Symptoms of problematic feeding in children with CHD compared to healthy peers

Abstract

Children with CHD often experience difficulty with oral feeding, which contributes to growth faltering in this population. Few studies have explored symptoms of problematic feeding in children with CHD using valid and reliable measures of oral feeding. The purpose of this study was to describe symptoms of problematic feeding in children with CHD compared to healthy children without medical conditions, taking into account variables that may contribute to symptoms of problematic feeding. Oral feeding was measured by the Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool, a parent report assessment of feeding with evidence of validity and reliability. This secondary analysis used data collected from web-based surveys completed by parents of 1093 children between 6 months and 7 years of age who were eating solid foods by mouth. General linear models were used to evaluate the differences between 94 children with CHD and 999 children without medical conditions based on the Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool total score and four subscale scores. Covariates tested in the models included breathing tube duration, type of CHD, gastroesophageal reflux, genetic disorder, difficulty with breast- or bottle-feeding during infancy, cardiac surgery, and current child age. Children with CHD had significantly more symptoms of problematic feeding than healthy children on the Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool total score, more physiologic symptoms, problematic mealtime behaviours, selective/restrictive eating, and oral processing dysfunction (p <0.001 for all), when taking into account relevant covariates. Additional research is needed in children with CHD to improve risk assessment and develop interventions to optimise feeding and growth.

Prevalence of breastfeeding and its obstacles in patients with CHD in southern Brazil

“…Although problematic feeding in infants with CHD were reported, 28 the supply of breast milk should not be discouraged. Full engagement and awareness on the importance of breast milk should be better developed at all health centres specialised in CHD.…”

Rehabilitation in Pediatric Heart Failure and Heart Transplant

“…Parent education and training are essential components of any feeding therapy provided to infants and young children ( 110 ). Patients with a history of congenital heart disease have increased incidence of baseline feeding and swallowing difficulties ( 111 , 112 ) and may require extensive feeding therapy, extending beyond the inpatient admission, to target acceptance of oral feeds and oral motor skills. Inpatient clinicians should ensure that referrals for feeding therapy through rehab or in the outpatient setting are made.…”

Effect of WeChat follow‐up education on breastfeeding efficiency of infants after congenital cardiac surgery and parents' satisfaction: A short‐term follow‐up study

“…With the development of medical technology and perioperative management, most of these infants can obtain excellent therapeutic effects through surgical treatment. However, the surgical trauma and systemic reactions associated with cardiopulmonary bypass often lead to patients' postoperative feeding difficulties and malnutrition 2 . After infants with CHD are discharged from the hospital, parents lack professional breastfeeding guidance, making the infant more challenging to feed, which affects their recovery.…”

“…1 After discharge, parents of infants with CHD lack professional breastfeeding guidance, making the infant more challenging to feed, which affects their recovery. 2 The WeChat platform enables parents of infants to enjoy professional knowledge and nursing guidance at home.…”