'YourTube' the role of different diets in gastrostomy-fed children: Baseline findings from a prospective cohort study

Lorna K Fraser*, Andre Bedendo, Mark O'neill, Johanna Taylor, Julia Hackett, Karen Horridge, Janet Cade, Gerry Richardson, Han Phung, Alison Mccarter, Catherine Hewitt

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

AIM: To assess the risks, benefits, and resource implications of home-blended food for children with gastrostomy tubes compared with a formula diet.

METHOD: This prospective cohort study of children (aged 0-18 years) collected baseline data on gastrointestinal symptoms, nutritional intake, anthropometric outcomes, parent and child quality of life, and resource use. A propensity score-weighted generalized linear mixed model was used to compare children receiving a home-blended versus formula diet.

RESULTS: Baseline data were obtained for 180 children (2019-2021; 107 males, 73 females; mean age 9 years 7 months [SD  4 years 5 months]). Children receiving a home-blended diet (n  = 104) had similar diagnoses and age but more lived in areas of lower deprivation and parental education was higher compared to the parents of children receiving a formula diet (n  = 76). Children receiving home-blended diets had significantly better gastrointestinal scores than those receiving formula diets (B  = 13.8, p  < 0.001). The number of gut infections and tube blockages were similar between the two groups but with fewer stoma site infections in the group receiving home-blended food. Children receiving a home-blended diet had more fibre in their diet compared to children receiving a formula diet.

INTERPRETATION: Home-blended diets should be seen as a safe option for children who are gastrostomy-fed unless clinically contraindicated. Equality of access to home-blended diets for children with gastrostomy should be assessed by local clinical teams.

Original languageEnglish
Number of pages10
JournalDevelopmental medicine and child neurology
Early online date10 Nov 2023
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 10 Nov 2023

Bibliographical note

© 2023 The Authors. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Mac Keith Press.

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