the use of hunger provocation varying between approaches. Our Review also confirms that there is no consistency in outcome measures used, limiting comparability between programs. We suggest that the role of parents in the weaning process and its impact on both the child and the parent/carer while transitioning from enteral to oral eating are insufficiently understood. We discuss these findings in the context of a suggested framework for future research.

Long term nutritional and growth outcomes of children completing an intensive multidisciplinary tube-feeding weaning program

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Children on long-term tube-feeding often need special treatment for oral feeding transitioning. Rapid tube-weaning programs usually result in short-term reductions in food intake and weight loss. This study examined the long-term effects of a "Graz-model" based weaning program on nutritional status and growth.

METHODS

Children aged 0.5-13.0 years on long-term enteral nutritional support (ENS) participated in a three-week multidisciplinary weaning treatment. Data were collected at baseline, after completing the program, and at six and 12 months. Height/length, weight and BMI z-scores were determined according to the WHO growth standards. Energy and protein intake were assessed and presented as % of recommended daily allowance (RDA) values.

RESULTS

Study participants (n = 58) were 64% male. Four children did not complete the three-week program due to acute illnesses. Complete weaning (from 100% ENS to 100% oral) was achieved in 22 children and partial weaning (at least 80% reduction of ENS) in 23 children. No demographic or clinical success predictors were identified. Thirty of the 45 weaned children completed the 12-month follow-up. A significant reduction in energy intake was observed at the three-week time-point [mean (SE): 56 (5.8)% versus 80 (4.7)%, p = 0.001]. This was followed by improvements in eating skills leading to energy intake at 12 months which did not significantly differ from baseline (p = 0.392). Mean (SE) baseline protein intake was 187 (13.0) %RDA. No significant difference from baseline were noted at 12 months (p = 0.301). Estimated mean (SD) height-, weight- and BMI z-scores at baseline were -2.11(0.28), -1.48(0.25), -0.13(0.31), respectively. No significant differences in growth data were observed over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Short-term reductions in nutritional intake and body weight observed after an intensive weaning program were reversible, and growth patterns were stable over 12 months. Further follow-up is recommended to ensure continued positive development in these children.

Efficacy of a standardized tube weaning program in pediatric patients with feeding difficulties after successful repair of their esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula

Children born with esophageal atresia (EA) might suffer from significant oral feeding problems which could evolve into tube dependency. The primary aim of the study was to define the outcome of tube weaning in children after successful EA repair and to compare outcomes in children with short gap/TEF (tracheoesophageal fistula) and long-gap EA. Data of 64 children (28 with short-gap EA/TEF with primary anastomosis and 36 with long-gap EA with delayed surgical repair) who participated in a standardized tube weaning program based on the "Graz model of tube weaning" (in/outpatients in an intensive 3-week program, online coaching (Netcoaching) only, or a combined 2-week intensive onsite followed by online treatment "Eating School") from 2009 to 2019 was evaluated. Sixty-one patients completed the program by transitioning to exclusive oral intake (95.3%). Three children (4.7%) were left partially weaned at the time of discharge. No significant differences could be found between short gap/TEF and long-gap EA group regarding outcomes.Conclusions: The study's findings support the efficacy of tube weaning based on the published "Graz model of tube weaning" for children born with EA/TEF and indicate the necessity of specialized tube weaning programs for these patients. What is Known: • Children with esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula often suffer from feeding problems and tube dependency. • Different tube weaning programs and outcomes have been published, but not specifically for children with EA. What is New: • Evaluation of a large sample of children referred for tube weaning after EA repair. • Most children with EA can be weaned off their feeding tubes successfully after attending a specialized tube weaning program.

Developing the system architecture for conducting synchronous paediatric feeding assessments via telepractice

Introduction

Telepractice systems should be acceptable to users and meet end-user needs. Whilst the system requirements to conduct adult dysphagia assessments via telepractice are established, key differences exist between adult and paediatric swallowing assessments. This study was conducted to develop the system architecture required to conduct paediatric feeding assessments in patient homes via telepractice.

Methods

The study used a four-phase iterative design, informed by human-centred design principles. In Phase 1, two telepractice researchers and two paediatric feeding clinicians identified assessment tasks and explored potential system design solutions. Initial system testing was completed using clinical simulations (Phase 2). Live trials with 10 typically developing children were then conducted (Phase 3). Phase 4 involved user-centred feedback from clinicians and parents. Feedback from the development team, clinicians and parents was used to continuously refine the model.

Results

A combination of synchronous and asynchronous methods enabled all assessment components to be successfully completed. Clinician and parent feedback established the optimal technology (e.g. phone, tablet) and key camera positions necessary to optimise visual/auditory information for the online clinician. End-user feedback identified greater time efficiencies could be achieved through collecting some data (e.g. intra-oral pictures) via asynchronous methods prior to the session. Information sheets were deemed necessary to enhance the user experience. Clinicians and parents responded positively to the final system design.

Discussion

Modifications to standard videoconferencing were necessary to develop a clinically viable process for conducting paediatric feeding assessments in the home via telepractice. End-user feedback was integral to the design of the final model.

Variables Impacting the Time Taken to Wean Children From Enteral Tube Feeding to Oral Intake

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated biological factors, which may influence the time taken for children to wean from enteral to oral intake.

METHODS

Retrospective case-note audit of 62 tube-fed children (nasogastric or percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) aged 6 months to 8 years, participating in an intensive tube weaning program. Program design included family-focused mealtimes, child autonomy, and appetite stimulation. A regression model was developed, which shows the combination of variables with the most predictive power for time taken to wean.

RESULTS

Data from 62 children who were highly dependent (minimum 93% of calories provided enterally) on tube feeding for an extended period of time (mean = 2.1 years) were analysed. Children's mean body mass index z score at time of weaning was -0.47 (standard deviation 1.03) (mean weight = 10.54 kg) and 54 (87%) presented with a range of medical conditions. Forty-four children (71%) remained completely tube free at 3 months postintervention and an additional 5 children (10%) were fully tube weaned within 10 months of program commencement. Type of feeding tube, medical complexity, age, and length of time tube fed all significantly correlated with time taken to wean. Logistic regression modelling indicated that the type of feeding tube in combination with the degree of medical complexity and time tube fed were the strongest predictors of time taken to wean.

CONCLUSIONS

Biological factors usually considered to impact on successful weaning from tube feeding (volume of oral intake, oral skill, or mealtime behaviours) were not relevant; however, the type of feeding tube in combination with the degree of medical complexity and time tube fed were the strongest predictors. The impact of psychosocial factors should be investigated to identify if these mitigated the effects of the biological variables.

Long-term Outcomes of an Interdisciplinary Tube Weaning Program: A Quantitative Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Children who become tube-dependent need specialized treatment in order to make the transition to oral feeding. Little is known about long-term effects of tube weaning programs. This study analyzes long-term effects (outcome, growth, and nutrition data) in a large sample of formerly tube-dependent children 1 to 6 years after participation in tube weaning programs, based on the "Graz model of tube weaning."

METHODS

Parents of children who completed a tube weaning program between 2009 and 2014 (N = 564) were asked to complete a questionnaire on their child's growth and nutrition. Data was analyzed using SPSS V22.0 for Windows (SPSS, Chicago, IL).

RESULTS

Response rate was 47.16% (N = 266). Seven children had died between completion of the program and the long-term follow-up. Two hundred and thirty-nine children (92.3%) were still exclusively orally fed 1 to 6 years after completion of the weaning program, 17 children (6.6%) were partially tube-fed. Three children were completely tube-fed (1.1%). Growth data showed no significant changes in zBMI (World Health Organization standards z values for body mass index) between completion of weaning and long-term follow-up. Provided data on nutrition of fully orally fed patients showed that most children (N = 162, 68%) were eating an age-appropriate diet, whereas a small percentage (N = 10, 4%) were fed with a high-caloric formula, a selective diet (N = 12, 5%), or a liquid/pureed diet (N = 55, 23%).

CONCLUSIONS

Many children who undergo a tube weaning program based on the "Graz model of tube weaning" are able to stay on full oral feeds in the years after completion of the wean without deterioration of growth.

Tube dependency as a result of prematurity

BACKGROUND

Enteral nutrition support (ENS) is a standard of care in all NICUs. As a result of long-term ENS, tube dependency can develop. Tube dependency is an inability to make the transition from tube to oral feeds despite the absence of medical reasons for ENS and might lead to symptoms like oral aversion and food refusal. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of prematurity in a large cohort of tube dependent children.

METHODS

Prospectively collected data on tube dependent children who participated in a program based on the "Graz Model of tube weaning" from January 2009 to December 2015 was analysed quantitatively.

RESULTS

The study cohort consisted of 711 tube dependent children. Using ICD-10 classification, 378 children (53.2%) were born prematurely, with 103 extremely preterm infants (EPI; including children <29 weeks of gestational age and 275 preterm infants (PI; between 29 and 36+6 weeks of gestational age). More than half (55.4%) of all included patients were female, 51.8% were tube fed via a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG-) tube, 45.8% had a nasogastric (NG-) tube and 2.4% were tube fed via Jejunal (J-) tube. 66% of all EPI and 63.3% of all PI were tube fed since birth. 83.5% of all EPI had no additional diagnoses beyond their extreme prematurity. No differences in tube weaning outcomes between preterm and full term infants were shown.

CONCLUSION

Prematurity, especially extreme prematurity, is associated with an increased risk for development of tube dependency. Preventive measures for this specific group of children should be considered.

A Systematic Process for Weaning Children With Aspiration From Thickened Fluids

Importance

Thickening of fluids is a common strategy for feeding patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia but has known risks and should be stopped once it is safe to do so. Weaning children from thickened fluids safely can be challenging, and novel methods are required.

Objective

To describe the use of a systematic weaning process (SWP) for children who received thickened liquids owing to oropharyngeal dysphagia and identified risk of aspiration.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Retrospective case series (2010 to 2015) at a tertiary care center of 50 children with documented aspiration by clinical swallowing assessment, airway evaluation, and videofluoroscopic swallow study with at least 4 months of follow-up. All patients were initially receiving thickened fluids. A 10% reduction in thickness was made every 2 weeks based on clinical symptoms. Caregivers progressed to the next incremental level if there were no signs or symptoms of aspiration.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Number of patients weaned to a thin-fluid diet.

Results

Of 50 children (32 [64%] male; median [interquartile range] age, 0.7 [1.0] y at presentation and 1.8 [1.3] y at start of wean) using the SWP, 44 (88%) were able to reduce the amount of thickener used. A successful wean from thickened fluids to thin fluids was completed in 39 (78%). The mean (SD) duration of a successful wean was 0.9 (0.6) years. Five patients tolerated a reduction in thickener but not a full wean to thin fluids. For 6 patients, weaning failed and they continued to receive thickened fluids. Of those whose weaning failed, 2 patients developed pneumonia. Of the 39 successfully weaned patients, 14 (36%) experienced a temporary stall but eventually tolerated thin fluids. Only 2 (5%) developed pneumonia while all other successfully weaned patients (n = 37 [95%]) did not experience any substantial respiratory issues. Overall, 46 (92%) of children required 2 or fewer videofluoroscopic swallow study evaluations.

Conclusions and Relevance

Patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia and aspiration should be gradually weaned off of thickened fluids. The SWP uses small incremental steps to gradually reduce the amount of thickener. Using this method, most children tolerated a reduction in thickeners and a thin-fluid diet. The SWP presents a safe and effective way of gradually returning children to a more normal diet.

Feeding Disorders

Feeding disorders often present in children with complex medical histories as well as those with neurodevelopmental disabilities. If untreated, feeding problems will likely persist and may lead to additional developmental and medical complications. Treatment of pediatric feeding disorders should involve an interdisciplinary team, but the core intervention should include behavioral feeding techniques as they are the only empirically supported therapy for feeding disorders.

A descriptive comparison of approaches to paediatric tube weaning across five countries

PURPOSE

Many children are requiring tube weaning intervention as a result of increased survival rates of high risk infants and the temporary use of feeding tubes. This study aimed to describe service delivery models and treatment approaches in a variety of paediatric feeding/tube weaning programs.

METHOD

A questionnaire on tube weaning was formulated based on a literature review. Purposive maximum variation sampling was used to include feeding/ weaning programs operating in a variety of settings and countries. Eight feeding teams in Australia, Europe and the USA agreed to participate and completed the questionnaire.

RESULT

All teams employed sensori-motor interventions, with the majority also offering psychological interventions. Six of eight teams utilised hunger induction during the initiation of tube weaning, and in many cases this preceded eating skill development or controlled sensory modulation.

CONCLUSION

A multi-model tube weaning approach is commonly adopted by many centres worldwide. In many cases, psychological theory and theoretical orientation is fundamental to tube weaning practice. Further investigation regarding the efficacy and effectiveness of weaning interventions is recommended to ensure clinical practice is based on sound evidence. This may present as a challenge given many interventions occur concomitantly and the psychotherapeutic experience is difficult to evaluate.

Development, prevention, and treatment of feeding tube dependency

Enteral nutrition is effective in ensuring nutritional requirements and growth. However, when tube feeding lasts for a longer period, it can lead to tube dependency in the absence of medical reasons for continuation of tube feeding. Tube-dependent children are unable or refuse to start oral activities and they lack oral skills. Tube dependency has health-, psychosocial-, and economy-related consequences. Therefore, the transition to oral feeding is of great importance. However, this transition can be very difficult and needs a multidisciplinary approach. Most studies for treatment of tube dependency are based on behavioral interventions, such as family therapy, individual behavior therapy, neuro-linguistic programming, and parental anxiety reduction. Furthermore, oral motor therapy and nutritional adjustments can be helpful in tube weaning. The use of medication has been described in the literature. Although mostly chosen as the last resort, hunger-inducing methods, such as the Graz-model and the Dutch clinical hunger provocation program, are also successful in weaning children off tube feeding.

CONCLUSION

The transition from tube to oral feeding is important in tube-dependent children but can be difficult. We present an overview for the prevention and treatment of tube dependency. What is known: • Longer periods of tube feeding can lead to tube dependency. • Tube weaning can be very difficult. What is new: • Weaning as soon as possible and therefore referral to a multidisciplinary team are recommended. • An overview of treatment options for tube dependency is presented in this article.

Unintended Adverse Effects of Enteral Nutrition Support: Parental Perspective

OBJECTIVES

The present study highlights the occurrence of unintended adverse effects of enteral nutrition in infancy and childhood, as viewed and reported from a parental perspective.

METHODS

Quantitative analysis of a standardized questionnaire, filled out online by parents of enterally fed children. The questions focused on the nutritive and nonnutritive adverse effects, and other medical and biometric data. Data were collected from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2013.

RESULTS

The study cohort consisted of 425 infants and children with different underlying medical conditions and an average age of 2.17 (median = 1.63) years. Nasogastric tubes were used in 44.2% of all the patients, and 55.8% of the children were fed by percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube. Nearly all of the children have been tube-fed since birth. A total of 56.0% of all tube-fed children showed regular gagging and retching episodes, 50.0% vomited frequently, 14.8% experienced nausea, 7.5% experienced extreme nervous perspiration during the feeding, 45.2% showed loss of appetite, 5.2% experienced local granulation tissue, and 1.9% had other skin irritations. No significant correlations could be found between age, sex, medical diagnoses, type of feeding tube, feeding schedules (bolus or continuous), and parental and child's behavior regarding the feeding situation and duration of tube feeding.

CONCLUSIONS

Enteral nutrition affects the child and the whole family system on more than just nutritional level. It is suggested that children and their families should be followed-up by health professionals periodically for nutritional optimization, growth documentation, and other aspects of tube management.