Feeding Intolerance in Children with Severe Impairment of the Central Nervous System: Strategies for Treatment and Prevention

Use of a specialized peptide-based enteral formula containing medium-chain triglycerides for enteral tube feeding in children with cerebral palsy and previous tube feeding intolerance on standard enteral formula: a prospective observational TolerUP study

Objective

Use of peptide-based formulas supplemented with medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) is considered a beneficial strategy to decrease the tube-feeding associated gastrointestinal tolerance. In children with cerebral palsy (CP), overall effects of enteral tube feeding as well as the utility of peptide-based specialized enteral formulas in those with gastrointestinal intolerance have not been extensively studied. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of enteral tube feeding via specialized peptide-based formula containing MCTs in children with CP in terms of gastrointestinal intolerance, anthropometrics, defecation characteristics and parental satisfaction with enteral formula.

Methods

Children with CP who received enteral tube feeding via specialized peptide-based formula containing MCTs were included in this prospective observational study. Anthropometrics (z scores for weight for age [WFA], weight for height [WFH], triceps skinfold thickness [TSFT] and mid-upper arm circumference [MUAC]), gastrointestinal intolerance symptoms, defecation frequency and stool patterns and formula satisfaction were recorded at baseline and during 6-month follow up.

Results

A total of 96 children with CP (mean ± SD age: 5.6 ± 3.2 years, 56.3% were boys) were included. Significant improvements were noted in MUAC, TSFT and WFH z scores at the 6th month visit. The rate of "severe symptoms" and the likelihood of Type-1/Type-2 (constipation) stool pattern were significantly decreased. Majority of parents were satisfied with the study formula.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed favorable efficacy and safety of using a specialized peptide-based formula containing MCT in provision of enteral tube feeding among children with CP in terms of improved anthropometrics, amelioration of gastrointestinal intolerance symptoms and normalization of bowel movements along with a high parental satisfaction.

The evolution of nutrition management in children with severe neurological impairment with a focus on cerebral palsy

Nutritional management of children with severe neurological impairment (SNI) is highly complex, and the profile of this population is changing. The aim of this narrative review was to give the reader a broad description of evolution of the nutritional management of children with SNI in a high resource setting. In the last decade, there has been an emphasis on using multiple anthropometric measures to monitor nutritional status in children with SNI, and several attempts at standardising the approach have been made. Tools such as the Feeding and Nutrition Screening Tool, the Subjective Global Nutrition Assessment, the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System and the Focus on Early Eating and Drinking Swallowing (FEEDS) toolkit have become available. There has been an increased understanding of how the gut microbiome influences gastrointestinal symptoms common in children with SNI, and the use of fibre in the management of these has received attention. A new diagnosis, 'gastrointestinal dystonia', has been defined. The increased use and acceptance of blended food tube feeds has been a major development in the nutritional management of children with SNI, with reported benefits in managing gastrointestinal symptoms. New interventions to support eating and drinking skill development in children with SNI show promise. In conclusion, as the life expectancy of people with SNI increases due to advances in medical and nutrition care, our approach necessitates a view to long-term health and quality of life. This involves balancing adequate nutrition to support growth, development and well-being while avoiding overnutrition and its associated detrimental long-term effects.

Characteristics and outcomes of home parenteral nutrition among children with severe neurological impairment

OBJECTIVES

To describe the characteristics, secular trends, and outcomes of home parenteral nutrition (HPN) use among children with severe neurological impairment (SNI) and non-primary digestive disorders from 2010 to 2023 and compare outcomes to children with primary digestive disorders on HPN.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all children with SNI and non-primary digestive disorders, where HPN was initiated between January 2010 and September 2023 at a tertiary care pediatric hospital. The Mann-Kendall trend test was used to assess trends in HPN initiation. We compared acute care service utilization in the year prior and following HPN initiation. Mortality and ability to achieve enteral autonomy outcomes were compared to those of children with HPN and primary digestive disorders.

RESULTS

Of the 205 included children with HPN, 18 children had SNI and non-primary digestive disorders, 187 children had primary digestive disorders. There was an increase in HPN initiation among children with SNI and non-primary digestive disorders (p = 0.002) between 2010 and 2020. Among children with SNI and non-primary digestive disorders, HPN-related complications (line-associated infection/thrombus, nephrolithiasis, cholelithiasis) occurred in 72%. There was no change in acute care utilization in the year prior versus year following HPN initiation. Compared with the primary digestive disorders group, children with SNI and non-primary digestive disorders were less likely to achieve enteral autonomy (p < 0.0001); however, no significant differences in mortality were observed (22% vs. 8%, p = 0.09).

CONCLUSIONS

HPN is increasingly being used among SNI children with non-primary digestive disorders. Compared to children with primary digestive disorders on HPN, those with SNI are less likely to achieve enteral autonomy.

The impact of low-energy, partially hydrolysed enteral formula on gastrointestinal symptoms and weight in children with neurological impairment: a multicentre retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Neurological impairment (NI) relates to disorders of the central nervous system. The specific aetiology of NI varies but includes genetic, congenital abnormalities or brain injury. In children with severe NI, feeding impairments can lead to undernutrition, and some children require a feeding tube. Although tube feeding improves overall nutritional status, it has also been associated with excess body fat. Commercially available enteral formulas that are low in energy, hydrolysed and nutritionally adequate for protein and micronutrients are available to mitigate gastrointestinal symptoms and obesity.

METHODS

This is a retrospective multicentre study of children who attended NI clinics between January 2022 and July 2023. Data were collected before and 1 month after receiving a low-energy, partially hydrolysed enteral formula (0.6 kcal/mL) on demographic data (age, sex, ethnicity and NI diagnosis), anthropometric measurements (weight, height, weight-for-age Z-score, height-for-age Z-score, body mass index [BMI] Z-score) and feed regimen (feed volume, total fluids and type of formula/supplements).

RESULTS

Dietitians collected data on 28 children, the median age was 7 years (interquartile range [IQR] 3, 8). The most frequently recorded NI was cerebral palsy, in 13 of 28 children (48%). Before the formula switch, the most frequently reported gastrointestinal symptom was constipation, in 13 of 28 children. Within 1 month of switching to a low-energy, hydrolysed formula, 10 of the 13 (77%) children reported an improvement in constipation. Before the formula switch, all 28 children were experiencing excessive weight gain. After the formula was switched to low-energy, hydrolysed formula, dietitians reported that 20 of the 28 (76%) children's weight either stabilised or reduced after 1 month. There was no statistically significant difference in weight-for-age Z-score or BMI Z-scores postswitch of formula (p-value 0.1 and 0.09, respectively). Fibre intake increased significantly from 3.3 to 8.1 g/day (p-value < 0.01) after formula switch. The number of children whose feed regimens were simplified after switching to a low-energy, partially hydrolysed formula was 24 of 28 (91%).

CONCLUSIONS

Children with an NI who have gastrointestinal symptoms may benefit from a low-energy, hydrolysed enteral formula to maximise feed tolerance and promote healthy weight gain. In addition, changing to a low-energy, hydrolysed formula may simplify feed regimens by eliminating the need for additional electrolytes, multivitamins and fluid boluses. Healthcare professionals should be knowledgeable about the effectiveness and availability of a low-energy, hydrolysed formula.

Symptom Management in Children Who Are Neurologically Impaired for the Primary Care Medical Home

Children with neurologic impairment are a growing population of pediatric patients who require care from a large team of physicians to maintain their health. These children often have similar clinical patterns and symptoms that occur because of their neurologic impairment. Families often seek care first from their primary care home to identify and guide initial steps in management. Identifying the symptoms outlined in the 4 cases in this article will help alleviate consequences of delayed care for these patients and provide opportunities for shared decision-making with the family's goals of care for their child. [Pediatr Ann. 2024;53(3):e82-e87.].

Intractable Feeding Intolerance in Children With Severe Neurological Impairment: A Retrospective Case Review of Nine Children Known to a Pediatric Palliative Care Service

BACKGROUND

Intractable feeding intolerance in children with severe neurological impairment (SNI) is poorly defined and understood.

OBJECTIVES

(1) To describe 9 children with SNI, where intractable feeding intolerance was thought to be a contributor to their deterioration or death. (2) To consider terminology to describe the severe end of the spectrum of feeding difficulties in children with SNI.

RESULTS

Mean age at death was 10.3 years (range: 5 - 15.6), and median time from palliative care referral to death was 3.1 months. Location of death was home (n = 3), hospice (n = 1), and hospital (n = 5) with 1 death in intensive care. Gastrointestinal "failure" or "dysfunction" were documented for 7 children, (median time between documentation and death was 3.9 months (range: .1 to 13.1)). All children were fed via a gastrostomy tube during their life (median age of insertion 2.5 years (range: 1.2 to 6.8 years)), and 7 via the jejunal route (median age of insertion 9.2 years (range 2.4 to 14.7 years)). Children lived a median of 9 percent of their lives after jejunal tube feeding was commenced. No child had home-based parenteral nutrition. Multiple symptom management medications were required.

CONCLUSION

'Intractable feeding intolerance' describes a clinical crossroads in a child's life where there is an opportunity to consider the appropriateness of further interventions. Further work should explore predictors of intractable feeding intolerance and the delicate balance between cause or contributor to death. The importance of clinician-family prognostic conversations and goal-concordant care both during life and in the terminal phase is highlighted.

Crossing the line? Ethics of parenteral nutrition in paediatric neurodisability complicated by intestinal failure

Children with severe neurological impairment (such as cerebral palsy or congenital anomalies) are living longer, although medically complex, lives. Feeding intolerance is an increasing problem that is emerging as a new end-of-life issue. Long-term parenteral nutrition (LTPN) is technically feasible in these children. However, clinicians are concerned about whether it is appropriate in these circumstances or whether it constitutes a treatment 'too far'. This narrative review of the literature identifies, categorises and explores the ethical foundations and reasons for clinician hesitancy about the use of LTPN in this population. The categories of reasons are: lack of clear diagnostic criteria for feeding failure; risks of LTPN to the child; burden of LTPN to the family/caregivers; burden of LTPN to the child; difficulty in cessation of LTPN; and the concept that feeding failure may be a preterminal sign. These reasons are all ultimately about risks and burden outweighing the benefits. We argue that the risks of LTPN have decreased over time, the burden for individual children and their parents may be less than imagined, and the benefit is a realistic prospect. Case-by-case consideration, giving due weight to child and parental perspectives, can show that LTPN is ethically justified for some children with severe neurological impairment.

Impact of exclusive enteral nutrition on the gut microbiome of children with medical complexity

BACKGROUND

Children with medical complexity (CMC) often require enteral tube feedings to meet their nutrition needs. Many, however, experience symptoms of feeding intolerance, such as vomiting and pain. The goal of this analysis was to examine the relationship between diet and the gut microbiome, controlling for medications, among CMC receiving enteral tube feedings, CMC consuming oral nutrition, and healthy controls. Given the variety of available commercial formula preparations, we were also interested in examining the impact of different formula types on the CMC microbiome.

METHODS

Fecal samples from 91 children (57 CMC and 34 healthy controls) were collected and analyzed. Parents completed clinical and dietary questionnaires. 16S ribosomal RNA amplicon sequencing was completed using the QIIME2 pipeline.

RESULTS

A significant decrease in alpha diversity among CMC receiving exclusive enteral nutrition (CMC EEN) compared with healthy controls (Shannon P = 0.006 and Faith's phylogenetic distance P = 0.006) was found that was not observed between CMC receiving oral nutrition and healthy controls. Significant differences in beta diversity were also observed between CMC EEN and healthy controls, with CMC EEN having a greater relative abundance of Enterobacteriaceae and obligate anaerobes. Differences were also noted between CMC EEN and CMC receiving oral nutrition (Aitchison distance P = 0.001); however, no differences were observed between CMC receiving oral nutrition and healthy controls.

CONCLUSION

Despite similarities in medication profiles, CMC EEN have decreased alpha diversity and differences in beta diversity compared with healthy controls not observed in CMC receiving oral nutrition, highlighting the impact of diet over medications.

The Role of Pediatric Gastroenterologists in the Evaluation of Complex Aerodigestive Disorders

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Children with aerodigestive disorders frequently have concerns regarding difficulty breathing, swallowing, and growing. In this review, we explored the role of pediatric gastroenterologists in the evaluation of complex aerodigestive disorders and the overall approach to these often-challenging patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Pediatric gastroenterologists evaluate children with aerodigestive concerns ranging from dysphagia and gastroesophageal reflux to complex congenital abnormalities such as esophageal atresia. Diagnostic tools, such as multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring, are used for diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux and assessing the correlation with symptoms. Endoscopic evaluation, and in some complex cases, with therapeutic dilations may also be performed. Gastrointestinal dysmotility evaluation with manometry studies are also being increasingly utilized. Multidisciplinary aerodigestive programs can provide a coordinated approach to children with complex airway, pulmonary and gastrointestinal tract disorders. A pediatric gastroenterologist's expertise and specialized skills not only offer many diagnostic tools for these complicated medical cases but are also important in long term medical management.

Feeding children with neurodisability: challenges and practicalities

Nutritional management for children with neurodisability can be challenging and there are an increasing number of children at risk of malnutrition. Management involves healthcare professionals in community and hospital working together with the family with the aim of optimising nutrition and quality of life. Feeding difficulties can be the result of physical causes like lack of oromotor coordination, discomfort associated with reflux oesophagitis or gastrointestinal dysmotility. Non-physical causes include parental/professional views towards feeding, altered perception of pain and discomfort, extreme sensitivity to certain textures and rigidity of feeding schedule associated with artificial feeding. Estimating nutritional needs can be difficult and is affected by comorbidities including epilepsy and abnormal movements, severity of disability and mobility. Defining malnutrition is difficult as children with neurodisability reflect a wide spectrum with disparate growth patterns and body composition and auxology is less reliable and less reproducible. Management involves selecting the type and method of feeding best suited for the patient. As artificial feeding can place a significant burden of care any decision-making should be, as much as possible, in concurrence with the family. Symptom management sometimes requires pharmacological interventions, but polypharmacy is best avoided. The article aims to discuss the pathways of identifying children at risk of malnutrition and available management options with a strong emphasis on working as a clinical team with the child and family.

Vomiting and Gastric Motility in Early Brain Damaged Children With Congenital Zika Syndrome

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the occurrence of vomiting and gastric dysmotility in dysphagic children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) and assessed possible associations of these findings with the severity of dysphagia and the presence of tube feeding.

METHODS

Forty-six children with CZS were assessed for dysphagia, and the occurrence of vomiting, dietary volume tolerance <15 mL/kg, and feeding time per meal >30 minutes were evaluated. Gastric antrum ultrasonography was used to detect the frequency of contractions and measure antral areas (at fasting and 15 minutes postprandial), from which the gastric emptying rate (GER) was calculated. Antral ultrasonography findings were compared with those of ten healthy controls. Vomiting and gastric motility were compared between CZS patients according to the severity of dysphagia and the requirement for tube feeding.

RESULTS

Overall, 76% (35/46) of children with CZS had moderate-to-severe dysphagia (MSD), among whom 60% (21/35) were tube fed [MSD tube fed (MSDTF)]. Vomiting occurred in 54% (25/46) of children, whereas dietary volume intolerance and prolonged feeding time were observed in 59% (27/46) and 37% (17/46), respectively, most frequently in MSDTF patients. On ultrasound, 61% (28/46) of children with CZS had no antral contractions, whereas 90% (9/10) of controls did. Compared to healthy controls, GER was eight-fold lower in children with CZS and 60-fold lower in MSDTF children.

CONCLUSIONS

In dysphagic children with CZS, vomiting, volume intolerance, and prolonged feeding time were frequent and possibly associated with impaired antral contraction and delayed gastric emptying, especially in cases of severe dysphagia and tube feeding.

Research priorities for children with neurological impairment and medical complexity in high-income countries

AIM

To identify the highest-priority clinical research areas related to children with neurological impairment and medical complexity among clinicians and caregivers.

METHOD

A modified, three-stage Delphi study using online surveys and guided by a steering committee was completed. In round 1, clinicians and family caregivers suggested clinical topics and related questions that require research to support this subgroup of children. After refinement of the suggestions by the steering committee, participants contributed to 1 (family caregivers) or 2 (clinicians) subsequent rounds to develop a prioritized list.

RESULTS

A diverse international expert panel consisting of 49 clinicians and 12 family caregivers provided 601 responses. Responses were distilled into 26 clinical topics comprising 126 related questions. The top clinical topics prioritized for research were irritability and pain, child mental health, disorders of tone, polypharmacy, sleep, aspiration, behavior, dysautonomia, and feeding intolerance. The clinician expert panel also prioritized 10 specific research questions.

INTERPRETATION

Study findings support a research agenda for children with neurological impairment and medical complexity focused on addressing clinical questions, prioritized by an international group of clinicians and caregivers.

Application Effect of Acupoint Massage on Zusanli on Premature Infants with Feeding Intolerance and Their Clinical Symptoms

FI is mainly caused by functional disturbance in premature infants, which greatly poses a threat to their growth and development, so a large number of studies on the clinical features of FI should be conducted to provide theoretical support for treatment. The purpose of the study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of acupoint massage on Zusanli on premature infants with feeding intolerance (FI) and their clinical symptoms. A total of 60 premature infants with FI admitted to our hospital over the past two years were selected as the FI group, and another 60 premature infants without FI were selected as the control group. The birthweight and gestational age of the premature infants in the FI group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.001), whereas there were no significant differences in general information of the premature infants between the two groups (P > 0.05). Vomiting, abdominal distension, and gastric retention are the main clinical symptoms of premature infants with FI, and acupoint massage on Zusanli combined with routine treatment can effectively improve digestive function, relieve clinical symptoms, and shorten treatment time of premature infants with FI, which is worthy of application and promotion in clinical practice.

Management of Enteral Nutrition in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: Prokinetic Effects of Amoxicillin/Clavulanate in Real Life Conditions

PURPOSE

Malnutrition is a common feature in critically ill children. Enteral nutrition (EN) is the main strategy to nutritionally support critical ill children, but its use can be hindered by the development of intolerance. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of amoxicillin/clavulanate (A/C) to treat EN intolerance.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit from October 2018 to October 2019. We conducted a case-control study: in the first 6 months (October 2018-April 2019) we implemented the nutritional protocol of our Institution with no drug, whereas in the second half (May 2019-October 2019) we employed A/C for 1 week at a dose of 10 mg/kg twice daily.

RESULTS

Twelve cases were compared with 12 controls. At the final evaluation, enteral intake was significantly higher than that at baseline in the cases (from 2.1±3.7 to 66.1±27.4% of requirement, p=0.0001 by Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test) but not in the controls (from 0.2±0.8 to 6.0±14.1% of the requirement, p=NS). Final gastric residual volume at the end of the observation was significantly lower in the cases than in the controls (p=0.0398). The drug was well tolerated as shown by the similar safety outcomes in both cases and controls.

CONCLUSION

Malnutrition exposes critically ill children to several complications that affect the severity of disease course, length of stay, and mortality; all may be prevented by early EN. The development of intolerance to EN could be addressed with the use of A/C. Future prospective clinical trials are needed to confirm these conclusions.

Postfundoplication retching: Strategies for management

BACKGROUND

Retching is a common symptom in children following antireflux surgery, particularly in those with neurodisability. There is now a strong body of evidence that implicates retching as a major cause of wrap breakdown. Retching is not a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease; it is a component of the emetic reflex. In addition to causing wrap breakdown, it is indicative of the presence of nausea. It is a highly aversive experience and warrants treatment in its own right.

METHODS

A framework was constructed for the management of postoperative retching, with strategies targeting different components of the emetic reflex. The impact of differing antireflux procedures upon retching was also considered.

CONCLUSIONS

Once treatable underlying causes have been excluded, the approach includes modifications to feeds and feeding regimens, antiemetics and motility agents. Neuromodulation and other, novel, therapies may prove beneficial in future. Children at risk of postoperative retching may be identified before any antireflux surgery is performed. Fundoplication is inappropriate in these children because it does not treat their symptoms, which are not because of gastroesophageal reflux, and may make them worse. They are also at risk of wrap disruption. Alternative strategies for symptom management should be employed, and fundoplication should be avoided.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II-V.

Risk Feeding: An Australian Pediatric Palliative Care Perspective

Purpose

This article explores the challenges of risk feeding from an Australian Paediatric Palliative Care perspective. There is currently limited evidence to guide risk feeding in pediatric clinical practice. Therefore, this article uses evidence from the adult palliative and end-of-life care context (extrapolating to pediatric application), in addition to the authors' clinical experience in supporting children and their families with risk feeding. Recommendations for the clinical management of pediatric risk feeding are discussed, including the suggested focus for families and the interprofessional team along the different phases of the palliative care continuum.

Conclusion

There is currently limited information to guide decision making regarding risk feeding in pediatrics. Overall, in the absence of evidence-based practice guidelines, it is the authors' recommendation that a risk feeding plan is developed in consultation and collaboration with the family, treating physician, and interprofessional team. Further research is required to support guidance for clinicians working in this area.

Does retching matter? Reviewing the evidence-Physiology and forces

Failure of antireflux surgery is common in children with neurodisability, with a high incidence of persistent or recurrent symptoms, including retching. Anatomical disruption of the wrap is a frequent finding, but what forces underlie this disruption? This article reviews the forces generated during potential wrap-stressing episodes, putting them into the clinical context of wrap failure. Historically, wrap failure has been attributed to pressures arising from a reduction in gastric capacity or compliance, with advocates for an additional, gastric emptying procedure, at the time of fundoplication. However, any postoperative pressure changes are small and insufficient to cause disruption, and evidence of benefit from gastric emptying procedures is lacking. Diaphragmatic stressor events are common in the presence of neurodisability, and there is now increasing recognition of an association between diaphragmatic stressors and wrap breakdown. The analysis in this review demonstrates that the greatest forces on the fundoplication wrap are those associated with retching and vomiting. The direction and magnitude of these forces are sufficient to cause wrap herniation into the thorax, and wrap separation. Clinical series confirm that retching is consistently and strongly associated with wrap breakdown. Retching needs to be addressed if we are to reduce the incidence of wrap failure. Level of Evidence V.

Delivering Pediatric Palliative Care: From Denial, Palliphobia, Pallilalia to Palliactive

Among the over 21 million children with life-limiting conditions worldwide that would benefit annually from a pediatric palliative care (PPC) approach, more than eight million would need specialized PPC services. In the United States alone, more than 42,000 children die every year, half of them infants younger than one year. Advanced interdisciplinary pediatric palliative care for children with serious illnesses is now an expected standard of pediatric medicine. Unfortunately, in many institutions there remain significant barriers to achieving optimal care related to lack of formal education, reimbursement issues, the emotional impact of caring for a dying child, and most importantly, the lack of interdisciplinary PPC teams with sufficient staffing and funding. Data reveals the majority of distressing symptoms in children with serious illness (such as pain, dyspnea and nausea/vomiting) were not addressed during their end-of-life period, and when treated, therapy was commonly ineffective. Whenever possible, treatment should focus on continued efforts to control the underlying illness. At the same time, children and their families should have access to interdisciplinary care aimed at promoting optimal physical, psychological and spiritual wellbeing. Persistent myths and misconceptions have led to inadequate symptom control in children with life-limiting diseases. Pediatric Palliative Care advocates the provision of comfort care, pain, and symptom management concurrently with disease-directed treatments. Families no longer have to opt for one over the other. They can pursue both, and include integrative care to maximize the child's quality of life. Since most of the sickest children with serious illness are being taken care of in a hospital, every children's hospital is now expected to offer an interdisciplinary palliative care service as the standard of care. This article addresses common myths and misconceptions which may pose clinical obstacles to effective PPC delivery and discusses the four typical stages of pediatric palliative care program implementation.