Introduction of blended diet for enteral tube feeding in paediatrics: A case report

Abstract

Background: Advances in medical technology have resulted in changes to enteral tube feeding (ETF). Standard practice in the UK is to use commercial formula for ETF via the stomach or small intestine; however, blended diets are becoming increasingly popular. Emerging evidence shows benefits of a blended diet although evidence informing clinical guidance is sparse. Consequently, there is disparity in practice, and it remains unclear which patient groups may benefit most from a blended diet. Aim: To demonstrate the initiation of a blended diet in clinical practice. Methods: This case report features a 2-year-old child requiring ETF in the context of hypotonia, developmental delay and faltering growth. Results: In this instance, a blended diet resulted in improved gastrointestinal symptoms and adequate growth. Conclusion: This case demonstrates the successful implementation of a blended diet and associated benefits. Blended diets may benefit others requiring ETF and should be considered on an individualised basis.

Blended feeding in gastrostomy‐fed children—A scoping review

“…Papers included 12 narrative literature reviews (Bakewell et al, 2021; Bennett et al, 2020; Bobo, 2016; Carter et al, 2018; Chandrasekar et al, 2021; Elfadil et al, 2021; Fessler, 2015; Jeffery et al, 2022; Johnson et al, 2013; Martin & Gardner, 2017; Oparaji et al, 2019; Zettle, 2016), one systematic review (Bahramian et al, 2021), one integrative review (Schmitz et al, 2022), two scoping reviews (Breaks et al, 2018; Brekke et al, 2022), seven retrospective chart reviews (Alabbas & Dumant, 2022; Batsis et al, 2020; Kernizan et al, 2020; O'Flaherty et al, 2011; Pentiuk et al, 2011; Poole et al, 2021; Samela et al, 2017), five thesis (Bills, 2015; Breaks, 2019; Bronston, 2016; Durnan, 2018; Schoenfeld, 2013), seven case studies (Brown, 2014; Dipasquale et al, 2022; Gallagher et al, 2018; Khan et al, 2020; Phillips, 2022; Siddiqui et al, 2021; Thomas, 2017), three clinical guidelines (Bremner & Brooks, 2022; Escuro, 2014; Weeks, 2019), one opinion piece (Brown, 2015a), four conference abstracts (Brown, 2015b, 2018; Coles & Gallimore, 2021; Quigley & O'Sullivan, 2017), one rapid review (Coad et al, 2017), three qualitative studies (Durnan et al, 2019; Phillips, 2019; Soscia et al, 2021), nine quantitative survey designs (Armstrong et al, 2017; Boston & Wile, 2020; Epp, 2018; Epp et al, 2017; Johnson et al, 2015, 2018; Kariya et al,…”

“…Five papers stressed that improvements in feeding and volume tolerance were highlighted in addition to a decreased aversion to feeding (Dipasquale et al, 2022;Durnan, 2018;Johnson et al, 2013;O'Flaherty et al, 2011;O'Sullivan et al, 2019). These included the reduction in physical symptoms of reflux and vomiting, improvement in anthropometric measures indicated by a visible improvement in appearance, with weight gain also noted in six papers (Carter et al, 2018;Jeffery et al, 2022;Phillips, 2019Phillips, , 2022Poole et al, 2021;Schmitz et al, 2022). One paper indicated that noticed improvement in the condition of child's skin, bowel regularity and alertness was evident (Fessler, 2015).…”

Clinical guideline highlights for the hospitalist: The use of blended diets in children with enteral feeding tubes

“…Blended diets (BDs) are an emerging and increasingly popular alternative that refers to regimens that utilize real, often homemade, foods blended to a smooth consistency 1 . An increasing amount of evidence has noted that patients on BDs have improved tolerance of their diets with decreases in retching, oral aversion, constipation, and reflux along with improved sleep, alertness, and mood 2–4 . There are also potential psychosocial benefits with improved bonding with caregivers and integration with family routines 4 .…”

“…1 An increasing amount of evidence has noted that patients on BDs have improved tolerance of their diets with decreases in retching, oral aversion, constipation, and reflux along with improved sleep, alertness, and mood. [2][3][4] There are also potential psychosocial benefits with improved bonding with caregivers and integration with family routines. 4 Further, there is data suggesting children have decreased emergency department visits and hospital admissions, as well as overall improved quality of life.…”