Effect of Blenderized Enteral Tube Feeds on Pediatric Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Physiology

Launched by BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · May 21, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how blenderized diets—made from everyday foods like fruits, vegetables, and meats that are pureed and given through a feeding tube—affect children who have difficulty tolerating standard tube feeds. Researchers have previously found that children who receive these blenderized diets have fewer hospital visits and better stomach-related symptoms compared to those who are fed formula. The main goal of this study is to see how these diets impact gastroesophageal reflux, which is when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus.

To participate in this trial, children aged 1 to 21 years who have a gastrostomy tube (G-tube) and can handle feedings over a half-hour are eligible. They should also currently be using standard enteral formula and have an impedance study planned for medical reasons. However, children with allergies to the foods in the blenderized diet or those who have had certain types of surgery on their stomach may not be able to join. Participants will have the chance to contribute to understanding how these diets work and may experience improvements in their feeding tolerance and overall health.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 1-21 years
• • G-tube
• • Able to tolerate bolus gastric feeds over 30 minutes
• • Use of conventional enteral formula
• • Undergoing impedance study for clinical purposes
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • History of allergy or intolerance to any component of the test diets
• • History of Nissen fundoplication (participants with suspected or documented unwrapped fundoplication will be eligible for participation)
• • Current use of non-invasive pressure support (continuous or bi-level positive airway pressure)