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 language | English |
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Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Developmental medicine and child neurology |
Early online date | 10 Nov 2023 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 10 Nov 2023 |